2003 BMW Mini Cooper from North America - Comments

Hi All.

I am college student in San Diego, CA and was considering buying a used mini cooper S but after reading about all these problems, I am having second thoughts. But I still have one question...

How often do these problems occur? is EVERYONE having them, or just SOME people here and there. Is there a chance that this mini that I buy will last me past 100,000 miles?

Input would be most appreciated.

My 2004 Mini Cooper has performed acceptably since I purchased the car in Aug of 2006 with 37K miles on it.

I use the car as my primary transportation and work vehicle, and I travel over 60K miles a year in the Midwest.

I of course maintain the car, oil changes, brakes, tires, tune ups. The repairs have been kept to an acceptable level. The bigger problem was finding reliable service. The local Mini dealer had difficulty diagnosing and repairing my car on two different occasions that resulted in breakdowns, towing and multiple trips back to the dealer. I have found a dependable service center and I am much happier.

Replaced hydraulic steering pump at 87K.

New brushes in alternator at 148K.

New clutch at 178K.

My only complaint would be the short life and the cost of run flat tires. I generally try to get a year out of a set of tires. This past year I drove approx. 64K miles and went through two sets of run flats and am now on a set of non run flat snow tires. I will find a different tire for my summer driving and stay away from the run flats.

I also have had an alignment done with each tire change, but it appears that the factory alignment specs (this is my guess) is geared for performance and not tire longevity. All of my rear tires have had uneven tread wear even with monthly rotations.

Also, the steep angle of the windshield takes the full impact of stones and such off the road (I'm on my fourth windshield). I've heard similar complaints from owners of other vehicles with steep angled windshields, like Land Rovers.

Other than those two issues, I am very happy with the fuel economy, performance and cost to maintain.

Cleveland, Ohio

I ordered a 2002 Cooper S with the Sports Package and 17" wheels from the factory and received it in Sept. 2002. I have over 57,000 miles on it and change the oil and clean the air filter every 5,000 miles. I've replaced the left window motor and junked the run flat tires for Yokohama AVS tires. Other than that the only problems I've had were overheating once when the power steering fan was hit by a rock and the fuse blew. (it was the same fuse as the engine fan). The dealer replaced the fan with a later model shrouded fan. The other problem was with the trunk closure latch. I bought the car in Kansas City, Kansas and now reside in Florida. I broke the car in, and have always driven it, "Briskly".

I drive a 2003 JCW Mini S. At 96000km the clutch packed it in. I was told by BMW that this was normal for a Mini clutch and the quote of 2200 AUD to fix it. I took it to the local mechanic who ordered genuine Mini clutch and replaced it for 1300 AUD. He was a bit surprised that it was seen as normal for it to only last for such a short period of time km wise. I am getting ready to sell the Mini... I don't think I would buy another.