2008 MINI Cooper S

Recalls

4 recalls name the 2008 MINI Cooper S. Newest first.

• Electrical system

  May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V33700097,933 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

  Full recall details →

• Engine and engine cooling › Engine

  Apr 18, 2018NHTSA 18V24800047,806 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

  Full recall details →

• Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger

  Jan 11, 2012NHTSA 12V00800090,368 vehicles

  BMW IS recalling certain model year 2007-2011 MINI cooper s, 2008-2011 MINI cooper s clubman, 2009-2011 MINI cooper s convertible, 2009-2011 MINI cooper jcw, 2009-2011 MINI cooper jcw clubman, 2009-2011 cooper jcw convertible, and 2011 cooper s countryman passenger cars manufactured from november 14, 2006, through january 18, 2011. the electric auxiliary…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. the safety recall beganduring february 2012. owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

  Full recall details →

• Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

  Dec 12, 2008NHTSA 08V65700028,450 vehicles

  BMW IS recalling 28,450 my 2007-2008 MINI cooper s vehicles. the centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. it IS possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a person's leg.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If the tailpipe extension IS hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter tailpipe free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during january 2009. owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine78
2. Engine and engine cooling44
3. Air bags31
4. Power train9
5. Electrical system8
6. Fuel/propulsion system4
7. Seat belts4
8. Unknown or other3
9. Structure3
10. Visibility2

Latest complaints

• Mar 6, 2024IN111,000 mi
  Electrical system
  The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the failure was…

  The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the braking system; however, the contact stated that new brake hardware had been installed on the vehicle. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• Nov 17, 2023KS
  Electrical system
  The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact…

  The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• Oct 28, 2020KY81,253 mi
  Air bags

  The front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor has failed. The front passenger air bag IS not activate in a crash when the seat IS occupied. Recalls active for this exact issue for the same make in other years and models are currently recalled however others are excluded.

• Sep 29, 2020WA90,000 mi
  Air bags

  To the best of my knowledge the airbag system IS off line. The passenger airbags do not turn on when a passenger IS seated. The passenger airbag indicator light shows that it IS not turning on with or without a passenger. Also the drivers side airbag indicator light comes on the dashboard and the tachometer when I start the vehicle. This problem began while the vehicle was parked and stationary.

• Sep 17, 2020TX70,000 mi
  Engine

  Timing chain jumped out of timing and caused bent valves.

• Jun 4, 2020TX
  Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
  Warning message for seat belt tension/air bag malfunction and both lights are on. The vehicle has 40+ thousand miles on it, I am a second owner. this problem just started on may 29, 2020. No accidents for this vehicle. Cost for repair IS over $2000 and so far there's only recalls for 2008…

  Warning message for seat belt tension/air bag malfunction and both lights are on. The vehicle has 40+ thousand miles on it, I am a second owner. this problem just started on may 29, 2020. No accidents for this vehicle. Cost for repair IS over $2000 and so far there's only recalls for 2008 convertible which I totally don't understand. This looks to be an ongoing problem with the MINI and needs to be addressed due to the air bags being affected. I currently have no photos but can readily supply photos upon request. The seat belt light/air bag emblem shows on the dash screen when entering the key while stationary, no one IS sitting in the passenger seat when this happens and does not go away when occupied. *tr

• Jan 12, 2020CA144,000 miFire
  Electrical system · Engine · Structure › Body
  My car caught fire while driving. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. There was no warning. No cel or errors on the dash display. Car was running normally. I noticed some smoke. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. The car was still…

  My car caught fire while driving. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. There was no warning. No cel or errors on the dash display. Car was running normally. I noticed some smoke. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. The car was still running normally. I shut off the motor and got out. Bystanders emptied an extinguisher through the front grille but within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed. Car was almost completely destroyed. Fire burned through the firewall and consumed the interior.

• Dec 2, 2019TX96,000 mi
  Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

  Passenger side airbag seat mat IS defective. Just stopped working. cost to replace IS over $2000. So, the warning light for defective airbag sensor remains on.

• Apr 1, 2019FL32,094 mi
  Engine

  At 32000 miles an oil leak was noted on the garage floor. the foreign car repair shop troubleshot the leak. final outcome: replace supercharger assembly, vacuum brake booster pump and intake manifold gasket. total cost $3,014.78 for a vehicle that has a trade-in value of less than $5,000. the foreign car expert was amazed that the turbo had to be replaced with such low mileage.

• Mar 28, 2019OH70,674 mi
  Engine
  While driving at highway speed on I-71 n & n. Broadway exit in columbus, ohio on march 1, 2019 the timing chain broke and caused complete engine failure and bent all valves and cylinder head and valves resulting in $8821.97 in damage to my engine. the cause of the timing chain failure IS due to…

  While driving at highway speed on I-71 n & n. Broadway exit in columbus, ohio on march 1, 2019 the timing chain broke and caused complete engine failure and bent all valves and cylinder head and valves resulting in $8821.97 in damage to my engine. the cause of the timing chain failure IS due to the prince/psa engine design and manufacturing defect admitted to in the class action lawsuit know as joshua skeen and laurie freeman v. BMW of north america, l.lc. united states district court district of new jersey civ. No. 2:13-Cv-1531-whw-clw. BMW declined to replace my engine under the extended warranty agreed to in the settlement agreement of the above cited action. all affected vehicles should have been recalled and my engine failure could have easily caused loss of life. my vehicle IS one of the class vehicles, R56 N14 engine produced between 2006 thru 2010. this IS a product liability safety claim that IS not subject to any statutory/warranty time limitation. all class vehicles should be recalled due to the loss of life and safety risks. do not wait for loss of life to enforce the liability of BMW for their failure to self report the design defect and failure to voluntarily recall all affected vehicles.

• Mar 28, 2019OH70,674 mi
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. While driving 60 mph, the timing chain fractured, causing a complete engine failure. All the valves and cylinder heads were bent. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the shoulder even after the vehicle lost all power. The vehicle was towed…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. While driving 60 mph, the timing chain fractured, causing a complete engine failure. All the valves and cylinder heads were bent. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the shoulder even after the vehicle lost all power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (midwestern auto group, 6335 perimeter loop rd, dublin, oh 43017, (614) 889-2571 where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of over $8,000. The contact notified the manufacturer and was provided a claim number. The manufacturer did not assist with the warranty or recall,s but offered to pay $2,000 towards the repair cost. The offer was good for six months. The failure mileage was 70,674.

• Aug 24, 2018MT105,000 mi
  Engine

  My MINI cooper has a timing chain problem it rattles upon starting and I haven't driven it .....i just found out about this recall

• Jul 26, 2018NC136,000 mi
  Engine
  The vehicle lost power while driving on the highway and a MINI dealership has confirmed that the timing chain IS the problem along with the valves (possibly caused by the timing being off). Multiple conversations with MINI customer relations have gotten no where and the manufacturer refuses to take…

  The vehicle lost power while driving on the highway and a MINI dealership has confirmed that the timing chain IS the problem along with the valves (possibly caused by the timing being off). Multiple conversations with MINI customer relations have gotten no where and the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility for the known issues with the timing chain in this vehicle. Despite a class action lawsuit specifically about the timing chain, no recall has been issued and the manufacturer refuses to assist customers with necessary repairs to this defective part (and other damage caused by the defect). These timing chain issues are not only an undue burden on the consumer, they can be potentially fatal if a timing chain fails at an unfortunate moment. MINI needs to issue a recall.

• Feb 6, 2018FL120,000 mi
  Engine
  While traveling on I-10 in tallahassee, fl at highway speed of 70 mph the car suddenly lost power. Being I the center lane of eight (four each direction) it was almost impossible to get out of traffic. Several vehicles made abrupt maneuvers to avoid a crash. Also as I got out of the vehicle was…

  While traveling on I-10 in tallahassee, fl at highway speed of 70 mph the car suddenly lost power. Being I the center lane of eight (four each direction) it was almost impossible to get out of traffic. Several vehicles made abrupt maneuvers to avoid a crash. Also as I got out of the vehicle was nearly struck by other cars. I later found out this was due to a failed timing chain with numerous complaints and no recall. there was also a class action settlement and still no recall. This could have well been a fatal incident.

• Jan 9, 2018VA73,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc)

  As soon as car begins to move the dsc error appears and the dsc no longer works. I have been told that the szl module that controls this has failed and apparently does this with other mini's as well.

• Dec 29, 2017FL90,000 mi
  Engine
  Car takes a while to "warm up" however after a very short drive the hood IS hot to the touch. It also smells hot. I looked on line and seen several complaints and there IS actually an after market 'deflector' to channel heat from the hood. I have noticed the plastic hood scoop IS deformed from…

  Car takes a while to "warm up" however after a very short drive the hood IS hot to the touch. It also smells hot. I looked on line and seen several complaints and there IS actually an after market 'deflector' to channel heat from the hood. I have noticed the plastic hood scoop IS deformed from heat. I feel it IS a matter of time before a fire or other reaction, e.g., heat causes another part to fail and car wont stop, accelerate or other causing a crash. I also noticed the headlight wiring to be frayed as if it has been hot.

• Oct 17, 2017GA115,000 mi
  Steering
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. While driving various speeds, specifically when attempting to turn the vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed and caused steering control to become difficult. The contact stated that the power steering pump would overheat, which caused the contact to…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. While driving various speeds, specifically when attempting to turn the vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed and caused steering control to become difficult. The contact stated that the power steering pump would overheat, which caused the contact to park the vehicle until it cooled in order for the power steering to function correctly. The contact called MINI of kennesaw (2275 barrett lakes blvd, kennesaw, ga 30144; 678-496-9565) who advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty or a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

• Sep 16, 2017PA113,500 mi
  Air bags · Seat belts

  Seat belt warning light comes on when starting car. Called local MINI dealership and was told there was an "extended warranty" for seat mat sensor.

• Jul 18, 2017CA114,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system

  My car has 114,000 mile on it. the high pressure fuel pump was replaced per recall. the engine has failed with bad injectors, cylinders and rings. Mechanic said this failure IS pervasive in 2002 to 2008 models do to poor design. The cost to repair IS too high.

• May 1, 2017FL80,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  I was in a bad car accident in which my car was rear ended. I was in the very most right hand lane on the highway, at a stop in stop and go traffic. The vehicle behind me did not stop, hitting me at approximately 75 mph. As a result, my car spun out to the right and hit the guard rail on the side…

  I was in a bad car accident in which my car was rear ended. I was in the very most right hand lane on the highway, at a stop in stop and go traffic. The vehicle behind me did not stop, hitting me at approximately 75 mph. As a result, my car spun out to the right and hit the guard rail on the side of the highway head on. The car then bounced off of the guard rail, and spun about 180 degrees to the left, where the rear end of the car then hit the same guard rail and finally stopped. When the car crashed into the guard rail head on, the air bag did not deploy and I hit my head and my chest against the steering wheel. I sustained a fracture in my T2 vertebrae and bad chest bruising.

• Mar 29, 2017PA
  Air bags

  Airbag passenger side light on w only 25000 miles on it, mechanic told me it's a short in the wiring caused by sunroof slicing into it. said he could fix it but headliner has to come down and he doesn't do that kind of work. Contacted MINI USA and was told it's out of warranty and dealer prob won't fix it without charge. When someone gets killed or mamed, maybe they'll recall. cost to repair about $5K...

• Mar 1, 2017TX76,000 miFire
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. The contact was included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v657000 (engine and engine cooling), but the repair was not completed before the contact owned the vehicle. In addition, the contact experienced a failure concerning nhtsa campaign number: 12v008000…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 MINI cooper s. The contact was included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v657000 (engine and engine cooling), but the repair was not completed before the contact owned the vehicle. In addition, the contact experienced a failure concerning nhtsa campaign number: 12v008000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who provided an oil change and cleared a dtc. The contact later experienced extreme smoke emitting on the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road and towed to a repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed that the water pump leaked, the engine over heated, the cylinder head was warped, and the oil filter housing gasket was leaky. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was uncertain if the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

• Dec 9, 2016CA48,000 mi
  Engine
  The turbo oil feed line IS inherently flawed and prematurely fails because of a bad design. This failure causes hot oil to leak all over a hot turbo. I was lucky enough to not have my engine catch fire with the failed o-ring on mine. I was driving on the highway when large clouds of smoke begin to…

  The turbo oil feed line IS inherently flawed and prematurely fails because of a bad design. This failure causes hot oil to leak all over a hot turbo. I was lucky enough to not have my engine catch fire with the failed o-ring on mine. I was driving on the highway when large clouds of smoke begin to flow from the engine compartment. I was forced to pull over and get towed home. I was out of warranty but still very low mileage (48K) when mine failed. *tr

• Oct 6, 2016NC34,400 mi
  Engine
  Pristine condition, low mileage, dealer serviced MINI cooper s (owned since new) began exhibiting a rattling noise from engine at 34K miles. dealer diagnosed it as a timing chain defect and timing chain tensioner defect. this IS a known engine defect. reference class action suit and settlement…

  Pristine condition, low mileage, dealer serviced MINI cooper s (owned since new) began exhibiting a rattling noise from engine at 34K miles. dealer diagnosed it as a timing chain defect and timing chain tensioner defect. this IS a known engine defect. reference class action suit and settlement 338403. this settlement by bmw/mini USA covers this flaw and bmw/mini knows that vehicles produced within the 2007-2010 timeframe have this flaw. this flaw can result in catastrophic engine failure. in my case, it was noisy under acceleration, and was into the dealer for service within days of first issue. this IS a known flaw. however, bmw/mini settled the class action lawsuit and set aside millions of dollars for claims....but those claims must be filed by 7/1/16. I did not have the issue before that date, I had it happen in september 2016 - two months later. I have requested some accommodation from bmw/mini, however they are refusing to participate at any level, even though they know this was a flawed part and could have caused significant damage. I am not expecting full reimbursement, but if they know the car has a major flaw, they should have some coverage in place for any of these vehicles with the flaw. thus far the regional service manager and MINI USA have indicated because this happened after 7/1/16 they will not accommodate.

• Sep 9, 2016CA97,000 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system

  Fuel smell started to get stronger in the cabin and outside of the vehicle, but did not see any leaks on the floor till today. I also notice the green temperature notification come on today. I had my oil changed at the bmw/mini dealer in ontario last month.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Engine compartment fire

  PE11036Opened Oct 11, 2011Closed Jun 11, 2012Recall 12V166000
  In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall…

  In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

• Exhaust pipe burns

  EA08020Opened Aug 29, 2008Closed Jan 2, 2009Recall 08V657000
  BMW will conduct a safety recall (08v-657) on 28,450 MINI cooper s vehicles manufactured from november 18, 2006 through july 8, 2008.dealers will install modified exhaust pipe tips that do not extend beyond the rear bumper.the two exhaust pipe tips of the subject vehicles exit the underside of the vehicle at the…

  BMW will conduct a safety recall (08v-657) on 28,450 MINI cooper s vehicles manufactured from november 18, 2006 through july 8, 2008.dealers will install modified exhaust pipe tips that do not extend beyond the rear bumper.the two exhaust pipe tips of the subject vehicles exit the underside of the vehicle at the center of the vehicle and extend beyond the rear bumper.the complainants reported being burned on their legs when they inadvertently touched the exposed hot exhaust pipe tips while removing items of cargo from the rear of their vehicle via the hatch back door.some complainants reported being burned on more than one occasion or that other family members were also burned.the 50 injuries reported in this investigation include significant second degree burns causing blistered and scared skin and one incident resulted in a third degree burn.this investigation also resulted in an initial decision of a defect.for information regarding the initial decision and details of the investigation see documents, inrm-ea08020-31646.pdf (initial decision letter) and inir-ea08020-31648.pdf (initial decision report), in the investigation file.this investigation IS closed.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10244507MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
• 10206696New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
• 10179827OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for the front passenger's OC3 seat occupancy mat (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
• 10171506CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated along with high-pressure fuel pumprelated faults stored in the Engine Control Module (DME). PROCEDURE Perform the corresponding diagnosis/vehicle test and run the test plans to completion as applicable.
• 10162461Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. CAUSE: In most cases, an electronic leak detector is not sufficient for identifying small leaks in the system. Electronic leak detectors can give false alarms and can lead to an improper diagnosis of small leaks. A leak cannot be located exactly if accessibility is impaired (in the case of the expansion valve, evaporator or condenser).
• 10162460Service Action: Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips. The door sill trim strips are deformed and/or peeling up at the corners. CAUSE: Insufficient surface preparation of the door sill.
• 10162441"Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm) with any of the following misfire faults stored in the DME: * 2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2779, 277A, 277B, 277D, 277E, 277F - "Combustion misfire, cylinder 1..4", sometimes together with: * 2781, 2782, 2783 - "Combustion misfire, multiple cylinders." On rare occasions, the Service Engine Soon lamp may not be illuminated (with misfire faults still stored in the DME) when the vehicle is brought to the workshop. Multiple causes related to electrical and mechanical engine components, or poor fuel quality in combination with unfavorable driving behavior (low loads and short driving distances). This condition may lead to possible clogging of the injector tips, causing a disturbance of the fuel spraying pattern or excessive carbon deposits on the intake valves/ports, resulting in reduced air flow into the combustion chambers."
• 10153778OC3 seat occupancy mat: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120.
• 10152680"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the selector gear does not go into the neutral position. CAUSE 1. The deflection lever circlip of the gearshift mechanism is damaged or missing. 2. Possible corrosion at the gearshift mechanism (shift cables or transmission gearshift unit)"
• 10152360"The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm) with any of the following misfire faults stored in the DME: * 2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2779, 277A, 277B, 277D, 277E, 277F - ""Combustion misfire, cylinder 1..4"", sometimes together with: * 2781, 2782, 2783 - ""Combustion misfire, multiple cylinders"" On rare occasions, the Service Engine Soon lamp may not be illuminated (with misfire faults still stored in the DME) when the vehicle is brought to the workshop. Multiple causes related to electrical and mechanical engine components, or poor fuel quality in combination with unfavorable driving behavior (low loads and short driving distances). This condition may lead to possible clogging of the injector tips, causing a disturbance of the fuel spraying pattern or excessive carbon deposits on the intake valves/ports, resulting in reduced air flow into the combustion chambers."
• 10151349Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware
• 10151347Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes. Shut-off period varies based on detected situation. This is normal operational behavior.
• 10151060This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: z Apple iPhones z Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: z Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures z Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) z Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware
• 10150985?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016.
• 10150399"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. This false reading could lead to difficulty in the engine starting and/or a ""Service Engine Soon"" lamp being illuminated."
• 10150396"Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm) with any of the following misfire faults stored in the DME: ??2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2779, 277A, 277B, 277D, 277E, 277F - ""Combustion misfire, cylinder 1..4"", sometimes together with: ??2781, 2782, 2783 - ""Combustion misfire, multiple cylinders"" On rare occasions, the Service Engine Soon lamp may not be illuminated (with misfire faults still stored in the DME) when the vehicle is brought to the workshop. Multiple causes related to electrical and mechanical engine components, or poor fuel quality in combination with unfavorable driving behavior (low loads and short driving distances). This condition may lead to possible clogging of the injector tips, causing a disturbance of the fuel spraying pattern or excessive carbon deposits on the intake valves/ports, resulting in reduced air flow into the combustion chambers."
• 10150357?SUBJECT DWA (Anti-theft Alarm System): False Alarm Is Triggered Intermittently. When the vehicle is parked and locked (DWA active), the alarm system is triggered intermittently. One or more of the following conditions may trigger the alarm system: Sun roof in the tilted/open position, Window partially open, Excessive local noise (for example, near an airport, on a busy road, or in heavy rain) CAUSE Normal sensitivity of the interior ultrasonic sensor.
• 10150356"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most unrelated to the battery. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-42B.htm. For this reason, replacing the battery is not usually a permanent repair. The cause of the discharged battery must be analyzed in order to guarantee a proper repair. To properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, the diagnostic test plans must be performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. The procedure below will guide the technician to properly repairing the vehicle and getting paid for a warranty claim. CAUSE Discharged battery."
• 10150352"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. This false reading could lead to difficulty in the engine starting and/or a ""Service Engine Soon"" lamp being illuminated."
• 10150351"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. This false reading could lead to difficulty in the engine starting and/or a ""Service Engine Soon"" lamp being illuminated."
• 10150347During Engine Oil Service a Small O-Ring Is Found in the Oil Filter Housing. No customer complaint has been received. During the scheduled engine oil service, the technician notices a black rubber o-ring lying on the bottom of the engine oil filter housing. The o-ring has been dislodged from the non-return valve inside the engine oil filter housing. No subsequent engine damage occurs from the dislodged o-ring. Engine oil filter housing (1) Rubber o-ring (2) The material dimensions of the rubber o-ring are not satisfactory, allowing it to become dislodged from its installation location.
• 10150309Squeaking Noise from Front Seat. A noise may be heard from the front driver's seat back when the customer applies sideways pressure during cornering. CAUSE Surface corrosion on the metal seat back frame can make a squeaking noise when rubbing against the foam rubber padding of the seat back.
• 10150308Bonnet Lock Difficult to Open or Close. The bonnet lock fails to operate correctly and is difficult to open or close. CAUSE Corrosion in the bonnet lock assembly
• 10150305Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly
• 10150303Service Action: N14 Engine Retrofit Turbocharger Engine Oil Supply Line Heat Shield. After switching off the engine, the heat radiating from the turbocharger may cause the engine oil to solidify in the oil supply line to the turbocharger. This can lead to a restriction in the oil supply line, resulting in damage to the turbocharger bearings. CAUSE Close proximity of the turbocharger engine oil supply line and the turbocharger
• 10150241Incorrect Customer Relations Telephone Number Is Saved in the Vehicle. The customer is not connected to MINI Customer Relations after dialing the number displayed in the vehicle Kombi or radio. CAUSE During the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), the incorrect telephone number is being written into the vehicle. INFORMATION 1. When performing the PDI test plan, it is extremely important that you select MINI if the ISID is configured for both BMW and MINI. 2. After completion of the PDI test plan, verify that the customer relations number stored in the vehicle is correct. 3. The correct customer relations phone number is 1(866) 275-6464. 4. If the number stored in the vehicle is incorrect and the correct test plan was used, contact your 3g Administrator and have him or her verify the number stored in the ISID. 5.This picture shows the correct number stored in the Combox control unit. Note: To read out telephone number:
• 10150238"N14 and N18 Engine: High-pressure Pump Repair Instruction. INFORMATION The current version of ISTA/D Repair Instruction 13 51 017, ""Removing and installing or replacing high-pressure pump (N14, N18)"" has a procedure error. The current version of the Repair Instruction states to replace the highpressure supply hose on the N14 engine. The Repair Instruction also states not to replace the high-pressure supply hose on the N18 engine. The N18 portion of the Repair Instruction is incorrect. As an interim solution, follow the procedure outlined below until this portion of the Repair Instruction is corrected. https://www.minitis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15601.2.M130113... 8/30/2013 Page 2 of 2 All vehicles equipped with the N18 engine and produced from 3/2012 and later. When the engine is fitted with a Bosch High-pressure Pump (1) the highpressure supply hose (2) MUST NOT be replaced when making repairs. The remaining portion of the Repair Instruction and tightning torques are correct. Refer to EPC for the applicable part numbers when making repairs. "
• 10150237?N18 Engine: FC 2BF2 Rail Pressure Sensor Is Stored in DME Fault Memory. The customer states that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated and the following fault is stored in the DME: FC 2BF2 Rail pressure sensor, workspace: pressure too high CAUSE A DME calibration error in the fuel pressure diagnostics results in an increased sensitivity.
• 10150203N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: ??FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal CAUSE Unfavorable DME knock sensor diagnostic at outside ambient temperatures below -5 C
• 10150202Service Action: N14 Engine Check Timing Chain Tensioner and Timing Chain. The timing chain tensioner applies pre-tension to the timing chain guide rail mechanism. In some cases, the tensioner spring force may be too low. Depending on the severity of the wear, it may lead to a rattling noise when starting the engine cold or when the engine is idling. CAUSE The timing chain tensioner internal tolerances are not consistent.
• 10150145Clutch Is Slipping or Grabbing. The customer states that the clutch is slipping or grabbing.
• 10150091"DWA (Anti-theft Alarm System): False Alarm Is Triggered Intermittently. INFORMATION Parts replacement will not solve the problem if one or more of the conditions described in the situation above caused the alarm to trigger. The sensitivity of the interior ultrasonic sensor cannot be reduced. If the customer wishes to park the vehicle with the sunroof tilted, the window partially open, and/or in an area with excessive local noise, the interior sensor must be switched off by using the following procedure: Press the lock button on the remote control twice in succession. The LEDs flash in short succession for approx. 2 seconds. The interior ultrasonic sensor is switched off until the vehicle is unlocked and locked the next time. NOTE: This information can be found in the Owner's Manual in the ""Controls"" section under ""Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and interior movement detector."""
• 10150046Clicking Noise from Front Axle Brakes.
• 10149623"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most unrelated to the battery. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-42B.htm. For this reason, replacing the battery is not usually a permanent repair. The cause of the discharged battery must be analyzed in order to guarantee a proper repair. To repair the vehicle properly the first time in the workshop, the diagnostic test plans must be performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair. CAUSE Discharged battery."
• 10149621Whistling Noise from the Water Pump Area. A whistling or squealing noise is heard from the engine at idle and/or at higher engine speeds. CAUSE 1. Noise is caused by the water pump. 2. Noise is caused by the friction wheel of the belt tensioner.
• 10149507Red or Blue Cap Missing from Temperature Control Wheel. The customer states the red or blue cap is missing from the temperature control wheel of the heat and air conditioning control panel.
• 10149504"MINI GP: Choice of Tire Option Agreement and Alternate Tire Retrofit. The Kumho 215/40 R17 Ecsta V700 sport tire performance optimization results in vehicle operation limitations, specifically when operated in cold climates or on wet, slushy or snow-covered roads. If your MINI JCW GP owner prefers a set of tires that better fits his/her driving style and climate, these owners can swap out the factory-original equipment (OE) Kumho 215/40 R17 Ecsta V700 sport tires for a set of the following MINI approved alternate tires: ??205/45R17 84W John Cooper Works performance run-flat tires Please refer to the attached MINI Product Planning & Strategy Bulletin M-20-0313-0012, ""MINI John Cooper Works GP Unleashed,"" for more information, including the required ""choice of tire option"" agreement form."
• 10149501Service Action: Replace the Coolant Pump. Coolant is leaking from the coolant pump. CAUSE The coolant pump may develop cracks in the plastic housing. These cracks may result in a coolant leak.
• 10149500Engine Oil Leak. The customer states that a small engine oil leak can be seen from the underside of the engine. CAUSE The internal sealing of the oil pump volume control solenoid valve is compromised, allowing engine oil to leak from the oil pump volume control solenoid.
• 10149464"N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal While performing test plan B1214 M KNOCK SENSOR, the following error message will be displayed: ""An error has occurred during execution of a service program. Fault code: 61/3."" This error in the test plan will not allow diagnosis to continue. The test plan error will be repaired with ISTA/D 2.36.0. CAUSE A DME calibration error in the knock sensor diagnostics results in an increased sensitivity threshold to cold temperatures."

Every MINI Cooper S model year

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