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.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mini Cooper S
Mini Cooper S Models:
Mini Cooper S Problems
Clutch May Wear Prematurely
Drive Train --
Verified
There are reports of premature clutch wear on cars equipped with manual transmissions. Clutch replacement on these vehicles can be quite costly.
Electric Door Locks May Malfunction
Electrical & Lights --
Verified
There are reports of the electric door locks malfunctioning.
Service Recommend for "Sealed For Life" Transmissions
Drive Train --
Verified
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...
Service Recommend for "Sealed For Life" Transmissions
Drive Train --
Verified
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 Cooper S Recalls (Recent)
Tire Pressure Label May Be Incorrect
Body, Interior & Misc., March 4, 2010
RepairPal Expert Overview:
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.
Some Vehicles Delivered with Incorrect Wheel Size
Body, Interior & Misc., April 30, 2009
RepairPal Expert Overview:
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.
Auxiliary Water Pump May Catch Fire
Engine, January 10, 2012
RepairPal Expert Overview:
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.
Burn from Tail Pipe Extension
Exhaust & Emissions, January 15, 2009
RepairPal Expert Overview:
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 S Questions and Answers
Buddy123, 2002 Mini Cooper S, Los Altos, CA
The car gets about 25 mpg around time and has power to spare. I figure that dis-connecting the super-charger will improve gas mileage. But will it hurt the engine in any way?
Visitor, 2003 Mini Cooper S, Orlando, FL
I have been taking our cars to the same mechanic for about 17 yrs. My AC stopped working and they say the compressor needs replaced. They did say they would also replace the AC drier as well. Th...
ltlpeter, 2003 Mini Cooper S, Harriman, NY
Had the accessory belt changed prior to R&R I had great after installation no ac. Shop told me they couldn't cause problem I need either a new compressor or condenser or evaporator
Visitor, 2002 Mini Cooper S, Seattle, WA
previous night freezing temp and snow, wipers were working. next morning started car, rear wiper worked, fronts were frozen, cleared them and then tried them, and NO GO. checked 20 amp fuse, OK. re...
tjpen25, 2002 Mini Cooper S, SOHC, Redding, CT
the ABS, DSC, Runflat and Brake warning lights came on and wouldn't go off. And the speedo would 'flutter" every so often. The shop claims they did not touch the speed sensor for tha...
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Mini Cooper S Reviews
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.
Very costly in service's by dealer a little better if you can find a reputable shop. Replacement parts also costly. But what the hey it is a BMW
Mini Cooper S Model Years
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