2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Recalls

1 recall names the 2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible. Newest first.

• 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 →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Power train1

Latest complaints

• Sep 8, 2025IL
  Electrical system

  FRM Footwell module failed leaving car stranded Problem identified by certified mechanic. Similar models (R55 & R56) in the same age range of my vehicle have been issued a recall, but the convertible model, in the same year, (R57) is not covered. All electric switches in the vehicle failed. Symptoms began with the ABS and parking brake warning lights lighting. Other warning light was a service light.

• Jul 20, 2024NC
  Electrical system

  The Footwell Module, referred to by the manufacturer as the FRM, has corrosion inside. The module is currently staying active and drawing power from the battery at all times. It appears to the same issue as 23V337000, but this chassis number is not included in the recall. I believe that this vehicle has as large a fire hazard as other vehicles involved in the recall.

• Nov 2, 2020NH118,000 mi
  Power train

  Coils caused problem with ecu - recall IS out for some models but not this one. Now it needs new coils and new dme.

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.
• 10216755N18 engine high pressure fuel pump (hdp): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
• 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.
• 10193497MINI Water Pump Class Action Settlement
• 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.
• 10162442"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."
• 10160298N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018.
• 10160229N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTYEXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018.
• 10159154N16 ENGINE IGNITION COILS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 08 17 dated February 2018.
• 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)"
• 10152359N18 Engine: FC 37DE Engine Ventilation, Heating, Triggering Stored in the DME After Programming. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated after reprogramming the vehicle to integration level R056-11-11503 (ISTA/P P45.1.3.0) or higher. When diagnosed, the following fault code is stored in DME fault memory: ??37DE Engine ventilation, heating, triggering: open circuit CAUSE Due to a DME software change, the diagnostic monitoring capability is improved for the engine ventilation heating system. However, a fault will be stored in the fault memory because the engine ventilation heater circuit has a malfunction currently present.
• 10152335Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. Only vehicles within the specified production range can be serviced and covered by this bulletin. For vehicles outside of the production range specified in this bulletin, refer to the CBS and/or Key Read information for the brake fluid service.
• 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.
• 10151345Engine Misfire Due to Failed Ignition Coil This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M12 01 15 dated March 2016.. The Check Engine or Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored in the DME. Intermittent performance or rough running without a relevant DME fault stored The most likely cause is that an ignition coil has failed, which in many cases can be confirmed with basic diagnosis. During operation with high temperature fluctuations, the different materials used in the Bosch ignition coil construction can deteriorate over time, leading to a failure.
• 10151221"N18 Engine High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") is extending the limited warranty for the engine's High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date Item #1: This ""componentspecific"" limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials and workmanship and is subject to the applicable vehicle and coverage eligibility requirements, exclusions and limitations that apply to the New MINI Passenger Car Limited Warranty. Important Note: This limited warranty extension only applies to the listed vehicles produced up to and including 2/29/2012 (Leap year). Vehicles produced on or after 3/1/2012 are fitted with different equipment. This bulletin is notice of a ""limited warranty extension."" This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the MINI vehicle is currently experiencing this problem. Even though this is NOT a Recall, MINI USA will be sending VIN-specific customer notification letters in a phased release."
• 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."
• 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."
• 10150353"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."
• 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
• 10150306"Erroneous ""Service due"" Message Though Brake Lining Thickness Sufficient. The CBS data calculated for the remaining distance of the front and/or rear brake pads does not agree with the actual brake pad thickness. The yellow brake lining service due indicator illuminates even though the pad thickness is greater than the minimum wear limit (approximately 3.7 mm); the brake wear sensor has not yet been activated (from a thickness of approx. 4.2 mm). In some cases, the red warning message may already be active. The CBS front/rear brake display is based on a mathematical calculation. Various influences are incorporated into this calculation (for example, vehicle speed, brake pressure, and rotor temperature). Due to changing driving characteristics and/or unfavorable environmental conditions, the calculated remaining distance may differ from actual pad thickness."
• 10150305Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly
• 10150269Intermittent Humming or Buzzing Noise from Speedometer. When the vehicle is decelerating, an intermittent humming or buzzing noise coming from the instrument cluster may be heard when the speedometer needle is between 0 and 12 mph. Hardware error in the instrument cluster
• 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:
• 10150239Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 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.
• 10150207"Service Action: Convertible Top Does Not Close. During the closing process, it is possible that the convertible top locating pin on the right side is not correctly positioned in the landing plate at the top of the A-pillar (passenger's side). AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action affects certain R57 vehicles produced from July 2013 to October 2013. 3.This picture shows the left side locating pin correctly positioned in the landing plate on the driver's side A-pillar. 4.The passenger's side should In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 63. If code number 63 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 63 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action. Important Note: A Campaign can be reserved in ISPA Light as "Pending" prior to submission of a claim. If you find this Campaign reserved, please verify the reason before attempting to perform this repair."
• 10150205"?SI M34 01 13 November 2013 BrakesTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 01 13 dated October 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Erroneous ""Service due"" Message Though Brake Lining Thickness Sufficient. The CBS data calculated for the remaining distance of the front and/or rear brake pads does not agree with the actual brake pad thickness. The yellow brake lining service due indicator illuminates even though the pad thickness is greater than the minimum wear limit (approximately 3.7 mm); the brake wear sensor has not yet been activated (from a thickness of approx. 4.2 mm). In some cases, the red warning message may already be active. The CBS front/rear brake display is based on a mathematical calculation. Various influences are incorporated into this calculation (for example, vehicle speed, brake pressure, and rotor temperature). Due to changing driving characteristics and/or unfavorable environmental conditions, the calculated remaining distance may differ from actual pad thickness."
• 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

Every MINI Cooper S Convertible model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.