I wanted to start a thread where everyone list problems they have have had with their mini. Just want to get a consensus on the most common problems with these cars. Just read that the Mini is the worst reliable vehicle and came out 37th out of 37th in reliability.

My problem is:
Clutch failure on my 2009 MCS with 14k miles on it.

 

Coming up on 2 years, but only 10,000 miles. Zero problems.

 

Coming up on 3k miles, so it's very early in the game, but no problems so far. Not even a single squeak or rattle, the thing is vault-like, like a big Benz. I attribute that at least partially to the lack of sunroof, and lack of runflats within days of delivery.

 

The only problem I've found with my MINIs is putting too many miles on them. By far the most reliable cars I've ever owned in 41 years of driving. That includes a dozen Toyotas, a couple Chevys, a VW , A Ford and a Subaru. These are exceptional vehicles.

 

18000 miles on my Clubman. So far:

Passenger's side window dipper stopped dipping (fixed so far, but I have my doubts on this being permenant)
Ditto driver's side (still not working)
Club door wouldn't open (cable routing fixed)
Beltline trim and rubber on barn doors fell off (fixed)
Sunroof will not open (fixed twice, but still not working right now, but I'm waiting for warm weather to take it in again)
Noisy belt (that the dealer says is "normal")
Chrome trim falls off of key fob (new trim works for a while)

These aren't bad problems, but each one has been a different kind of annoying that I am not used to in a modern car.

 

2008 MCS 7020 miles
Cold start chatter, dealer will not fix yet because they could not duplicate noise.
Windows reprogramed because dipper function was not working and they were going up and down by themselves.

 

Intake manifold replaced because of ice getting in it.

 

At 11,200 miles the left front strut was replaced for a clunking sound. Other than that I agree with KevinC, the car is vault like, very solid, no flexing, and averaging 33 mpg!

 

Warranty work so far:

Cold start rattle (fixed 2/2010)
Water pump replaced (fixed 2/2010)
Clutch assembly replaced (fixed last year)
Wheel well liner replaced (fixed fall 2008)
Metallic "Cooper S" strips in door jambs replaced (fixed last year)
License plate bulbs replaced (fixed 2/2010)
TPMS sensors replaced (fixed 2008)

Guess I should feel lucky this was all covered under warranty

 

Source?

 

2009 MCS convertible with almost 8,000 trouble free miles except for a grommet on the convertible top.

 

Coolant pressure sensor last fall after a few hours at the Ring, funny thing was it happened on the way home. I lucked out though, the Dealer picked up the tab and filed it under warranty (German dealership+US Vehicle). But so far (23k mi) nothing else.

 

I, on the other hand, have had a lot of problems with my subscription to Consumer Reports and the J.D. Power Survey and am considering replacing both of them before my subscription runs out.

 

Squeaking clutch pedal - fixed with lube under warranty during regular maintenance visit
Rear latch not working in some situations - fixed under warranty during regular maintenance visit
Thermostat replaced - fixed under warranty
Heat exchanger and base replaced - fixed under warranty

Between the warranty, maintenance program, and dealer providing loaner, I have no complaints. Consider it a very reliable vehicle. Currently at 51,000 miles.

 

I have a 2008 Clubman.
Window dipping problems twice. New flash program. Hope it works fixed wty.
The clubdoor cable fixed under wty.
Nothing more that that since this was the first year of the Clubman you would expect some things.
It could be worse. We could have Toyota's
I worked for Toyota for 5 years in the 90's and never have those problems.
Never had so much fun owning a Mini.
Gary

 

2008 MCS, 24800 miles
Clutch assembly replaced (3rd to 2nd noise)
Passenger side window motor replaced
Secret compartment cover replaced

 

-Had the sunroof adjusted 5-6 times now, I forget.
-Thermostat replaced.
-Tachometer replaced.
-Secret compartment/CD changer door replaced.
-Wheel Arch replaced.

 

Purchased late 7/09, 10k HPFP replaced twice.

 

It was the J.D. Power Survey last year: http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/06/...uality-survey/
The funny thing was MINIUSA Jim McDowell's analogy of the bad rating to choosing a wife (video in the link).

 

Moonroof replaced due to it being shitty and rattling non stop. Otherwise solid like a tank.

 

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.

 

You make a good point. Initial quality can score low on a well designed car with spotty build quality. Poor design is the gift that keeps on giving while spotty build issues can be corrected. Most cars have a little of both and there is really no excusing MINI's scoring so low on IQS.

I don't expect Honda reliability and I am willing to overlook a fair number of problems as the MINI is such a fun ride. Hopefully MINI will take these ratings seriously along with Consumer Reports recent removal of some MINI's from their recommended list due to reliability.

 

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.

 

Wow, I would have gotten rid of that piece of sh*t long ago! No matter the make, some cars are just pieces of sh*t, can't get away from that. Will your next car be a Mini?

 

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.