Hi there!
So I bought a used 2009 JCW clubman about 2yrs ago, and i've had to have some work done on it. I have the extended warranty, so for the most part everything has been covered, but that warranty is going to be expiring this year (7/2014). That has me really worried, because the cost of these repairs would have been way too expensive for me to have to pay out of pocket. So i'm hoping that I am now done with the failures and can enjoy the car worry free once out of warranty (doubtful). So what i'm wondering is what else is a common issue that pops up on these cars? btw, i have just over 57,000 miles on it.
So far I've had the following work done...
hpfp replaced, thermostat replaced, water pump replaced, timing chain replaced, head replaced, fixed a leaky turbo oil line, melted hood scoop replaced. I believe thats it, although it doesn't include the symphony of creaks and rattles inside the car that is not covered either. And i do appologize for not knowing the exact technical terms. Oh, and last time i was there for the head replacement, they mentioned i had 4 vacuum lines behind the engine that were corroding, and would need replacement to the tune of $400+, and that is not covered by my extended warranty.
I do have a few independent mechanics nearby that work on mini's, but just the thought of owning a car that needs more work done does not sit well with me. All the end of year dealership sales ads also got me thinking of moving on to another vehicle.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

oh yeah, forgot to mention. I voiced my concerns to the head service tech at the dealership last time I was there. His reply was "well, since we've just replaced/fixed all these, you should be good for another 2 years"
In my head I was like WTF!! 2 years. That blows. Said Thank you, took my keys and drove off.

 

I have the same heart palpitations since my 6-year just timed out. I, like you, have had just about every weakness replaced. But remember. Every part a dealer put on your car has a 2-year warranty on it. That's probably what your service guy was thinking when he said that.... Let's wish us both luck and happy motoring! I just crossed 90K.

 

OH. That makes sense. You know, when I bought the car, I was just so excited cause the car is awesome, I never read up on what the warranty or extended warranty covers. Thats good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I've don't pretty much all of those items. In addition I had to rebuild the lower end when the rod bearings went out at 80k ($6k). Transmission went at 95k ($4.5k). 2007 Cooper S 6MT, 100k miles. Yep, they are not cheap to own out of warranty unless you can work on them yourself.

 

I had to replace my valve cover at 80k miles. Got it from the dealer for $287 and replaced it myself. Pretty easy job.

Other than that, I've had everything done you listed above except the leaky turbo oil line.

And I'm also hoping I don't have anymore surprises. I don't have the extended warranty... and I plan to keep the car for a couple more years or when the F56 gets the new 9-speed auto, which ever comes first.

 

Service engine light on. My new mechanic diagnosed P0456 evap leak. Spendy? He said not. Did the diagnostic for free. Now there's a nice change.

 

It looks like the major boners of MINI have been fixed. The only thing I would be mindful of is the clutch. Hopefully the previous owner didn't ride on it all the time. That's another not so cheap fix. If your clutch engagement feels good and still grabs well, I wouldn't worry about it.

Regarding the rattles, well... that's just what MINIs do, especially in cold weather. Lots of plastic fantastic parts that start to get loose in the interior and make all kinds of racket.

 

Well, working on it is not an option for me. Thank you for all the replies. I guess I have to look forward to the transmission and clutch. Both of which feel fine as of now. What would be some early signs of clutch and tranny failure?
@SteelersFan - how did you know to change you're valve cover? What were the signs of that issue? For me, I had no idea what it was. I went in complaining that my car sounded like an old Toyota Previa mini van. It would whistle when I applied the throttle. I tried searching on here for the problem, but I didn't know how to search for it other than a high pitch whistle. After the service tech drove it, he knew right away what it was.

 

My symptoms that have me a sign to replace my valve cover was every morning my car would make a screeching noise for 30-45 seconds only at startup, since replacing it at 54k miles, my MINI has been running good.

 

I had oil leaking around the top section of the cover.

There's a link to a how-to video on NAM somewhere or try a search on YouTube. It's very straight-forward though.

 

Two things that I've replaced are the coolant tank (cracked) and the oil filter housing gaskets. If you get any oil leaking down the front of the engine near the transmission, or dripping on the exhaust clamp under the engine, it is probably the oil filter housing.

Have fun,
Mike