2004 BMW Mini Cooper S Convertible 1.6 S

Summary:

Its cool looking car, but will go on a mini adventure of its own. Check that the handbrake

Faults:

My car was parked on a slight incline (NOT steep) with the handbrake fully on and it rolled into 2 cars about 10-30 minutess after I had left it.

Apparently the rear brakes heat up whilst driving, then you apply the handbrake, and as the brakes cool, the handbrake releases.

The manufacturers have received unlimited amounts of complaints, but deny this is a problem, even though they have been recalled in 2001 & 2003 - I think they are due another recall as so many people are still suffering from this fault!

General Comments:

Apart from the above, and the rattles, it's a cute little car with plenty of power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2006

2nd Aug 2006, 13:01

Next time put it in gear as well. Rolling problem solved.

14th Aug 2006, 06:39

You shouldn't have to put a 2004 car in gear when you park. New cars should have working handbrakes!

18th Sep 2006, 07:29

I have BMW Mini Cooper purchased May 2006. On 19th July in that extreme heat, my car was parked for 50 minutes before gently running into another car. Have written evidence from police officer who dealt with the case, and the driver of the car I hit, that the brake looked fully pulled up. When I got in the car, I found the brake was on. I went to local dealer who has tried to bully me out of continuing the fight. BMW Customer Service said they had never heard of this problem! I have just found your site. Has anyone else had this problem this year?

8th Oct 2006, 02:03

This happened to me too. My cooper s rolled down a hill and smashed into 3 cars!

I got rid of that crappy 'mini' and bought a 205 GTi instead, a proper hatchback!

27th Oct 2006, 03:05

Published this Summer by the Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds university confirmation that this happens regularly and why. So don't be fobbed off by your garage/dealer.

24th Jun 2008, 13:16

Some people that own a manual car don't realise that you should always leave it in first gear WITH THE HAND BRAKE ON too, I mean who leaves a manual car parked on a slope without leaving it in gear??

25th Jun 2008, 15:26

On a decent car there is no need to leave it in gear and put the handbrake. Rolling away is much more common on cars with rear discs as the discs cool down they shrink and the pressure from the pads is reduced so they can roll away, with drums the opposite happens as the drums shrink they clamp in on the pads and the brake becomes firmer.

Nevertheless if a car is designed right you should be able to leave it on a hill with just a handbrake. I feel perfectly safe doing so in my manual car.

1st Dec 2010, 15:10

Just get in the habit of putting it in gear every time you park, no matter what. And on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb. Don't believe me, read the Owners Manual.

In reply to 14th Aug 2006, 06:39

26th Oct 2013, 02:27

You should always leave every car in gear when parked; it's not a statement put out there to disagree with. It's a fact.

2004 BMW Mini Cooper S 1.6 Supercharged

Summary:

A very classy and fast car that is as good to look at, as it is to drive

Faults:

Harmon Karden speakers blew and were fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Superb handling and top class build quality just about sums up all about the Mini.

Speed wise, it could be a little quicker, but that's because it weighs in quite hefty with all the luxury options added.

Suppose one has to mention about the whining sound of the supercharged engine. Unique and very nice indeed.

The cabin is the best in its class in my view. The seating position is comfortable and low down for added sportiness.

The ride is a little on the harsh side, but I suspect it's not helped by those rather overpriced run-flat tires.

For a comparatively small car, it has a huge thirst for super unleaded though. 22MPG normally, and about 28MPG on the motorway!! Although my heavy right foot might have something to do with it. But the running costs are off set by savings on servicing if it came with TLC pack, which provides free servicing for 5 years. Also, it holds on to its value extremely well if it has the right spec.

All in all, it's the best car I have had up to now, and I will probably sample another one in the future because they are that good. Probably a Cooper S Works, or the new turbo charged version when it comes out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2006