I have an MCS Convertible 2005, her name is Stella, less than 35,000 miles.

Here is a list of the repairs that have been made thus far:
-replace bipass valve
-replace power steering fan
-replace blower motor (twice)
-replace toggle switch
-reset flat tire monitor
-replace housing w/gasket
-replace thermostat & gasket
-replace AC compressor, both O rings
-replace valve cover gasket
-replace both lower control arm bushings
-replace upper motor mount
-replace dryer & expansion valve w/gasket set
-replace condencer w/seals
-replace body control module
-replace ignition switch

I bought the extended warantee (thank goodness) and it took effect in June of this year. So far, under the extended warantee, Stella has been in the shop twice, had almost $3k worth of work done. I've paid $200 in deductible towards that cost and been w/out my car for 5 weeks.

I'm starting to think I have a real problem car, I just don't know what to do about it. I started looking into buying another car because I'm fed up, but there isn't another car on the market that I like more than my MINI.

Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

That's a lot of stuff. A LOT. Most are relatively common issues - but unusual to see them all hit on one car....

The good news is that you have now replaced most of the problematic stuff...

 

It looks like a-lot of the non standard mataince stuff is all a/c related....spending 1500-2000$ on an a/c problem is not uncommon if the compressor fails and contaminates the system. Many of the parts/items you list are simply parts needed to do certain jobs...o-rings and dryers are done when you swap out a compressor....if they did not...they are not doing their job!
While you have replaced a-lot, most of the items done are pretty typical over a 5 year period since new, so it sounds like the previous owner might have been ignoring a-lot of issues (or perhaps the dealer is trying to get you your moneys worth!) . Money wise, it sounds like you and your warrenty company is getting a pretty good deal.
The fact you have been without your car for 5 weeks is the part I would be concerned with.....is the warrenty company fighting? Or perhaps you have a dealer that does not stock parts?! That does not look like 5 weeks worth of stuff, most of the stuff is at wost half day items, or maybe overnight stuff. Some like the flat tire monitor....common, RTM.
Sounds to me like you have now worked the bugs out!! Go motor!!

 

Thanks for the comments. I am the orignial owner and have done all routine maintenance. It's been garaged and pampered since day one! I don't know why it takes so long to get it fixed. Of course the dealer blames the warranty company for dragging their heels on authorizing payments, etc., but who knows.
I've been thinking about getting a Clubman and I just am not trusting the MINI label right now. It seems like a lot of problems for a car with less than 35k miles. I will definitely get rid of it before the extended warranty is out.

 

Definitely a lot of stuff in 35K miles. I suspect you've got a somewhat incompetent dealer who is guessing at problems and/or having to fix things several times to get it right.

As to being a lemon, hard to say. I think if we had the data, it would show that failures are more or less random, so there isn't a whole lot of reason to think a car that has had higher than average problems, is going to be more problematic in the future. But if don't have confidence in the vehicle, I'd get another.

I've got a 35K 2004 which has had a bad window lift and a power steering leak. A few other minor glitches that seem to come/go, but otherwise that's about it other than routine maintenance (oil changes, brake pads, fluids, wiper blades, filters, etc.).

All this being said, if reliability is extremely important to you, I wouldn't own a Mini. Most folks do Okay, but you can do better with a Mazda, Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. If I were buying a car today, it would probably be a GTI or MazdaSpeed 3.

- Mark

 

Yikes. That's tough to hear, Mark, but probably something I know anyway. I just love my car so much. So far it has only left me stranded for about 30 seconds in an intersection, once. I'm mostly annoyed that I paid A LOT of money (in my opinion) for a car that spends too much time in the shop. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if I should be contacting the manager at the dealership or if I'm just expecting too much.

 

what? no clutch, dmf, or steering rack replacement?

No dash rebuilds due to rattles so loud you have to turn up the stereo and roll yr windows down??

You gotta great car, man. hang onto her!

 

Yeah, get a second gen MINI. My 2005 was a rotten piece of junk, fun to drive, but evil and rotten to the core...

got an 09, and lovin life with a hassle-free car.

 

Just for comparison, I bought my '06 MCSc (28k) eight months ago and the following items were serviced under warranty...

- Passenger side motor mount (Mini still has no improved design)
- Thermostat replaced
- Front brake pads & rotors replaced / fluid flushed
- Trunk light switch replaced
- Driver's door light bulb

There are 2 items I'd like Mini to do before warranty expires:

- Replace transmission fluid to get rid of the whining noise (base on internal Service Bulletin)
- Replace air bag / horn cover due to dented Mini logo

There should be no problem with the trans fluid but Mini is holding its position on the dented Mini logo on the air bag cover, claiming it was caused by "user error". They couldn't tell me how else to use the horn but to hit dead center and the User Manual didn't indicate otherwise.

So far I'm not impressed by Mini. They talk professionally but are resistant to service on some items which in my mind are design flaws or defects... ie the Mini logo, no way to check oil level on the Supercharger, no warning light/error code for power steering fan failure, no warning light/error code for low speed radiator fan failure, mushrooming strut towers, stupid belt tensioner design and other issues affecting a large number of owners - CVT failures, overheating issues.

While denying service, Mini's marketing department keeps sending me offers on their '09 and '10 models.

My other car is a '01 VW New Beetle with 165k and all warranties have expired ages ago. But recently VW sent a letter notifying me that they're extending warranty on the coil packs even though those on my car were replaced under warranty 5-6 years ago. Owners are advised to bring in their cars in for inspection. The VW is $8-10 grand less.

I will see how reliable my Mini is in the next couple of year. I'd would definitely dump mine if it has as much trouble as yours.

Good luck to you...

 

I've been thinking about getting a 2nd gen MINI as was suggested here. The service advisor at the dealership said the same thing, they're much more reliable...but of course he's going to say that. But then again, are they really that much more reliable or are they just newer and don't have the problems yet? Sometimes I think I'm insane to even think about buying another one for the sole reason that the one I currently own is having so many problems.

 

Sorry to hear of your MINI woes, MiniTude. I think your case is not that common; I would hang on to your MINI since all of hte parts you had issue with are now replaced. Your case is really rare for an '05; MINI had most of the bugs worked out in the '05, and especially in the '06.

I run the MINI club in Middle Georgia, we have 40 members and none of them have had as many issues as you have...mostly onsey-twosy problems will crop up. I had the infamous thermostat housing leak, passenger side motor mount leak, and the chewbaca clutch sound that were all repaired under the original warranty. I have had no problems (knocks on wood) since with the exception of dirty wheel sensors throwing off false errors.

I have driven both first and second generation MINIs. I am disappointed that they "tamed" the ride and feel in the second generation MINI; MINI did a great job with the first generation MINI in producing a car that, despite all of the electrical wizardry, still makes you feel like part of the car and allows you to still feel the road. It just seems that was lost in the second generation MINIs; I know, there is the "sport button", but the first generation MINIs had the "sport" feel because it was how the car was made.

MINI is trying to include potential buyers who want a smoother ride, I know that, and I know they need to broaden their customer base to stay competative. But the first generation MINI was a niche-type vehicle, that was what made it special and so endearing to those who own one.

Having had been an MG owner for 13 years (MGB and Midget), I appreciate the way MINI mastered the ability to give me an "unrefined" feel without making the MINI feel cheap. When I say "unrefined" I am not implying that the MINI is not an advanced state-of-the-art vehicle, it is. I'm just merely saying they successfully captured the feel of the early English autos-to include the classic Mini.

I also feel (and this is merely my personal opinion) that MINI did a great job of capturing the essence of the classic Mini in it's design of the first generation MINI; both externally and internally. Many of the subtle nuances were lost in the second generation MINI. Again, this is my personal opinion and in no way meant to be a slam on the second generation MINIs. They are a great car as well in their own right. But I think MINI hit it right on in design appearances with the first generation MINIs. With 55,430 miles on Cassie, she's doing great and has been the best car I have ever owned; and that says a lot for a person who has owned 27 different vehicles covering American (Chevy, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ford), German, English, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers.

Ultimately the decision is yours as to move to a second generation MINI or not. Definitely test drive one thoroughly before making the move, but keep in mind, second generation MINIs are not without their issues; go to the second generation MINI forum and read their posts. We have several in our club and the issues range from deforming scoops (due to turbo heat), to malfunctioning windows and sunroofs.

Remember, no manufacturer makes a perfect car. Yeah, Honda and Nissan make really great reliable cars, but none have the personality or draw the attention in a crowd the way a MINI does.

I wish you the best in your desision.

Cheers-

 

To follow-up, I now do my own maintenance on my MINI. As I have done with all of my previous vehicles, I am a stickler for routine and preventive maintenance. As a result I have done the following on my MINI:

-Chaged the oil and filter every 7500 miles (I use AmsOil)
-Flushed my brake/clutch fluid every 18 months
-Changed/service all air filters
--I use a K&N Cold Air Intake (Clean every 6 months)
--Change the cabin air filter every 12 months (I found a supplier of the activated carbon filters for $9.00; identical to the OEM)
-Replaced the brake pads and rotors
-Clean the wheel sensors
-etc, etc, etc

I also have the tires rotated and balanced regularly

I will be changing the serpantine belt soon and also the spark plugs as part of a prventative maintenance plan. I keep a spare clutch slave cylinder on hand as well as a themostat housing and thermostat because being plastic, I know they have limitations and are a weak point. I have recently read a post on converting to a iron slave cylinder and I hope an aluminum thermostat housing is in the works (or I may end up casting my own eventually).

As with any car worth driving, there is maintenance that needs to be done. Buying a car and expecting nothing to go wrong or require repair or servicing is unrealistic. I would recommend buying the Bentley Manual for 2002-2006 (also will cover cabrios up to 2008) MINIs as well as get a good OBD II code reader, or do what I did, get a good OBD II code reading program and buy a netbook to run it on your MINI.

Just don't drive, drive, drive and expect nothing to go wrong; be proactive in maintaining your vehicle. This doesn't apply to just MINIs, but any vehicle you own; it's just good sense and will save you a lot of headache later.

 

+1 For the LAWMANN!! You said it all, and very nicely!!

 

Thanks ZippyNH, I just hate to think that someone out there feels that these are poorly made vehicles, they are not by a long shot.

In a world where all of the major manufacturers are are producing cookie-cutter cars, and it is hard to tell a Chevy from a Nissan at a distance, the MINI is a breath of fresh air. I really love the styling and handling of my MINI, and I believe the MINI's handling rivals that of a 'Vette in cornering and agility (I know I will likely hear groans from someone who is also in the 'vette community). But that is my take on it.

 

All Minis have a lemony scent...

 

That is why you add a pulley and make it sweeter....lemonade!!

 

My '05 has been utterly reliable.
One free power-steering fan....nh winter+salt killed it, then when the free one showed wear, I swapped it out, and added the ps duct kit.
I also got a engine mount, and wiper blades!!
Am I listing the new bolt used in installing the mount or the 4 screws used to put in the fan? No. Some people just needed to vent.
I do feel sorry for CVT owners, but the cvt, even when it was introduced was considered to be too risky by most car makers....5 minutes on the Internet doing research should have scared most buyers away!! Sorry folks, but going back to the suberu justy with the cvt, even that car was almost too heavy for the transmission. It is only in the last 1 or two years with huge investments from the big carcompanys that cvt's have been redesgined with new materials to make them as reliable as consumers expect.

I would just like to remind people reliabilty is, in part, a reflection of the driver. How often does a good dealer do work on a perfectly good item, just to make a complainer happy. I'm not saying that saying that all lemon owners are complainers, but how often do we see threads of people complaining about simple wear items after 80,000 miles, saying this sucks, etc. Cars do wear out, and no car, except one parked in a museum will ever be perfect once it has a few miles on it. MINI's are a higher performance car, and as such, has some higher dollar repair bills. Remember, the Modern MINI is not an ecenomy car....it may be small, but it is not cheap!! It takes some skill, some special tools, and sometimes some $$$$ to allow us to enjoy the wonderful experence that driving a MINI is.

 

Cute. Mine smells like a fine well tuned machine! Not sure why you think they have a lemony scent...maybe it is just yours. Could it be it's the cheesey "happy lemon" deordorizor you have hanging from your rear view mirror?

 

Okay, but the term "lemon" and the phrase "poorly made" has to do with reliability, not whether a car is not a "cookie-cutter", or is a "breath of fresh air", or has sublime styling, or handles well. It's a credit to the underlying goodness of the Mini as a driver's car that so many have bad reliabilty experiences, but still love their cars. In contrast to those who think Mini owners are whiners and complain about their cars unduly, I believe the opposite is true - Mini owners on average cut their cars a lot of slack, moreso than most brands.

The only good data we have is that Mini's are average reliablity on the good years, much worse than average on the bad years. Not a stellar record by any stretch.

- Mark

 

Mark,

Not sure where you were going with this, I wasn't trying to draw a comparison between lemons and poorly-made vehicles to the cookie-cutter cars that most (not all) car manufacturers are making. I was merely pointing out that in one post how MINI hit the design spot on and for the most part MINIs are a really reliable vehicle.

In a different post I was merely pointing out how bland most cars are and how they all look somewhat alike; that has nothing to do with lemons or reliability but how unique the MINI is in its styling.

Just wanted to set the record staight.

Cheers-

 

I too have a 2004 MCS JCW that brings the word lemon to mind instantly after hearing the shopping list of repairs she has gone thru.

I ordered "Blossom" patiently lived through the Hooplah of VIN watching across the Atlantic. She is a thrill to drive, but I'm hearing BB King's song playing louder an louder now adays. as in the Thrill is Gone.

My problems are computer. I have a list of MAO sensor replacements without solutions. She stumbles especially hard when its wet. Driving in the rain is not possible, a damp road with cause her to go into limp in short order, so bad that thank fully I live in the West, and don't drive her after October, She's be garaged every day of our life together except for trips.
She has not, been reliable since mile 7K. In and out of MINI service bay religiously every 1200 miles. Most I've ever gotten to drive is 3K. Total miles on car 23395. She has been a JCW since mile 6.
Her car fax is so long, how can I even sell her? Sure as heck don't trust another MINI or BMW for that fact.
Fun to drive, handles well, so much fun. VS Premium fuel, day off work to pick up, nearest MINI dealer 65 miles away, not reliable, can't depend upon her to run,
whats a once proud Mother to do?

 

Blimey I think the good news is they have replaced the entire car....

 

I'm wondering if the problems have anything to do with the JCW install. Was the JCW kit installed at the dealer?

Funny you say that the issues are present when it rains, sounds like a short. I'm wondering if the harness is shorting out somewhere when it is wet.

 

I have heard of many MINI's getting wiring harness replaced.....under warranty. Since this is a DOCUMENTED problem predating the warranty's experation, I would check with the dealer.....it should still be covered!!

 

I got a MCS 05 since last year and I got a lot a problem too..A LOT !

I replaced :

- The engine fan
- The power steering fan
- The power steering pump
- O2 sensor
- S/C hose
- Handbrake cable (both)

And I still have to do :

- bypass valve
- rear rotor brake
- front bearings
- Steering angle

Thanks god I did some work by myself !

It cost me over 5K in the last year in pieces and time (no warranty because its an american VGA)

I can say I have a lemon and I can say that my next car would probably be a GTI ( but I'll keep the Mini in my garage to had some fun with it because a Mini...is a Mini ! a GTI....is a car !)