Two problems related to loud engine noise 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 contact owned a 2008 Mini Cooper S. While driving approximately 70 mph, an abnormal noise was heard and the contact noticed thick, grey smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and noticed flames in the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v008000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,777.
We started hearing a loud noise around 27,000 miles. Car was just over four years old and out of warranty. Ended up with a timing chain issue and it needed to be replaced. Repeated calls to Mini dealer and Mini USA provided worthless, stuck with whole repair and no assistance.