Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mini
Minis Models:
Mini Problems
Electric Power Steering Pump May Fail
Minis have an electric power steering pump that is prone to failure. When replacing the pump, our technicians advise inspecting the cooling fan because it is often the cause of the failure of the pump.
Electric Door Locks May Malfunction
There are reports of the electric door locks malfunctioning.
Clutch May Wear Prematurely
There are reports of premature clutch wear on cars equipped with manual transmissions. Clutch replacement on these vehicles can be quite costly.
Service Recommend for "Sealed For Life" Transmissions
Failure of the automatic transmission is common. Even though the automatic transmission is advertised as "sealed for life," our technicians recommend the automatic transmission fluid be replaced every 30,000 miles with only the approved Mini/BMW fluid. Our technicians recommend thorough troubleshooting before replacing the transmission because programming procedures can affect how the transmission shifts and there is a special procedure to ref...
Mini Recalls (Recent)
Tire Pressure Label May Be Incorrect
The incorrect tire pressure label may have been installed during assembly. Some vehicles were equipped with 17-inch wheels, but the label is for 16-inch wheels; inflation pressure may also be incorrect. Tire durability and vehicle stability can be affected by incorrect tires or tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will mail customers the correct tire pressure labels, or they will install the correct label if you prefer. This recall is scheduled to begin by Match 4, 2010.
Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper SSome Vehicles Delivered with Incorrect Wheel Size
Twelve Mini Cooper vehicles were assembled with 15-inch wheels instead of 16-inch wheels and tires as indicated on the tire frame label on the door frame. This does not conform with with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard regarding tires and wheels. Dealers will replace the 15-inch wheels and tires with the-16 inch wheels and tires free of charge. The recall began May, 2009.
Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper SPotential Braking Failure
560 vehicles may have been filled with the incorrect front brake rotors (16" rotors instead of 17"). Under certain driving conditions, this could result in reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the front brake rotors and pads and replace them as necessary. The recall is expected to begin by October 16, 2008.
Mini Cooper Clubman, Mini Cooper S ClubmanAuxiliary Water Pump May Catch Fire
The electrical circuit board in the auxiliary water pump can malfunction and overheat. The circuit board may smolder, which could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump to correct this concern.
Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper S Clubman, Mini Cooper Countryman SBurn from Tail Pipe Extension
The tailpipe extension protrudes slightly past the rear bumper. Inadvertent contact with the tailpipe extension could occur. If the extension were hot, a burn could result. Dealers will replace the tailpipe extension with a shorter one to correct this issue. This recall is expected to begin during January of 2009.
Mini Cooper SMini Questions and Answers
if engine cold may hear slight shriek when engaging 1st gear but all gears fine and when engine warm virtually nonexisten:
What could be the problems? How much would repairs cost? Thanks.
Car has passed the 60,000 mile mark - recommended service light is on - what is the recommended service at this point? Car new to me. Have no mini mechanic in Seattle,Wa yet - any recommendations?
Radiator fan was running constantly and drained battery. After replacing battery,disconnected a couple of times and then stopped working. No visible signs of overheating now. What are consequence...
How can I fix the radiator fan from sticking? Do I have to replace the fan?
Is the fan running by fuse or electrical?
I had water leak in around the sunroof of my MINI and when it found the lowest point it exited to the right of my glove box. Shortly thereafter, it was as if my car was possessed. Windows didn't go...
Mini Owners' Stories
LOVE THIS CAR! Awesome in the snows of New England, very reliable and so fun to drive. Made it my only car and haven't had any issues.
The most fun I've had owning/driving a vehicle...ever. Yes, it is expensive to purchase and repair, but the experience and joy it provided makes one forget everything else. When people see it up close, they want one...even the ones that didn't have a care in the world for them at first thought!
Serious reliability issues. Knowing what we now know after owning two mini's I would never recommend this car to anyone. Latest issue is an overheat warning light that went on then off but apparently was not really off and caused the engine to melt down. Mini's answer to any warning lights is to pull over immediately no matter where you are. I would never let my wife or any young people drive this car given Mini's stance that if you do not stop immediately you have no warranty because it is now your fault. New car with 32K on it, failed water pump, clutch issue and an overheat resulting in a new engine not covered under warranty. First mini was brand new, replaced transmission and clutch with less than 5K miles on it, thought that was just because of a new model. Mini service is all dependent on your dealer.
Best car ever. expensive to repair but its a bmw. love everything about it
this is a very fun car to drive, when step on gas, the car will just take off, without delay.