One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 2002 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2002 Cooper.
I drove my 2002 Mini Cooper approximately 6 miles to drop off a friend who was visiting from out of town. I was helping my friend remove his suitcase and standing to the passenger side rear of the car when my leg made contact with the tailpipe causing about a 2 inch crescent shaped burn. The tailpipe was hot enough that my skin stuck to the pipe - it is a pretty nasty second degree burn.