Table 1 shows 23 common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 2008 Mini Cooper S. The number one most common problem is related to the timing tensioner (26 problems). The second most common problem is related to the engine and engine cooling (23 problems).
Pristine condition, low mileage, dealer serviced Mini Cooper S (owned since new) began exhibiting a rattling noise from engine at 34k miles. Dealer diagnosed it as a timing chain defect and timing chain tensioner defect. This is a known engine defect. Read details...
Timing chain jumped out of timing and caused bent valves. Read details...
The turbo oil feed line is inherently flawed and prematurely fails because of a bad design. This failure causes hot oil to leak all over a hot turbo. I was lucky enough to not have my engine catch fire with the failed o-ring on mine. Read details...