I have owned my car (04 mcs) since 77k, now it has 115k.

Mods: nvidia exhaust

Alta 15% pulley
Msd ignition
Alta intake.



The purpose of this post is, I want to compare my problem list over the last two years to see where I sit in terms of problems.


Ecu software reload at 78k

Valve cover gasket at 82k

Oil pan gasket at 82k 92k 113k

Steering input shaft at 100k

Window regulator @ 80k

Lca bushings at 100k

Drivers seat lift assembly ( seat got stuck in the highest position) @113k

Interior door latch cable I believe to be stretched out ( I can open the door from outside fine, not inside, and it does not lift the lock on the first pull). Today at 115k


Is this abnormal, average?

I once upon a time, was upset at my miata because it needed a clutch slave cylinder @ 160k. That's it for being "down" everything just always seemed to work. I understand its not fair to compare the two, but I feel that once a month I have an oddball issue with this cooper. So, what do yours guys have for a list?

 

tweiss8,

We've an '06 MC that we've had since 7.5k miles and it now has 65k (after six years). Have changed one of two LCA's under warranty; twice replaced cracked thermostat housing (once under warranty); replaced left front antilock braking sensor; and replaced crankshaft position sensor o-ring that was allowing engine oil to seep out on engine block. These are the only items outside of normal maintenance (i.e., serpentine belt, battery, etc).

Did you get any maintenance records for first 77k? Any ideas how the car was treated/maintained for that period of time before you picked it up?

 

tweiss8,

I've had my '05 MCS since new. Took delivery 12/04 with 9 miles on it, currently has about 80k.

LCA bushings were done at 70k, valve cover gasket at 45k and 72k, crank pulley at 60k, rear caliper replaced at 72k. Had a slight drip from the oil pan gasket since about 40k, but nothing worth the cost to fix.

Biggest issue now is the PS pump failed 5/31 and have been waiting since then for MINI to send the dealer the replacement parts to have it fixed under warranty.

Not sure why you had to reload the ECU software, that's a new one unless the PO had some weird tune on it. The 3x oil pan gasket seems excessive, maybe misaligned when installed? Or maybe not even leaking - the main seal is known to weep just above the oil pan area.

 

I had the software reloaded by the dealership to fix a malfunction that made the EML light pop up and go into limp mode. The loaded it for free and hasn't been back since then.