Hi everyone!

I just purchased a 2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman 6-speed manual from Carmax with about 40K miles on it. I'm a first-time MINI owner, and I'm really enjoying the car. I got to participate in the national MINI dealer training event here in Las Vegas as a "program test subject" - we got to drive the new Clubmans at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway through some obstacle courses, etc. And, of course, I've wanted one ever since!!

Carmax offer a 30 day warranty on cars purchased from them. I've already had them address a loose clutch pedal hinge (which was causing a clicking when the clutch was pressed), a parking brake handle end cap which had fallen off, and replacing brake sensors that were apparently not replaced at the last brake service causing an indication that I needed new brakes.

Is there anything else I can/should do to make sure there aren't any lurking problems that I could have addressed now under warranty?

Thanks!!

 

Fellow 2009 MCCS owner here, hope you enjoy the car! I haven't had any problems with mine, so nothing specific to suggest. I have only changed the oil and put new tires on mine, so it's been pretty low-drama. They have had a recall or two, you could check with your dealer to make sure your car has had the service recalls resolved.

Your local MINI dealer can give you the service history of the car, at least the service that was done at MINI.

I have the stock stereo setup, but I did replace the speakers. That's it for me in the way of mods. I did go for non-runflat tires when I bought new ones. The Clubman has a wheel well for the spare. The spare only fits on the back (front brake calipers are larger and the spare will bind against them), but I wasn't a big fan of the RFTs and was happy to see them go. You may or may not have a spare, but they are available for about $150 should you decide to purchase one.

It's a blast to drive and can haul a surprising amount of stuff in the back.

Have fun, be safe!

 

Make sure your MINI has gone through the Aux Water Pump Recall. If you have a MINI dealer nearby you can probably run the VIN by them, or if not call 866-ASK-MINI and see if they can help.

Also check to see if your VIN is covered by the extended warranty on the HPFP, which is 10 years/120,000 mi. Same as above in terms of verifying. You may not currently have an issue , but you might as well check now to give you some peace of mind.

09 S models also potentially have cold start issues related to the timing chain and tensioner. Take a look at the Cold Start Issues threads in the Stock Problems/Issues forum for examples of symptoms, fixes, etc. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask if your MINI dealer can take a look at it, even if it's not exhibiting any symptoms now.

There are also some other concerns being brought up for some of the older 2nd gen models regarding turbo feed lines getting clogged with oil. Regular oil changes is good preventative maintenance, but since you might not know of the car's past history it might be a good idea to get them looked at before your warranty expires. There is also mention of a missing turbo heat shield that is also supposed to help. Check this thread and this thread.

HTH and congratulations on your new Clubbie

 

Thanks for the informative responses. I will see if MINI have the service records. Sounds like I could learn a lot from that.

 

Congratulations!
I love my 09 Clubman S.
In addition to the good advice already offered, here are a couple of threads that I have found useful.
Gen 2 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) Database

Find out all the options your car has!!

Hope this helps.

Have fun motoring!

 

How would I know if I had a missing heat shield? I'm not sure where to look.

I was able to determine that the water pump recall was performed, and I do have the extended warranty on HPFP.

MINI are giving me the runaround trying to get the service records. The 866 number told me to contact the original selling dealership. They gave me their phone number, but when I phoned, they said they can't give me the service records. Any other way I can go about this?

Cheers.

 

Congrats on you Clubman S - I got my 2009 CPO with about 41K as well. Brought back to the dealer after I heard the death rattle twice. They replaced the timing belt, retentioner, etc. now it is quiet.

Love the Hot Chocolate Clubman every time I see one on the road. Not too many Clubman around here though.

 

Re: the heat shield, check realoem.com and search for part # 11-65-7-603-484, there should be a diagram there.

@dozuki, well you might be able to catch one other Clubman around . I work near Princeton.

 

@DrewN - Awesome I will look out for your MCCS - I come down route 1 and around the university. Will wave when I see you.

Still looking around to do the stripes because I think people don't wave back when my Clubman don't have stripe. LOL.

 

I don't have stripes and get waves all the time.

 

Make sure you get the oil changed more often than recommended by MINI. I bought my 2009 Clubman (non S) brand new and my first oil change wasn't until about 17,000 miles (that's when the car indicated that it was time to be serviced). I found a local mechanic shop that specializes in BMW and MINI and the owner recommended that the oil be changed at least every 5-7,000 miles, especially if you want the car to last a long time. Think about it, what car can go 15,000 to 20,000 miles in between oil changes, even with synthetic oil? - My guess is none. If you want the engine to last, change the oil regularly. The shop I take my car to only charges about $60 for an oil change and it's worth every penny

Find a reputable BMW/MINI Service Shop in your area and get to know them well. Also, check the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. They are inexpensive items that you should replace often (at least once a year). I bought a K&N Air Filter for about $45 and it has a 1,000,000 mile warranty. I am doing all the preventive maintenance that I can to make this car last, because I love it!

 

Thanks. I looked at the diagram. Unfortunately, I'm ignorant and do not understand what I'm looking at. LOL. Can anyone provide a photo or something of what to look for under the bonnet, if I can even see it without taking apart my car?

 

Yeah, the exploded parts diagram on RealOEM really doesn't give you a good idea where it goes when installed. Way Motor Works offers it for sale, and shows a photo of it installed. It goes right on top of the rear oil line fitting at the turbo, and apparently just snaps into place. Most older vehicles will almost certainly be missing it. But if your Clubbie is still under warranty, your dealer might provide the part for free; mine did. It's worth asking...