2009 MINI Cooper Us

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine and engine cooling1
2. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Apr 30, 2009CA
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure › Frame and members

  Radiator hose ruptures when vehicle IS driven to the point that the front tires touch curb (perpendicular) during parking maneuver. front end IS too low to accommodate a standard curb. *Tr

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.
• 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)"
• 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.
• 10151222"N12 Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION This updated version of this bulletin now includes the addition of the model year 2009 R55, R56 and R57 MINI Cooper vehicles with the N12 engine. For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") is extending the limited warranty for the Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date Component #1: This ""component specific"" 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 MINI New Passenger Car Limited Warranty. GRUSB0116-04 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. Customer Notification Letter - VIN and Component-specific Warranty Extension Even though this is NOT a Recall, MINI USA will be sending VIN-specific customer notification letters in a phased release for the additional MY 2009 vehicles."
• 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.
• 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."
• 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
• 10150301DMTL Pump: Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) pump can fail. Some vehicles will have the Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated, but the vehicle's drivability and engine performance will not be reduced by this DMTL pump malfunction.
• 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:
• 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
• 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."
• 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."
• 10149332Erroneous "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.
• 10148447iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants
• 10148441N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. The sealing plug was not tightened sufficiently during production.
• 10148391N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. CAUSE The sealing plug was not tightened sufficiently during production.
• 10148358Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode. The customer states the recirculation display goes out, even though the recirculation button was switched on. CAUSE The automatic recirculation air deactivation feature was introduced in July 2012. Note: If the customer dislikes this feature, it can be deactivated by using the following steps.
• 10148349Erroneous "Service due" Message Although Brake Lining Thickness is Above Minimum Specification. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model in the DSC.
• 10148346N16: Fault 274D Mixture Adaptation Is Stored in the DME. Certain low speed, light-load driving conditions at lower outside temperatures could cause the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) to illuminate. The following fault would be stored in the DME: Fault 274D: Mixture adaptation, lower engine speed range (mixture too lean) CAUSE 1. Possible intake/exhaust leaks, or a faulty component as listed in the test plan 2. Unfavorable DME software
• 10148293N16 and N18 Engine 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.
• 10148245?SI M64 01 10 Heating and Air Conditioning June 2014 Technical Service SUBJECT Howling/Rough Running Noise when the A/C Compressor is Engaged. The air conditioning compressor is excessively loud/running rough when the air conditioning system is switched on and the compressor is active. Vibration in the air conditioning suction line (low side).
• 10148206Dual Mass Flywheel: Diagnosis and Inspection. INFORMATION The following three criteria must to be checked, evaluated and the resulting findings documented on the repair order prior to replacing a dual-mass flywheel as defective: 1. Total rotational angle at no load condition (with applied torque less then 20 Nm) 2. Secondary plate longitudal axial play 3. Friction surface appearance changes due to thermal overload. PROCEDURE Refer to the attached "Dual-mass Flywheel Inspection" document for the complete inspection procedure. The dual-mass flywheel replacement is justified only if one or more of the following criteria are met: 1. The total rotational free-play measured at the flywheel gear ring is: Equal to or greater than 3 tooth gaps on N14/N18-equipped engines; Equal to or greater than 14 tooth gaps on B38/B46/B48-equipped engines. 2. The secondary plate total axial bearing play measured at outside diameter of the flywheel is: Equal to or greater than 3 mm on N14/N18-equipped engines; Equal to or greater than 5 mm on B38/B46/B48-equipped engines. 3. Significant discoloration in the adjoining area outside the friction ring, or a severe ablation/erosion of the friction area, is present. WARRANTY INFORMATION Warranty claims for replacing a Dual Mass Flywheel are subject to denial or debit when it is determined that the diagnostic procedures outlined above were not followed. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment M210114_Dual-Mass_Flywheel_Inspection.
• 10148058Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode. The customer states the recirculation display goes out, even though the recirculation button was switched on. CAUSE The automatic recirculation air deactivation feature was introduced in July 2012. Note: If the customer dislikes this feature, it can be deactivated by using the following steps.
• 10147958N16: Fault 274D Mixture Adaptation Is Stored in the DME. Certain low speed, light-load driving conditions at lower outside temperatures could cause the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) to illuminate. The following fault would be stored in the DME: ??Fault 274D: Mixture adaptation, lower engine speed range (mixture too lean) CAUSE 1. Possible intake/exhaust leaks, or a faulty component as listed in the test plan 2. Unfavorable DME software.

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