So my 2008 MCSm has 5000 miles and I am very unhappy with the car so far.
My dismay started with numerous squeeks and rattles eminating from everywhere. I have also found several bits of plastic that are not secured at all (dome light cover and all of the child safety latch covers to name five). Now the car is throwing up CEL's up everymorning (I think one is the high pressure fuel pump, the other is some cruise control malfunction?). I am taking it to the dealer hoping that this is not foreshadowing the future reliability of this car. Just needed to vent.

 

With that many things going haywire, I'd be worried, too. I've never had any problem getting issues sorted under warranty ('03 and '07), but I know some folks have. I hope the MINI warranty serves you well as you sort our each and every little item until your car is perfect.

 

Dunno, man. If a new car is a problem car (like my R53 was) and not worth keeping you will know in the first 25K miles. Sorry to hear about yr problems, but I think a squeek- and rattle-less MINI might be a rarity. The key: if those squeeks and rattles eminate on glossy-smooth road surfaces, then yes U have a problem, and let them get worse so's the dealer can reproduce the sounds and try to fix them. good luck

 

We have an 08 MCa now and previously an 04 MCa. We have had a few issues that our dealer promptly and cheerfully fixed.

Considering an 09 Clubman currently which is an indication of our satisfaction.

 

I just fixed my one and only rattle (really it was a tinkling). A couple shots of white lithium grease into the passenger side rear seat latch and bingo... just turned 5000 miles and still no issues.

 

Well I had the car at the dealer for 3 days and there were two codes. That is the good news; the bad is that they were unable to find any problem
So this morning the car is misfiring and running very foul (in limp mode). After about 15min. of idling and restarting 5 times it starts running fine. This car is costing me work time and patience with people (bumming rides).

Well the wife works at Porsche corporate headquarters and we good some really good deals maybe its time for a cayman.

 

My '07 is at the dealer again for the 3rd time for two safety related problems; the rear hatch opens at will (usually after a rain) and the passenger airbag deactivates intermittently while an adult-sized passenger is seated.
From my experience, dealerships are good at mundane repairs and piecemeal part swap-outs. Trouble-shooting is an art, time consuming, and not profitable while under warranty. The best techs go into private practice and aren't usually found at the dealership level.

 

Edit - I have no idea how this got posted here . It was meant for another thread. My bad!?

 

Squeeks and rattles on some roads are just pretty hard to avoid. Curious, what kinda roads to you mostly drive on and how would you describe your driving style? I tend to agree with Arnbut in that diagnosing problems in any car is an art and skill far beyond many mechanics today. There are good ones out there, but you really need to be on top of the situation yourself and have a good working knowledge of your car - any car not just MINIs. Sorry for the rant. What kinda gas have you been using? The fouling sounds bad, did you look at the plugs?

 

Keep taking it back. They'll fix it or you'll qualify for lemon status, but either way it gets resolved. My (since-gone) 1st gen mini had a recurring problem, and I learned that if it wasn't fixed I'd turn right around & take it back to the dealer. They got the message that I was serious. G'luck!

 

stay on there butts!

 

What rims/tires do you run? That seriously effects ride quality and the amount of punishment (ergo squeeks/rattles) you experience. I disliked the 17's on my prior MCS'. Not enough resiliency for harsh roads in a stiffly sprung car.

 

I think I'm having the same issues with my 08. Its only been on the road for a week though. I've noticed the rear hatch open twice now, and thinking that I must've not shut it properly - but now that you mention the issue, I think you're onto something. I've also seen the airbag deactivated light come on once or twice. How is your repair process coming?

 

After the 5th attempt at fixing the problems, MINI-USA has declared that it may have a problem but it is unsafe for technicians to properly diagnose because it requires road-testing ---- and the car is equipped with, get this, aftermarket wheels and suspension.
They require that I return the vehicle to bone stock before they will continue to try and remedy the problem.

Let all MINI owners be aware of this tactic by MINI-USA to avoid responsibility for defective cars. My car had both of its safety problems when the car was brand new. Just like ElNino, the first few times my boot was open I thought that I hadn't shut it properly. But when that boot opens as you're driving (3 times so far), you figure out what's going on.
And the passenger airbag light illuminating while driving? Caused by an aftermarket anti-swaybar?
C'mon MINI; get real.

This is the symptom of a company that realizes they have problems and is digging a trench to hide in.

 

i have both 07 cayman s and 09 cooper s--i like the cayman more but i drive the cooper s more often--no problems with either so far

 

I feel for you. But, you need to at least consider returning it to stock. Which would cost you more; returning it to stock and have it fall under the lemon law or take the loss of selling it "as is" to a private party? The second option is not a good one either as you know the car has problems and are knowingly selling them to someone else. Or you would have to trade it in and accept that loss. Decisions-decisions.

 

I'm not sure whom your message replies to? My car is completely stock.

My biggest problem in getting a cayman is that my wife would want at least 60% of driving time I would have to drive a minivan the other part of the time.

 

Wife wants to keep the lemon; she still believes that MINI will eventually come up with a fix for the two nags and life will be wonderful.
I'm going to wash my hands of it and let her establish a new relationship with Minis of South Atlanta. They're not affiliated with the Sonic Auto Group like Global Imports ---- I'm hoping that they have more integrity.