Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 2009 Mini Cooper S

Six problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2009 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2017

I purchased a brand new Mini Cooper S in 2009 w/ standard 3 years of factory maintenance and I later added on an extended warranty a few years later. 2014 I entered into a 3 year lease on a BMW. Aside from maintenance, the Mini was mostly garaged except for maintenance until th after a month of driving it, I heard a ticking sound that made me think it needed oil added, despite having one about 2 months prior. I added the Mini synthetic oil to the car and the ticking sound stopped for a week or two. Then it started rattling and shaking severely when driving low speeds or at an idle. I checked the on board diagnostic systems, which is supposed to check oil levels and the general health of the car. No issues came up but I stopped driving it because I saw the oil light come on, and I know that couldn't be good, especially since oil was added between changes. I had the car towed to an independent Mini mechanic, they told me that the timing chain needed to be replaced, there were holes in the turbo line and some various oil leaks. Their estimate was roughly $2500 to make the car drivable again. Spoke to Mini corporate, urged me to take it to Mini dealer for diagnostics so corporate to see what help they'd offer me on these issues because they knew the timing chain belt was an issue and they knew the car burns through oil 50% faster than their electronic system and owners manual says. They were aware of this in 2008 and it affected several Mini coopers to the extent of blowing out their entire engine. A class action lawsuit was filed because Mini failed to issue a recall, warn buyers, or notify current ones. They extended the timing chain belt coverage to 7 years or 80k after the suit. My car has 73k but it's 7 years going on 8. The dealer confirmed diagnosis but Mini won't offer any help on the 3-4k repairs. If this happened 9 months ago, they would cover it.

2 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2016

I have a Mini Cooper S 2009, with only 50,000 miles in it ,and already its failing the guide and support rail the holds the timing chain, those supports are made of plastic which I believe it should be some kind of metal instead,when the support guides breaks the chain comes out of place crashing the engine, well the is ecsactly what happen to me , when I was driving in the freeway, I had to stop and get my car towed, but lucky me I wasn't in the middle of freway which it could cause a big accident, maybe death. Most of car makers like Honda has a miles limit for timing belt replacement, Mini Cooper S dont, its base on how much you drive it ,thats what dealer said. Botton line Mini USA should replace those plastic parts for something more durable specially if its going to make your car stop all of of sudden.

3 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2013

Started to hear a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. Issue with the time chain. So bent out of shape that the chain almost broke. I have always kept on top of changing my oil and getting my car serviced everytime it need it so I dont understand why this would even happen. When researching my problem I saw that its extremely common for models since 2007+ to experience this. This needs to be recalled. Theres no reason for a owner to have to pay 200-2000 dollars when they have done everything right with servicing and oil changes etc. Im just glad I wasnt on the highway when this happened to me because having your engine belt break in a busy highway doesnt sound safe.

4 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2012

Timing belt failure due to restrictor belt defect.

5 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2010

Failure of timing belt tensioner in 2009 Mini Cooper S leading to massive oil leak loss of power to engine and near lethal accident.

6 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2008

2009 Mini Cooper S loud noise at cold startup immediately after car was received in November 2008 miniusa has discovered it's an issue with the timing belt and its tensioner I read of this issue online and asked Mini dealer to repair they replaced timing belt and tensioner but some Mini owners report a recurrence of the issue and major damage to the car's engine.




Safety Ratings of Cooper S Cars
Cooper S Service Bulletins
Cooper S Safety Recalls
Cooper S Defect Investigations