Two problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) have been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2008 Cooper S.
The turbo charger has totally failed (car is under half power) and the top guide on the timing chair (tensioner system) is broken. I have done the proper maintenance with exceptional care. The turbo is cooled by the known failed auxiliary water pump with integrated circuit board and is currently under recall. Mini/BMW is refusing to cover these failures clearly caused by defective parts and design (oil line leading to turbo gets gummed up because it is too small). They are attempting to charge me over $5200 to repair the car (20% of the vehicle cost in 2008) for what is absolutely a manufacturer problem. My car is not operational and has not been operational for over 2 weeks while I continue to 'fight' BMW's determination not to cover these problems. Reading countless blogs with owners experiencing the same problem(s) I believe BMW is intentionally selling a product it knows is defective and collecting thousands of dollars on repairs. No car should experience a total failure of a turbo and broken timing chain in 60k miles. This is outrageous and NHTSA should protect us consumers from this fraudulent activity by issuing a recall - sooner than later.
When the car is started cold in the morning with an ambient temperature of around 37degrees f. There is a rattle in the engine compartment somewhat similar to a diesel engine rattle but louder. Could be a timing chain problem that will destroy the engine eventually. BMW needs to do something about it.