Two problems related to engine turbo-charger have been reported for the 2007 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
During start up, loud valve tapping noise is heard. Noise persisted during multiple segment of the trip where engine was shut off for up to 30 min and restarted. Subsequent noise was not as prominent as the initial start up on the same day.
The center pillar heat rises to an extremely high temperature in my car. This happened in the summer when temperatures were very hot. (100+) it's hot enough to startle a driver or burn them; this could cause them to react by moving their foot on the accelerator in an unpredictable way, which is quite a safety hazard. It burned my right ankle. I'm writing now because I really didn't know any better then, plus I didn't know about this website. Now there are reports of Mini Cooper Ss catching on fire. I am concerned.