KnownCarProblems2008 Mini Cooper S Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 168 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mini Cooper S, most often about the engine (71% of complaints, typically around 52,000 miles). It is 6th of 21 Cooper S model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2008 Mini Cooper S problems
Engine
120 complaints · 71%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Engine developed a knocking, rattling sound which grew louder over time. The local Mini dealership diagnosed a timing chain glide and tensioner failure. Replaced the entire assembly. Was told Mini realized the glides were inferior and was now using upgraded glides in the replacement kits. When asked if this shouldn't…
My car started making a weird noise in the front of the car near the engine when I turned it on. Then it continued to make the loud noise as I drove. I took the car to the dealer and they said the timing chain stretched and caused the guide rail to break, which fell into the oil pan. The dealer said I was lucky my…
Air bags
30 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
I can't tell exactly the mileage of the car by the time the alarm pop up, but it was about 64k as specified above. At that time the passenger air bag alarm comes "on" the car with a passenger seated. It all started intermittent but after a week the light remains on all the time, along with the warning "passenger air…
(sorry for my english) the car turn on the passenger air bag sensor every time. I dont have passengers any time but this problem appeared. There is a Mini recall for this problems but they told me that my car is not in the recall list.
Transmission
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, clutch assembly.
I have owned the Mini since new. Always regularly serviced at the Mini dealer. Recently I started the engine and it sounded more like a diesel engine, very noisy and unusual. Took it to the Mini dealer and as I explained what the symptoms were, the front desk person that took my details diagnosed the problem. The…
Vehicle makes a loud noise from the engine compartment at cold start, dealer informed me it's the timing chain and tensioner, total cost about $1950.00. Dealer informed me it's a common problem but there is no recall from Mini USA.
Electrical
8 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles.
Passenger side air bag sensor is going off when either a passenger of average weight (150lbs.) is occupying seat or a small bump in road is hit. The air bag sensor for wiring and seat cushion replacement is no longer under a warranty for 2008 model, but is a known problem costing approximately $1200.00 to repair at…
I can't tell exactly the mileage of the car by the time the alarm pop up, but it was about 64k as specified above. At that time the passenger air bag alarm comes "on" the car with a passenger seated. It all started intermittent but after a week the light remains on all the time, along with the warning "passenger air…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 3%When the car accelerating on the first and second gear, there was a small jerking motion. Took it to the shop and they didn't find any problem with the car. One the day of the incident date, 01/08, when I started the car, the car have a loud engine sound, sounds like the car is chocking for air. The engine light is on…
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.
Seat belts
4 complaints · 2%Airbag and seatbelt light remain on in the vehicle. I will not pay the outrageous amount of money the dealership wants the fix or replace whatever is wrong with it. Maybe ill be the first person injured because of this fault that a recall actually is issued for this defect.
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.
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 2%I would like to see a recall issued or at least investigated for any Mini cooper 2007 and up with the bmw engine. This engine has a faulty timing belt tensioner that is prone to fail causing severe engine damage. I have a 2008 and just lost my engine due to this tension failure. After spending the 600.00 dollars to…
As I was driving the car, the hood in the front started to release smoke. There was also a smoking smell. This continued throughout the ride. Brought the car to a mechanic who indicates that the car is leaking oil onto the engine, making it extremely dangerous to drive as it can cause a fire. This problem continues to…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 2%Parts named most often: body.
As I was driving my car started chugging. I pulled over and kept chugging. I stopped the car, looked under the hood and saw if something was wrong. Did not see anything. Started it up again and once I accelerated it stopped chugging. Drove it very scarcely and brought it into the dealership. Was told it was a timing…
The dealer informed me my oil feed lines to the turbo were leaking and would need to be replaced soon. After doing some research found the couplings that attaches these lines to the turbo are defective. The dealer says there is not a recall and will cost approx: $1200.00. The dealer installed a turbo shield to help…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Mini Cooper S recalls
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 defect summary
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, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, virginia, west virginia, washington d.c., and wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
Engine: turbo/supercharger
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 defect summary
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, cooper s clubman, jcw clubman, cooper s roadster, jcw roadster, cooper s coupe, jcw coupe and rolls-royce ghost, 2011 bmw x6 hybrid and 2012 bmw 650i coupe, 650i xdrive coupe, 650i convertible and 650i xdrive convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Engine: turbo/supercharger
Risk: The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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 defect summary
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 water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Engine: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
Fix: 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 defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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 t
Exhaust pipe burns
Summary
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 injurie
Questions about the 2008 Mini Cooper S
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper S?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (120 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles); air bags (30 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles); transmission (9 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper S have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 11, 2023 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Mini Cooper S?
- It is 6th of 21 Cooper S model years by number of complaints, with 168 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.