Three problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Shortly after the temperature light came on, smoke started coming out of the exhaust. I pulled over almost immediately on the side of the busy highway I was on. However, in just that short time, smoke was already coming out of the front of the car and out of the car vents. At least one bystander said he saw a fire before I shut off the engine. He called the fire department and paramedics for fear that I might be injured. Please note that this was not a Mini Cooper s. I am requesting that you expand your current investigation of Mini engine fires to include the standard model (Mini Cooper).
In early December 2008 my wife was putting items in the back of the Mini Cooper and her leg touched the exhaust, pipe burning her leg. We took it to the service center and the service advisor informed us that there was nothing that they could do. On a recent visit to the service center the new service advisor informed us that there was a recall but not for this model. We are concerned from a safety stand point.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper sport. While removing groceries from the rear of the vehicle, the contact burned her leg on the exhaust pipe, which was located in the middle rear of the vehicle. The dealer gave her the number to the manufacturer, and they stated that they would get back with her. Since that time, the dealer stated that nothing else could be done due to the design of the exhaust system. She was advised to not get too close to the exhaust. The failure and current mileages were 1,400. Updated 08/04/08. The consumer stated the design itself was flawed. The consumer stated the issue could easily be rectified by making the exhaust pipe shorter. Updated 08/06/08.