We put together 7 common bug we find with Mini Coopers to aid yous, the owner, understand what problems you may have while owning a Mini Cooper.

MINI Cooper Bug: The 7 Most Common Bug

Early clutch failure is non uncommon on the 1st or 2nd gen Mini Cooper. The early on failure can occur on both the 5 speed and half-dozen speed models and can neglect in under 20,000 miles. The trouble is usually attributed to hard driving, but not always.

MINI Cooper Transmission Failure

Problems with the automated transmissions were a notorious problem for these cars. The 1st gen CVT (R50) was the worst of all of them and BMW and Mini were the subject of a class action lawsuit forcing Mini to encompass the transmissions under warranty for eight years or 150,000 miles whichever comes outset. These are all out of warranty now and in that location is no additional warranty coverage from the manufacturer at this time. The cost of manual replacement exceeds the value of the vehicle and we would recommend steering clear of this model. The Aisin transmission in the Mini Cooper S and two gen models is better than the CVT model but they also have a harsh shift issue that is attributed to the valve torso. If this trouble is defenseless early, sometimes just the valve body can exist replaced. If the shift outcome is not addressed in a timely fashion the transmission will need to be replaced or rebuilt. Most of the transmission issues are caused by the maintenance interval or lack thereof that Mini specifies. Mini states that the fluid never needs to be changed or non frequently plenty and this is incorrect. I tell all of my customers that fluid is cheaper than transmission replacement. Changing the fluid frequently, every bit much as once a year can save you the cost of transmission replacement. The 5 speed manual from 1st gen Mini was also a terrible design and failed prematurely. At that place is no maintenance for these that will continue them from declining, it is a poor blueprint. I have a customer that had five of them replaced within lxx,000 miles before his vehicle went out of warranty. The most reliable of the transmissions Mini manufactured is the half-dozen speed transmission variation.

MINI Cooper Timing Chain Dissonance

The timing chain rattle (as discussed in an earlier blog post) is a common problem. The noise is usually heard at idle on a cold start and information technology is often referred to equally "the expiry rattle". This can be a major/plush repair and it is recommended not to ignore this noise if you hear it. This problem is normally acquired past depression oil, or the oil non beingness changed frequently enough. (see number 4)

We recommend oil changes every 6 months or 5,000 miles whichever comes commencement, particularly if you exercise a lot of city driving.

Performance Problems Related to Vanos (BMW version of Variable Valve Timing)

This problem happens when the oil is not changed frequently enough or if the oil level is too low. The Vanos system requires expert oil catamenia to operate the system. When the oil is not inverse enough, sludge builds upwardly and blocks the small passages. If this happens we advise changing the oil and hope that the detergent in the fresh oil cleans the tiny oil passages. If the passages are not blocked a simple oil change may completely correct this outcome. Nosotros can't say enough about how of import it is to stay on top of oil level and alter it oftentimes, this is a completely avoidable problem.

H2o Pump & Thermostat Housing Leaks

The water pump on both generations of Mini is a fairly common occurrence and if you have more than fifty,000 miles on your Mini it is skilful preventive maintenance to have it replaced. The thermostat housing on 2nd gen Mini is an all plastic housing, and over time virtually all of these will fail. You can save yourself a lot of money and fourth dimension if you replace them before finding a leak.

Front Radiator Support

Mini opted to brand the front radiator back up out of plastic rather than another material. The radiator back up holds the radiator, cooling fan, and condenser assembly. It sits very low under the front end of the vehicle and is hands damaged. Even a lite touch on on a high curb can cause a lot of damage. The lower radiator hose sits even lower than the support and is hands damaged on parking curbs. Exist sure to take intendance when parking your Mini.

Electric Ability Steering pumps

The electrical power steering pumps are prone to failure and were the subject of a recall. The failure is ofttimes caused by low power steering fluid or failure of the electric cooling fan. If y'all are lucky enough to still be covered past the retrieve (warranty), the dealer volition brand you repair all fluid leaks before they volition install the new pump. We can replace the power steering hoses for much less than the dealer.

With all of that being said, don't let this list alarm y'all. Mini Coopers are non that expensive to purchase and with regular maintenance, depending on the type of driving you lot do, these cars are designed to final a long time. Mini Cooper maintenance costs are in line or less than comparable operation cars.

If you live in Van Nuys, W Los Angeles, Due west Hollywood, Los Angeles, Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Canoga Park, Culver City, Encino, North Hollywood, Reseda, San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, or Studio City and need a reputable independent Mini Cooper shop, Call The Haus today! (855) 572-6464