I just came back for a 15000 mile service on a 2011 Clubman S.

The car is running great. No problems that I noted.

After the service, there were three factory service repairs:
1.) Coolant temp. sensory factory recall
2.) Timing chain tensioner. Oil found seeping around the timing chain. Repair.
3.) Engine oil leak. Oil pump solenoid leakiing oil. New wire harness and repair.

I have owned many cars. I have never had a car require three engine repairs, two for oil leaks, at 15000.

My question is,"what is the longevity of this engine" Should I plan to trade this car after 3-5 years? This type of repair with two engine oil leaks gives me great foreboding.

Thanks for advice.

 

There's been several owners already passing the 100K mile marker with little to no trouble with routine maintenance.
The timing tensioner and the coolant temperature sensor are common faults, but have addressed by MINI and are known TSB's.

Your call - in 3 to 5 years, are you still enjoying ownership?
Again, the powertrain will last assuming you properly care for it.
Abuse and neglect is where the problems arise when owning any vehicle.

I think you are feeling like the "only-one" that's had this happen...
On the contrary, there's been many owners, including myself that have had the timing chain assembly replaced under warranty.

If you're truly freaked out, don't second guess yourself and feel free to obtain a different vehicle.

- Erik

 

Sell sell sell....

 

My car had the oil pump solenoid leak as well. The t-stat housing is a service campaign where they replace it with an updated part when the car comes in so as to prevent future problems.

So far, your experience does not sound unreasonable.

 

With all manufacturers, there come issues. In my experience, well maintained vehicles speak for themselves. Ask yourself some questions
~Did these repairs come under warranty?
~Did these repairs damage or impair your ability to drive or were they pointed out and repaired?
~How does MINI take care of you? Does your dealer give you loaners, courtesy shuttles, etc.

In my experience with owning
Subaru- bought used, with 12k miles, took immediately to dealer, spent the good part of a day sleeping at Best Buy across the street while they took care of all warranty related work. Sold it 55k miles later, no further issues. Subaru was always willing to wash my car when I took it in for routine maintenance, parts purchases, and often fun events.

Chevrolet- S10 was in shop for 2 failed motors, 2 failed driveshafts, broken turn signal lever, 3 radiators, constantly in need of alignment. I kept it stock aside for Silverstar bulbs and K&N drop in filter. Dealer treated me like I was a plague until warranty ended then it turned worse.

MINI- 5k miles so far, great service, my MA emails me regularly asking if I'm happy with my purchase, telling me of local events, and making me feel like family.

These are all things to consider. Friends had MINIs and no issues, I'd say keep it until it becomes a money pit or the passion is gone

 

"What is the longevity of this engine?"

Well.... it'll last as good as you treat it

All cars have problems. If you like your MINI, keep enjoying it. If you don't, get rid of it.

 

Just make sure you monitor the oil level and it should be good to go. All cars will need repairs at some point. Parts wear out, things happen.
My 2007 has 76k and i've had a few repairs of parts wearing out and i still love the car. Going to take a lot for me to justify dropping $35k+ on a newer vehicle if something breaks.

 

While I agree that all cars have problems, I tend to side that MINIs have more problems than most, particularly the S models. I've got 55k miles on my 07 Cooper S so far and there has been the timing chain tensioner recall, the oil feed line leak, sunroof not opening when its hot outside, warping of the hood scoop, trunk lid mechanism, and radio display pixelating problem. Not to mention there is no oil pressure gauge, no temp gauge, trunk release button from the driver's seat while the car is running. None the less I still love my car and the fun factor for me at least edges over these factors. None the less the smart consumer should consider these things.

 

Since you are advising the OP to sell,sell, sell I would have to surmise that you aren't happy with "Li'l Red the Dread Pirate". I'll give you $10,000 cash for him.

 

I've owned my 06 S now for a year. The only "repair" that I had to make was to replace the crank pulley. I have read that, that has been a problem on these. I am also tracking down a P0456 code. I just replaced the fuel tank vent solenoid under the hood and waiting to see if that cures it. I performed a smoke test and could not see any leaks.

Overall, I love the car. My only complaint is that parts cost you a second mortage!!