2007/8 Mini - reliability?

-Mike- · 10 Mar 2015 at 01:00

Hey all,

I realise these are perhaps looked at a "not real" mini but am keen to find out reliability info on them? I'm specifically looking at either the Cooper or Cooper S with a preference to the S. It's been a long time since I've had a reasonable performance petrol car and my sister raves about how great her mini is so figured it'd be rude not to have a test drive of a few.

Any info/tips/advice gratefully received!

Thanks

atpbx · 10 Mar 2015 at 08:02

Check to see if it's had the upgraded tensioner fitted.
Make sure you us the correct oil, and check it every week if you use it for short hops.
The S eats pads and discs.

Oh and use super unleaded, mine used to pink if it didn't get it.

swain90 · 10 Mar 2015 at 09:03

I think on some of the 2007 models they were prone to the power steering failure.

A friend of mine ended up going through quite a few of the pumps.

You may not get that issue on 2008+

slick rick · 10 Mar 2015 at 09:06

My sister has 2010 Mini Cooper Mayfair and it is in the Mini workshop right now because it kept cutting out. They are not particularly reliable IMO.

naefeart · 10 Mar 2015 at 09:19

We've just bought a 2011 Cooper S. The Mini dealer has included 2years warranty, I'm hoping we won't need it.

It was great on the test drive, the suspension is on the firm side as expected. Probably not helped by the run flats. We will ditch these when the opportunity arises. It is a comfortable car though, helped by ours having the upgraded lounge leather seats.

One we tried had an issue with the drivers window. The windows drop when opening the doors and close once shut. On this one it sounded like the window mechanism was still trying to close the window even once it was up. I don't know how common this is, but one to watch for.

Meatball · 10 Mar 2015 at 12:42

I've had my 2007 '57' R56 Mini Cooper S for just over a year now. It's just ticked over 41k miles and has full BMWSH. So far it's proven to be very reliable *touch wood*. I average about 35MPG and I keep good pace!

. You'll need to keep a close eye on oil levels as these do need regular top-ups

.

If you're looking at one I would recommend looking for one with the upgraded speaker system, the default system is rubbish!

eatcustard · 10 Mar 2015 at 14:13

Buy post 2008 minis are much better than 07s
Troublesome carbon build-up (this is down to girl drivers who dont open it up) being the main problem

slick rick · 10 Mar 2015 at 14:54

I have just spoken to my sister, she has collected her Mini this afternoon and the problem was VANOS solenoid on the intake cam.

-Mike- · 11 Mar 2015 at 00:37

eatcustard said:
Buy post 2008 minis are much better than 07s
Troublesome carbon build-up (this is down to girl drivers who dont open it up) being the main problem

My main concern was the timing chain issues that seem widely reported on the internet! Its either one of these which I think I'd prefer for the extra turbo torque or a swift sport.