Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).

List the problems you have had with your Mini.

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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 12:47 PM
  #26  
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Whoops. Mispost.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #27  
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All of this during the first 2000 miles:

> A/C made very loud whining/grinding noise from compressor -- dealer replaced compressor. Problem still exists.

> Car sometimes needs to be started twice, no matter what the outside temperature is. Can't replicate at dealer.

> Loud rattle from engine compartment: fixed by dealer (faultily installed turbo shield by MINI).

> Loud rattle from driver's side door: fixed by dealer

> Whooshing noise when turning. Very sporadic and can't replicate at dealer.

> Poorly mounted sunroof (uneven): fixed by dealer.

> Occasionally the turn signals go crazy slow, randomly. Dealer can't figure it out.


I'm not confident in the reliability of my MINI -- hopefully it will be less trouble free from now on than it has been in the first 2000 miles.
 

Last edited by Headlands; Apr 17, 2010 at 08:03 PM.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 02:21 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by oneway
2007 MCSa 40 000 kilometers (canada)


-Non functional nav system on delivery – dealer repaired
-Non funcional bluetooth on delivery – dealer repaired
-Non functional voice activation on delvery-delaer repaired
-Sunroof failed – dealer adjusted
-Windows quit sealing – adjusted
-Automatic headlamp function not working (always on) -not repaired
-Automatic rain sensor function out of adjustement -not repaired
-Intermittant function from passenger side speaker
-Sunroof failed again -dealer adjusted
-Sunroof failed again dealer replaced
-Complete electrical system failure – traced to short caused during sunroof repair
-Banging noise under hood (engine loose on mounts) -repaired
-Sunroof failed again - given up
-Hood scoop melted - replaced
-Air intake icing up – cleaned
-Air intake icing up -cleaned
-Air intake icing up - replaced parts
-Car picked up from service with warnings displaying increased emissions, reduced engine mode ABS failure and some other warning. told to just let it warm up “these little guys don't like winter”
- Electical failure caused by too many trips under ten km – it's a feature- read the manual
-Interior hatch panel detached from hatch -customer repaired -dealer could not “locate” it.
-Engine chatter when cold (ongoing)
-Engine reduced power mode on cold starts (15 minute warm up required)
-Engine stalling while driving (appointment with dealer requires a three week wait)
-Car almost kills me stalling in an intersection Mini/BMW says it's my problem and tells me to rent a car at my expense and wait the three weeks for service
- Car brought in for repair, dealer refused to provide a loaner and told me to rent a car at my expense again. I refused and told them they were breaking the law and lease agreement. They relented and paid for my rental but acted like it was a huge favor. Problems traced to a chain and pulley failure in the engine.
-Not to mention the squeaks and rattles that are so loud the stereo can't cover them up.


The car has spent more time in the shop than it has spent being driven. (assuming a 35km/h average speed). I have changed the oil twice, serviced the brakes and fluid so I have spent $1200 on normal maintenenance not counting rentals or the fact I used up four weeks vacation alotment running the car in for service. I can't devote any more time to fixing Mini's problems



I will need to buy new runflats and fix a door ding to return the car from lease, but I am counting the days until I'm rid of this pile of crap.


I have never been more disappointed in a car or a company.
This sure does make my minor problems seem petty! (added emphasis above mine)
 

Last edited by ran-o-matic; Mar 7, 2010 at 02:22 PM. Reason: Clarified that I edited the original post
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 05:58 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by oneway
Yeah, well, I leased it so BMW/Mini gets it back in seven months. I can transfer the lease to someone else but there are problems in Canadian law with doing lease transfers when it comes time to return them.

I am stuck with a defective vehicle since BMW/Mini does not stand behind their product in any meaningful way. I am writing a letter to the federal government outlining the life/safety issue (stalling while turning) and BMW/Mini response of telling me it's my problem and to rent a car at my expense until they had time to look at it.

Companies like BMW/Mini that put profit margins ahead of human life and safety should not be allowed to do business in my country.

No I won't be buying anything from these guys ever again. After stalling in an intersection with a truck barreling towards me I feel I have a responsibility to ensure other people are not similarly victimized.
I hope your voice is loud and reaches the heavens.

As much as I hate to say it, you have made me feel better about my own vehicle, although I'm not dumb enough, or enough of a fanboy to think that the quality of current BMW MINI Coopers is anywhere near acceptable.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 12:20 AM
  #30  
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I get engine chatter also. But I am really disappointed in the whole clutch issue. A clutch should not go out on a 09 Mini with 14k miles on it.

I never drove the car hard, where it should go out. Took it to dealer and they say if they sense any sign of abuse, it will be $4000!!!! out of my own pocket to fix it.

Before I took it to the dealer all I herd was a squealing noise engaging from first to second. After they told me $4000 to fix it if it's my fault, I told them, if anyone is gonna take it apart, it's gonna be someone reasonable and took the car back. On my way home it started making horrible noises. Drove right back and was told there was no oil in the engine! WTF!!!! They say they didn't even touch the car. Things are sounding fishy. Less then a mile away from the dealer, I smell horrible burn and pull over. Car's clutch totally gave out! How can a car that was working almost fine die within 1 mile! Now the car has been towed to another dealer and hope they are more realistic.

So far, this car has really dissapointed me. Those of you who got your clutch fixed what advice can you give me? I really feel unjust thinking that I would have to pay for such a thing. If I wanted problems I would of bought a Chrysler/Jeep product.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 05:35 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Big Jim Swade
Coming up on 2 years, but only 10,000 miles. Zero problems.
My problems didn't start until I had about 12k on the car. Cross your fingers.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 06:19 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by P1N HIGH
I get engine chatter also. But I am really disappointed in the whole clutch issue. A clutch should not go out on a 09 Mini with 14k miles on it.

I never drove the car hard, where it should go out. Took it to dealer and they say if they sense any sign of abuse, it will be $4000!!!! out of my own pocket to fix it.

Before I took it to the dealer all I herd was a squealing noise engaging from first to second. After they told me $4000 to fix it if it's my fault, I told them, if anyone is gonna take it apart, it's gonna be someone reasonable and took the car back. On my way home it started making horrible noises. Drove right back and was told there was no oil in the engine! WTF!!!! They say they didn't even touch the car. Things are sounding fishy. Less then a mile away from the dealer, I smell horrible burn and pull over. Car's clutch totally gave out! How can a car that was working almost fine die within 1 mile! Now the car has been towed to another dealer and hope they are more realistic.

So far, this car has really dissapointed me. Those of you who got your clutch fixed what advice can you give me? I really feel unjust thinking that I would have to pay for such a thing. If I wanted problems I would of bought a Chrysler/Jeep product.
I hear you. The shop foreman at the dealer told me that the clutch (specifically the flywheel) is and has been a huge problem for MINIs and that it has frustrated the hell out of him that it hasn't been addressed. He said that I should be very careful with it. Great. Totally inexcusable that they haven't fixed it after all the years the car has been available. If mine fails I'm going to get an aftermarket flywheel so it will actually last.

From what I've been reading, switching out a lot of the crappy parts that BMW uses with higher quality aftermarket parts can really help the car be more reliable -- unfortunately that affects the warranty and costs a lot of dough. Plus, this simply shouldn't have to be done...but it is what it is.

Tell that dealer to stuff up it their **** -- that's absurd what they're telling you.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 06:26 PM
  #33  
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Keep getting the following engine code and can't find out what it is. any help would be greatly appreciated.
2845:
VANOS, outlet: actuator move
Error will cause a warning light
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 06:54 PM
  #34  
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If you'd like your lists to get a bit more exposure, there's an ongoing opportunity to do so over at MotoringFile -- check out the March 8th (and currently the lead) article on 2nd Gen issues:

http://www.motoringfile.com/

Your beefs are more likely to get some attention over there than buried here in this NAM thread.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 05:28 AM
  #35  
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2007 MCS, 57000 miles, "cold start rattle" twice, otherwise trouble-free and the most fun car I've ever had.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 10:06 AM
  #36  
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Problems So Far..

Things have been pretty good besides high miles. I'm sitting at the dealership right now and the diagnosis is Oil Changed and brakes checked for routine. And a barn door gasket seal replacement per. recall? Also had a window dip issue on the driver side, when the window was lowered and raised it would come back down. Dealership said its not the first one they seen and the cars programming need the update. OK, no charge but takes 2hrs.

2009 Mellow Yellow Clubman is still on the Go...
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 10:34 AM
  #37  
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Just what NAM needs. Another thread to **** and moan about problems and bury people's great experiences with MINI. BMW knows about common issues with the vehicle but it's these stupid little complaints about small teeny tiny rattles and such that make the rating of the MINI go down the toilet.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 02:00 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by countryboyshane
Just what NAM needs. Another thread to **** and moan about problems and bury people's great experiences with MINI. BMW knows about common issues with the vehicle but it's these stupid little complaints about small teeny tiny rattles and such that make the rating of the MINI go down the toilet.
+1
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 02:02 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by countryboyshane
Just what NAM needs. Another thread to **** and moan about problems and bury people's great experiences with MINI. BMW knows about common issues with the vehicle but it's these stupid little complaints about small teeny tiny rattles and such that make the rating of the MINI go down the toilet.
I agree with you to some point. However, such little problems shouldn't exist to begin with. Hell, if Hyundai can build cars the way they do now, why can't a company ran by BMW, not be the same? Also to add, it's not like BMW doesn't know how to build cars. Can you imagine a rattling 7 series? But it seems like they don't take pride and care in everything they build. It is just unacceptable. They are cutting too many corners and I think it's starting to catch up to them. I hope everyone complains and lists the problems they have had, MINI/BMW needs to hear it, otherwise, they will just go on making unacceptable products on our hard earned dime.
 

Last edited by P1N HIGH; Mar 9, 2010 at 03:53 PM.
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 02:34 PM
  #40  
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It's funny because I never had interior rattles until I started buying new cars... My '91 240sx, '91 RX-7, '96 GTI, ect were all rattle free with the exception of a Civic Si I had for a week. Guess they just don't make 'em like they used to?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 02:45 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by countryboyshane
Just what NAM needs. Another thread to **** and moan about problems and bury people's great experiences with MINI. BMW knows about common issues with the vehicle but it's these stupid little complaints about small teeny tiny rattles and such that make the rating of the MINI go down the toilet.
You must have a zero issue car. Congratulations! I have a car with minor issues. Other have major issues.

I am very interested in seeing what problems other owners have experienced and I don't see how listing them on a web site changes the quality rating of MINI. Only MINI could do that - by building cars with poor quality control or with design flaws that cause premature failures or, contra-wise, by building high quality, well designed cars.

From a quality standpoint, I don't think it is too much to ask that all of the operable windows open AND close when I ask them to rather than when they decide to on their own. My car will be in the shop tomorrow so that they can try to fix the sunroof and the driver's window.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 04:57 PM
  #42  
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Also agree and disagree. Minor rattles? Yeah, not worth mentioning here. Cold start rattle, windows that don't work, failed HPFPs, carbon deposits fouling the intake valves due to an engine design with no recognized fix other than paying out of pocket/wasting your time every 5000 miles for a DIY or a visit to the shop? More than worthy for the "Stock Problems and Issues" forum.

You want happy stories, go to the 1st Gear or General forums. Really, even some of these posts here - I don't need to hear "oh I have no problems, just wanted to stop by and rub it in all of your faces!". GFY. And BTW, if you're posting legitimate gripes in this thread I don't think you really give a rat's a** what MINI's survey ratings are/image is, especially when you have a real car in your driveway with real issues.
 

Last edited by DrewN; Mar 9, 2010 at 05:04 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 12:18 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by minicooperwill
Well, if that is what the OP is referring to, it is about initial quality, not reliability. So if one were to experience something minor and have it taken care of (such as a rattling sunroof or a sliding armrest cover) it would add to the low IQS score, but does that really make it unreliable? Annoying, perhaps, but I certainly wouldn't say unreliable.
I believe Powers also dings cars that have controls that aren't "easy" to use. If you've been in a mini you can do the math.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:40 AM
  #44  
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The other day, I got behind some very slow and stupid drivers, and to my
chagrin, I noticed that my front laser canon was inoperative. I really needed
it about 5 times on the drive home from work to clear the road from the
above mentioned obstructions. I have a first generation MINI. Are the
laser canons more trouble free in the second gen. MINIs?
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 01:21 PM
  #45  
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Nope, the laser cannons on the 2nd gen don't work at all, they just rattle.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:34 PM
  #46  
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My 2007 MCS - delivery date 9/28/07
Manifold cleaned
Manifold cleaned
Manifold replaced
Window would not go down all the way -adjusted
valve stems broke while trying to get off metal MINI valve stem caps
replaced with another set of metal valve stem caps-same problem
replaces with new (as of last year) hard to get plastic MINI valve stem caps - same problem
replaced with original ugly bulky valve stem caps and advised not to use other MINI valve stem caps
faulty tire pressure monitor replaced
license plate light bulbs replaced
throttle body cleaned and resealed
alarm would randomly go off, computer software reloaded

These 5 most recent times starting on 01/08/10 and ending hopefully today - trying to solve why engine has rough starts and stalls

most bus faults purged from engine - data transmissions interupted
performed adaptation reset

high pressure fuel pump failed - replaced

carbon build up in engine and manifold - engine/spark plugs/manifold cleaned - told I was using bad gas

chain tensioner loose/noisy - replaced (improper fuel/air mix)

MINI AMM (who are they) said to use 91 octance gas - I have been using 93 for 2.5 years - 91 octane gas not available so dealer put 89 octane gas in car and was unable to replicate problem (not cold enough outside) so as of now, just like the past four times they gave me the car back, it is fixed...we shall see

and to clear it up - warrany is 4 years and 50,000 miles - maintanence is 3 year/36,000 miles

I have had a rental each time and they are nice...they just cant fix a car that has too many problems unless the computer tells them how to

25,450 with over 600 miles and 15 hours driving just to and from dealer (30 miles and 45 mins away)
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:45 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by Project Mangler
I believe Powers also dings cars that have controls that aren't "easy" to use. If you've been in a mini you can do the math.
That's one of the things that always strikes me as odd. Granted, some of the controls and placement of *****, etc in a MINI are different than most other cars, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to use them. And people that complain about "after a year I am still <whatever>" then what does that say more about, the car or the driver?

And I still think that people that have high expectations (people who buy MINIs) will complain about minor things a lot more often than people with lower expectations (like someone who buys a cheapo car).
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 08:38 PM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by minicooperwill
That's one of the things that always strikes me as odd. Granted, some of the controls and placement of *****, etc in a MINI are different than most other cars, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to use them. And people that complain about "after a year I am still <whatever>" then what does that say more about, the car or the driver?

And I still think that people that have high expectations (people who buy MINIs) will complain about minor things a lot more often than people with lower expectations (like someone who buys a cheapo car).
After driving my Mini a couple of days and then going back to my Jeep, I think my Jeep's controls are weird...
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 08:54 PM
  #49  
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i've had some issues. i'd have to pull out my service logs to correctly list but as for the mini being a benz like tank. i must have got the ugly duckling? mine is the noisiest car i've owned or family owned. several mb's, bmw's, vw's and a loan audi...we go through a lot of cars hah. but really my mini is awful in interior quality. i've kinda written it off as a cheaper car (in comparison) and mentioned it to the dealer when it's in but they seem to attempt to do a fix but it never seems to get it right. none the less, the mini's what it is, and i love, the whole family does! so i just take it as a double edge sword, front wheel drive, squeeks and rattles v. GREAT fun & economical..i'm happy (but could be happier if i had a vault like mini!)
 
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 09:38 PM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by oneway
2007 MCSa 40 000 kilometers (canada)


-Non functional nav system on delivery – dealer repaired
-Non funcional bluetooth on delivery – dealer repaired
-Non functional voice activation on delvery-delaer repaired
-Sunroof failed – dealer adjusted
-Windows quit sealing – adjusted
-Automatic headlamp function not working (always on) -not repaired
-Automatic rain sensor function out of adjustement -not repaired
-Intermittant function from passenger side speaker
-Sunroof failed again -dealer adjusted
-Sunroof failed again dealer replaced
-Complete electrical system failure – traced to short caused during sunroof repair
-Banging noise under hood (engine loose on mounts) -repaired
-Sunroof failed again - given up
-Hood scoop melted - replaced
-Air intake icing up – cleaned
-Air intake icing up -cleaned
-Air intake icing up - replaced parts
-Car picked up from service with warnings displaying increased emissions, reduced engine mode ABS failure and some other warning. told to just let it warm up “these little guys don't like winter”
- Electical failure caused by too many trips under ten km – it's a feature- read the manual
-Interior hatch panel detached from hatch -customer repaired -dealer could not “locate” it.
-Engine chatter when cold (ongoing)
-Engine reduced power mode on cold starts (15 minute warm up required)
-Engine stalling while driving (appointment with dealer requires a three week wait)
-Car almost kills me stalling in an intersection Mini/BMW says it's my problem and tells me to rent a car at my expense and wait the three weeks for service
- Car brought in for repair, dealer refused to provide a loaner and told me to rent a car at my expense again. I refused and told them they were breaking the law and lease agreement. They relented and paid for my rental but acted like it was a huge favor. Problems traced to a chain and pulley failure in the engine.
-Not to mention the squeaks and rattles that are so loud the stereo can't cover them up.


The car has spent more time in the shop than it has spent being driven. (assuming a 35km/h average speed). I have changed the oil twice, serviced the brakes and fluid so I have spent $1200 on normal maintenenance not counting rentals or the fact I used up four weeks vacation alotment running the car in for service. I can't devote any more time to fixing Mini's problems



I will need to buy new runflats and fix a door ding to return the car from lease, but I am counting the days until I'm rid of this pile of crap.


I have never been more disappointed in a car or a company.

Holy crap man!! I haven't had that many problems from all my cars combined. Hope the next one treats you better.
 
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