2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Exhaust system
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  14%
• 25k–50k
  625%
• 50k–75k
  1042%
• 75k–100k
  521%
• 100k–150k
  28%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The oil supply line to the turbo on this car leaks due to a poor design. The part(s) used by the manufacturer are not suitable for the application and fail, causing not only an oil leak, but a potential turbo failure, and worse, the potential for an engine fire, as the oil leaks onto a hot turbo charger and exhaust manifold/downpipe. The oil line uses a compression fitting where it attaches to the turbo body. This fitting uses an internal rubber o-ring/seal that is subjected to high heat, and heat cycles every time the car is run. Rubber seals fail under these conditions! The manufacturer (Mini/BMW) is aware of the problem, and is doing nothing to correct it. (it's very expensive repair) instead, the manufacturer is providing a "band-aid fix" by supplying a "heat shield" that attaches to the fitting. …

I have had major problems with my engine ever since I have had my Mini Cooper s Clubman. The turbo is loose, there is oil burning off of my engine, and it makes terrible screeching sounds that come from the engine. I have just learned that it is common for a Mini Cooper to have problems with its timing chain; thus, causing this terrible sound and all those other problems. I did not know it was the timing chain, and now they are having a recall on most of there models that are from the same year as mine. My car whenever I brake makes screeching noises that come from my engine, and I'm worried that this poor engine design will cause me to get in an accident. Now I have to pour money into getting a new timing chain, even though Mini Cooper is now know for having terrible timing chains.

The car developed engine trouble at 51,934 miles. We called otto's Mini dealership and were told that the car was no longer under warranty. We then took car to a local repair shop and were told that the engine needed replacing due to faulty timing chain that resulted in extensive damage to the cylinder head and pistons. Upon researching this problem it appears that it is very common. We proceeded with the repair at the local shop and filed with Mini to request coverage. Coverage was denied since we did not have car serviced at the dealer. The nature of this repair and the large number of reported issues would suggest one to expect Mini to stand behind their product.

My 2008 Mini Cooper s Clubman appears to be having a problem with the tim ing chain tensioner and timing chain. The noise is steadily getting worse. After reading about the class action lawsuits around the united states I am now afraid to drive the car. If the timing chain desires to come apart on the freeway the sudden loss of steering and brakes could cause a major accident by engine seizing up if the timing chain let's go. Also the damage to the engine would cost so much it would not be worth fixing.leaving us with a $7500 owed on a vehicle we cannot use.

Car caught fire and burned up (totaled) in my driveway after it was shut off. Fire started in the engine compartment about 10 minutes after I shut it off and got out of the car. It nearly burned down my house too -- front steps and fence caught fire before the fire department got there and extinguished the fire. Have photos to document.

The bango fitting on top of the turbo started randomly and excessively leaking oil while idling in my driveway. Could have caused a fire. Going to have to replace the oil intake line, oil, and do a engine cleaning. This is very dangerous and could have easily started a fire with oil pouring over a hot turbo.

Timing chain jumped off of dead center. Had to replace timing chair to new upgraded assembly. Cost was around $1200.00. Upset because this has been happening to a lot of Mini coopers. Should have some kind of recall to consumers. BMW knows about this.was driving home from out of state.

I just purchased a pre-owned 2008 Mini Cooper s 2months ago... I just started having a cold start issue since when I bought the car it was hot out and now since the temp has dropped the car has a chatter coming from the engine bay. I have searched all over the internet and I have seen there are many coopers with the same issue and many have replaced timing chains for almost $2000 and the manufacturer isn't bringing a recall to attention. I work in a dealership as a sales person and many mechanics are saying is a timing issue. I feel loss of power and now feel the car can die at any moment. Please make Mini open and investigation in this matter.

While driving up an incline on a semi-rural road in orange county, ca, my car appeared to be unable to shift gears (it is an automatic transmission). My head lurched forward and back again forcefully, and I was unable to drive more than 20 MPH on a 60 MPH speed limit road for the next mile, until I arrived at my destination. Luckily no one was close behind me, or I could have been rear-ended, and luckily I was close to my final destination. I drive a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman s, automatic with paddle shifters. It is about $8,300 to $9,700 to repair it (2 different repair quotes obtained).

In November the dealer informed me my oil feed lines to the turbo were leaking and would need to be replaced soon. After doing some research I have found the couplings that attaches these lines to the turbo are defective. On the internet there are hundreds of complaints about this issue. The dealer says there is not a recall and will cost approx: $1200.00. The dealer also said the new couplings are manufactured by a new company and the defect has been fixed. With so many effective shouldn't Mini be fixing this issue.

NHTSA investigations

Engine complaints in other Cooper Clubman S years