Eight problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
The timing chain was replaced at 90,000 mile and and now need to be replaced at 104,000 miles.
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.
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).
Engine had a cold start rattle for a long time. Then while driving, the rattle got worse and after being diagnosed at the dealership, it was due to the plastic timing guide breaking due to not enough tension on the timing chain. I had to stop driving immediately and get my car towed to the dealership. My warranty had ran out shortly before the incident.
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.
These cars come with a faulty timing chain. Mini cooper won't do a recall on the vehicle. I am having to pay 1500. 00 to fix this issue and the I have no warranty. I have heard from many and seen the reviews about this issue. It happens to vehicle owners with less miles. Mini needs to make a recall for this issue. These are pricey cars but if Mini has done a misfunctions while building the car they should own up to it and get it fix.
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.