I got my MINI in May of last year. Ever since then, I've had it in the shop five times for fuel pump issues. Here's a rundown of how things have gone.

First Trip to dealer - I noticed a squealing sound coming from the engine a couple of months after owning it. So I brought it in to the dealer. They couldn't find anything, and talked about bad gas or whatever. So I just blew it off, and gave it a shot.

Second Trip - Shortly after the first trip, I heard the sound again. This is only when idling and when the car is warm. So I explain this to them, and bring it in again. They tighten a belt. I forget which, sorry. And say that should fix it.

Third Trip - Shortly after, I hear it again. Based on what I had read on these forums it sounded like it was the fuel pump. So I mention this to them, and they have a look. They decide, it's the fuel pump. So they replace it. No issues.

Fourth Trip - Not a month after, the noise starts up again. Really?? So I bring it back, and one of the mechanics come for a ride, so I can show him what Im hearing. He determines it's the fuel pump again. So now, my SA says, I must have just gotten a faulty one. It's rare, but not impossible. So I can accept that. This was about a month ago.

Last week, I noticed the sound again! What the heck is going on with my car? I only go to top tier gas stations, and I always put in 93. I never let the gas run below a quarter. I don't drive aggressively. In 11 months I've put 22k miles on it. And I've had the car in the shop 5 times for the same issue, replacing the fuel pump twice.

The last time I went my SA said, if it happens again I will have to get my manager involved. Now, what I want to know is what kind of rights do I have taking it into the shop again for the same issue? I put a lot of miles on my car for work, and right now I don't trust that it's going to last past the warranty.

I've waited a long time to get this MINI, and I'm disappointed that these issues have taken away from the experience. I still love my car, but can't handle these constant issues with it.

 

I wonder if a faulty fuel filter is causing stress on the pump. It seems unusual. Pls. keep us posted as to the cause and solution.

 

I'd think they would have checked the fuel filter after the 2nd replacement though?

 

Video of the sound you speak off? Plus they have to run a defective code check to warranty the pump or at least that is what they did to me.

 

So, I misspoke when I said it was my fuel pump. It was actually my water pump. Sorry, me and cars don't go together so well beyond checking the oil (and that's questionable with these cars).

Anyway. This time they replaced the water pump and the friction wheel. The service mgr is going to be giving me a call to go over my options to decide what to do with the car. I haven't really decided what I want to do yet though. I've been wanting a mini for years, and had this one ordered to my liking. Would hate to give it up, but also can't continue to deal with the same issue.