Three problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Purchased from carmax (11/18/17), never informed of class action lawsuit involving the timing chain with this vehicle. After only 4 months and only a few hundred miles, the problems began. First trip to mechanic, the engine valve cover was found to be cracked. Replaced for just over $700. Less than 10 months later and well under 2000 miles, I was in transit to work, on the highway off ramp and the Mini shut down completely, would not start back up. Had to be pushed off the road. Towed back to auto mechanic and another $200 to find the guide to timing chain broke off, causing engine failure. Mini was towed back to carmax to find the engine needs replaced, but will have to be replaced with the same type of engine, which can cause the same problem to happen again and again. Senior team at carmax is currently evaluating my case. Possible buy back of vehicle, still awaiting a verdict.
Timing chain failure (which led to class action lawsuit) caused engine failure while driving on highway. Car stopped accelerating. 18 year old daughter was driving. Owners that were not aware of this lawsuit or did not vehicle at the time still affected by this defective part putting drivers in danger yet company has never issued recall.
While traveling on the highway in dickson, TN my 2008 Mini Cooper lost all power without warning. I was able to make it to the side of the highway. This was during an ice storm. We had to wait hours on the side of a highway with no heat, and vehicles struggling to stay on the road, until a tow truck driver from aaa was able to pick us up, saying how lucky we were to have not been hit. When bringing the vehicle to a certified Mini dealership I was told that it was due to low oil level. The incident occured in February, my oil was changed on December. Upon repair from my independent mechanic, the cause of failure was determined to be a catastrophic engine failure due to a faulty timing chain that collapsed. I have been made aware that Mini Cooper is aware of the timing chain defect, and in fact sent out a service bulletin but has done nothing to fix this problem. On behalf of current Mini drivers and potential buyers I urge you to look at this issue in hopes of preventing potential injuries or deaths.