Nine problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2007 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that with no warning there was a catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to braman Mini of palm beach, 4011, 2815 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, FL 33409,(561) 257-4774 . The dealer indicated that the manufacturer service campaign only was to address replacing the timing chain and that the replacement of the engine assembly was not included in the manufacturer guidelines of the service campaign. The vehicle was not repaired yet. The contact was waiting for a response from the manufacturer to determine if they may approve the dealer replacing the timing chain and the engine assembly. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Dyd.
Engine failure occurred when driving on major freeway at posted speed limited of 75 mph. Pulling off on slip road due to engine stopping. Only after full stop did engine warning lights come on. Checked under hood and found coolant had evacuated the system. Engine would not restart. Towed to mechanic and found that the gear shifter had worn through coolant hose due to engineering defect.
Timing chain failure caused immediate engine failure at highway speed. Damaged timing chain housing cracked causing oil to spray the hot engine. Subsequent oil started a small fire that was extinguished by driver.
The engine quit while preparing to enter a highway. The car was accelerating to turn onto the highway and it just quit and partially blocked the highway. Luckily the highway was on a slope and to prevent from blocking the highway and risk injury, I was able to coast into a fire station along the highway and from there push the car out of the way of traffic. The cause of the failure is a broken timing chain which broke with no warning. The repair will cost about $4000. The fact that it broke as I was entering a highway and with no on-coming traffic was very lucky. There is no warning for the engine to stop. This seems like a common problem for 2007 Minis and as these cars age the likely hood of the problem occurring increases. This can happen at any time the engine is running and without warning. This is a safety issue as an abrupt engine failure can happen anywhere and without notice. It was over 100f the day my engine quit, I was over 90miles away from home in a sparsely populated rural area with no cell phone coverage. If it had happened 15 miles in either direction it could have been hours before anyone found me and my car.
Mini cooper 2007 - rattles when cold. Took the car to the dealer. Felt to be a problem with the timing chain. I did some research. It's a known problem and can lead to the engine seizing during driving. It's a safety issue that Mini is well aware of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it. The repair would cost ~$2500. If I don't repair it, I worry about the engine failing while I'm on the highway - or worse, with my kids in the car during a drive. Mini knows about this and has directed dealers specifically on this problem. Countless online complaints about the same thing. Mini should offer a recall and fix this known defect before anyone loses control of a car while driving and someone gets hurt. Updated ivoq 07/09/12.
While driving in heavy traffic following extended highway speed, stopped at traffic light and engine died with no warning and would not restart. Car had to be towed a considerable distance to original dealership. Learned that the vacuum pump seized / locked up, causing a chain reaction of catastrophic results that totally destroyed engine. Car needs complete new engine at 74,000 miles (out of warranty)and Mini USA attitude is that such engine failure is not their responsibility even though this particular Mini was impeccably maintained beyond Mini servcie requirements, but to no avail as engine blew at a very young 74,000 miles of age and there are repeated instances of same engine failure on internet BMW/Mini blogs. Note: this catastrophic damage follows last year's large out of warranty expense of replacing the entire electronic steering lock system as vehicle could not be driven safely and again Mini felt no responsibility for equipment failure even though the problem was subsequently acknowledged by the fact that electronic steering lock is no longer installed in new Mini coopers!.
Car has timing chain noise on cold start-up and if left unrepaired, it will result in timing chain failure and engine destruction. This is a widespread problem on 2007 and later Mini Cooper S. Dealer refuses to repair out of warranty and, even if repaired, the problem will return. There are cases of multiple engine failures to same car. Car also uses 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles.
On 10/27/2010 I was driving on 595 west (stop and go traffic) came to a stop, my car stalls and dies. It will not restart. Vehicle was towed to lauderdale Mini dealership in fort lauderdale. After inspection I was informed the vacuum pump locked up and jammed engine several times causing a catastrophic engine failure. Engine was replaced. Cost- over $6000. 00. Mini USA refused to compensate unless their is a future recall.
Driving on the interstate, I approach my exit and as I come to a stop on the exit ramp, the car stalls and dies. Car will not restart. Vehicle is towed to the closest dealership. After inspection at the dealership, I am told the vacuum pump has failed causing catastrophic engine failure. Suggested repair is engine replacement.