Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 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.
At 32000 miles an oil leak was noted on the garage floor. The foreign car repair shop troubleshot the leak. Final outcome: replace supercharger assembly, vacuum brake booster pump and intake manifold gasket. Total cost $3,014. 78 for a vehicle that has a trade-in value of less than $5,000. The foreign car expert was amazed that the turbo had to be replaced with such low mileage.
We purchased a 2008 Mini cooper for my daughter. Last night while she was putting things in the trunk, her leg glanced the tailpipe and she received a pretty significant burn. On looking at cars in a parking lot, I see that the Mini cooper's tail pipes are very exposed and not even slanted back. . . I see this as a huge danger. Pic received 10/0708 add picture *121108 cw updated 12/11/08.