hey i just ordered my MCS on 2/20/12, currently in the assembly phase with a projected completion date of 3/2/12.(can't wait..) i've been reading up on the common problems of the 2nd gen MCS' such as the timing chain, carbon cleaning, and water pump recall and was wondering if they fixed all or most of the common problems in the 2012 model. or are they something i have to deal with also?

 

MY 2011 was the major update for 2nd Gen MINI's. I think we can safely say the water pump recall and timing chain issue are most likely not issues you will need to worry about. Carbon cleaning is unknown. This is potentially an issue with any Direct Injection engine, MINI/BMW, VW/Audi and others. That said, many of us hope the updates, especially regarding the valve train, will improve this issue, but only time will tell. You have to remember that most 2011 models have less than 30K to 40K on their clocks by now, many much less than that, so it's really to early to know right now.

Congrats on your order. Waiting can be tough, but it's worth it.

 

There's been quite a few 2011 and 2012's with thermostat issues. Believe it's mostly due to the sensor but sounds like they change the whole thing out.
Causes stalling and possible overheat and non-start.

 

ive had a water pump and thermostat already haha.... oh well! hope all is good now! its a 2011 with 13 almost 14,000

 

The clutch, a VERY troublesome issue on earlier R56's, is now completely new (can't recall if as of '11 or '12), so HOPEFULLY it's a vast improvement over the time bomb in my car.

 

Congrat's on ordering the best car ever!!! I did have to have my water pump replaced at 1100 miles. Finger's crossed that my issues are all done.

 

Yes, I forgot to mention the clutch. Self adjusting in the 2011MY and beyond. A big improvement from what I can tell.

Now that someone mentions the thermostat and overheating issues, they do seem to be more common, although, my son's 09 MCCS has had his leaking thermostat replaced, so not sure it's a MY 11 and 12 issue, possibly just a continuing R56 issue.

 

The thermostat issue with the 11 and 12's is mostly due to the sensor if I'm not mistaken. Prior years the thermostats or housings leaked. That what I've taken from many posts.

 

thanks for the replies, if anything comes up taking it straight to the dealer under warranty. this is my first new car so i'm unsure, if it's under the warranty is it fixed for free or do we have to pay the deductible? and they do give you a free loaner right?

 

If my 2011 was any indication don't count on it. Mine had a lot of the same issues the previous years had.

 

Warranty means warranty there is no deductable. Well maybe in some third world countries but it should not be that way.

You will get the following

4year/50,000 mile Warranty. Covers major components but not wear items such as brakes, windshiled wipers, oil changes etc. or damage caused by you or someone else like in an accident etc.

3 year / 36,000 mile Maintenance Plan - covers some wear items such as brakes, windshield wipers, oil changes but not tires.

If you dont understand all of this make wure the dealer explains it ot you satisfaction "before" you take the car.

Not all dealers have loaner fleets. and even if they do they do not always have loaner cars when you might need one. It all depends on how the work is schedule. I.E. if you take it in on a scheduled visit that you called an made then most likely (if they have a loaner fleet) that you can get a car but you may have to wait a week or two for you appointment. but if your car breaks down and is towed in or cant wait to be repaired then it is likely that even if they have a loaner fleet they may not have a car for you as they will all be schedule out to other people.

 

^^^ I think we need to upgrade your site name to Mr. Mini. You are quite
knowledgable and I for one sure appreciate all your candid answers, suggestons, and help.