2009 Mini Cooper S Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Cooling system
  1

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  56%
• 25k–50k
  2836%
• 50k–75k
  2937%
• 75k–100k
  1114%
• 100k–150k
  45%
• 150k+
  11%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Mini Cooper S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

2009 Mini Cooper s - I, like so many other Mini Cooper owners, have just fallen victim to the "death rattle" of the [known by BMW] defective/faulty and non-recalled timing chain issue. It's absurd that we continue to expose this far too common defect of a product that was originally deemed as a "non-service" item good for the operating life of the engine. Most owners experience problems within the first 50,000 miles. I purchased this well maintained (at a local Mini dealer) Mini from a private party just days after they performed an expensive 'walnut treatment' to clear out excessive carbon build up. Within 100mi of this service, the 'death rattle' starts. …

I own a 2009 Mini Cooper s convertible. I bought it 4 months ago. I was driving on i35 going to austin the 26th of December 2015. The vehicle died without a warning while in motion. I turned the hazards on immediately due to the dangerous situation I was in. There was no shoulder to the right; I let the car coast until I saw that I could safely stop. A san marcos cop came to help push the car further in to safety before the electricity of the car completely shut down and my key fob was stuck in the ignition. I had it towed to a BMW repair shop. I waited another day for them to open being it a holiday weekend. Then they checked what happened. They gave me a list. They said the vacuum pump melted. The report said that, pull valve cover found timing chain guides broken due to loose chain slapping them needs timing chain, guides and all associated seals and bolts. …

There is a cooling system failure in my car that has caused cylinder head issues and head gasket issues. Even though my car is a 2009, it only has about 53,000 miles. I purchased the car in December 2019 and in January 2020 the car overheated while driving and then I noticed the coolant was leaking from the car. I replaced the hose and thermostat. Now in August/September 2020 the car overheated again and there was also leaking from the coolant. I took the car to the mechanic and they said the engine needs major repair work. I recently noticed recalls on this make and model regarding the engine and engine cooling, however based on my experience with this car, I'm thinking this May still be an issue with this car. Additionally, I reviewed the carfax report from the previous owners and there was no information about any resolved recalls. …

Vehicle was in motion at 55-60 MPH. Vehicle cut off and would not start or turnover. 15 minutes of rest and car was started and rpms were fluttering. Mini Cooper of grand rapids stated the timing chain was "most likely" "out". They also stated no goodwill assistance could be provided while acknowledging the window, for a previous lawsuit involving thee 2009 Mini Cooper s, was closed and the defective tensioner and guide rails (to include engine design) were still in my Mini Cooper. Car has started once since but will not stay running. Other cases of fuel pumps failing on said model were acknowledged but "no recalls have been issued" said Mini, thus not warranting any repair or concern for my failed Mini. Repair estimate was 3,985$. After mentioning the previous lawsuit during 2015, a 'random' discount was announced of 10-15% to bring said total to est. 2,900$. …

I have a Mini Cooper s 2009, with only 50,000 miles in it ,and already its failing the guide and support rail the holds the timing chain, those supports are made of plastic which I believe it should be some kind of metal instead,when the support guides breaks the chain comes out of place crashing the engine, well the is ecsactly what happen to me , when I was driving in the freeway, I had to stop and get my car towed, but lucky me I wasn't in the middle of freway which it could cause a big accident, maybe death. Most of car makers like Honda has a miles limit for timing belt replacement, Mini Cooper s dont, its base on how much you drive it ,thats what dealer said. Botton line Mini USA should replace those plastic parts for something more durable specially if its going to make your car stop all of of sudden.

At 30000 miles the timing chain was replaced due to a recall. Car rattled for a few months prior to replacemen. At 55ooo mile my car engine light came on and lost power. I was able to limp it in to work about another 5 miles. My husband drove it to Mini dealership another 10 miles away and they stated that it blew a valve or a piston quoting him a head replacement of $5000 or replacement of engine for $10000. I purchased this car new and I have maintained it to a t. Reading on line this seems to all be related to the timing chain issue. Mini is not standing by their car and refusing to take responsibilty. Hopefully if we all continue to squeak we can get them to take responsibilty for faulty vehicles. I have a nice looking non running worthless car sitting in my driveway...anyone want it!

I stopped at a red light on a busy city street. The Mini Cooper s engine stopped running and would not start. That day was heavy snow and the roads were very difficult to drive on. I could not move the car. After sometime waiting on a tow truck the four way flashers quit working. Fortunately no one ran into the car. I disrupted traffic for about an hour until the police were able to push the car off the road. The car was towed to the Mini dealer and it was determined the timing chain broke. The car only has 32,000 miles on it. Researching, I see that many Mini owners have experienced the timing chain failing. My 17 year old daughter usually drives this car. I am glad I was driving it when this happened and fortunate the car was not moving when the engine failed.

Car went into limp gear mode on freeway, high RPM at 40 MPH. Vehicle shipped to Mini dealer 05/09/17 saying there was a transmission error code. Dealer said they tested vehicle and it wasn't the transmission it needed a water pump and cylinder need valve cover. 67,117 miles on odometer. Also front cv axle boot leaking. Had repairs done ($1692.58) after discount. At time of pickup, dealer asked to keep the vehicle a few more days to double check the transmission. A few days later they say yes there is a transmission error with the car going at higher highway speeds and it will need a new transmission! Cost ($9000) I did not have this done.the service advisor told me the vehicle was not safe to drive! This vehicle is driven by my 16 year old daughter to and from school!

Upon th eengine heating and cooling the plastic gasket on th eengine oil cooler can get pinched, causing an oil leak. Mini coopers in prior years - 2002-2007 had the same issue and Mini had a recall. If I spend the $1,800 to get the repair the next time the engine heats up and cools - the gasket could become pinched again - thus causing a leak. Mini Cooper of atlanta is yes this could happen and I would have to get it repaired again. Mini Cooper needs to ensure the 2 plates of the metal oil cooler are secure and cannot expand and shrink - upon engine usage. This is the same manufacturing flaw Mini Cooper had in 2002 - 2007 - so why hasn't Mini Cooper been told to fix their problem - verses throwing the responsibility to the customer?

This is the 2nd time this happend the car started to acelerate by its self when stopped and the brakes couldn't hold the car back, I then put the car into newtral, then into park tapped the gas and the car acted normal. It was like the car had a mind of its own and just started to go without my foot on the gas pedal . The last time this happend was a year ago .I thought it was a fluke but now it happend again, I am a very good driver but after this happend again I think I might just get rid if this car ...it reminded me of the movie chritine when the car had a mind of its own. I was stopped at a light with a car in front of me, the weather was 45 degrees and was driving for about 15 minutes already when it happend

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Engine complaints in other Cooper S years