2008 MINI COOPER S — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
197
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
8
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2008 MINI COOPER S
The 2008 MINI COOPER S has received a total of 197 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (78 complaints), Engine And Engine Cooling (36 complaints), and Air Bags (30 complaints).
Recalls for the 2008 MINI COOPER S
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2008 MINI COOPER S, potentially affecting up to 312,363 vehicles.
Recall 23V337000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 97,933 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,...
Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
View full details →Recall 18V248000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
| 47,806 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW...
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of...
View full details →Recall 18V248000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 47,806 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW...
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of...
View full details →Recall 12V008000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
| 90,368 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN...
Consequence: THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGANDURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.
View full details →Recall 08V657000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
| 28,450 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING 28,450 MY 2007-2008 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES. THE CENTRALLY LOCATED TAILPIPE EXTENSION PROTRUDES SLIGHTLY BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.
Consequence: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAILPIPE WITH A NEW SHORTER TAILPIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2008 MINI COOPER S
197 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 MINI COOPER S. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 78 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 36 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingengine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Trainmanual Transmission | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classification | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkages | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainclutch Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the braking system; however, the contact stated that new brake hardware had been installed on the vehicle. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR HAS FAILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT ACTIVATE IN A CRASH WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. RECALLS ACTIVE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR THE SAME MAKE IN OTHER YEARS AND MODELS ARE CURRENTLY RECALLED HOWEVER OTHERS ARE EXCLUDED.
TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS OFF LINE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DO NOT TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT TURNING ON WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TACHOMETER WHEN I START THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STATIONARY.
Safety Rating for the 2008 MINI COOPER S
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 MINI COOPER S in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 MINI COOPER S
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 MINI COOPER S. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
M360119 — WHEELS
New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
M010716 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"N14 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 7 YEARS/100,000 MILES. INFORMATION As part of a Class Action Suit Settlement for the vehicles listed above (""Class Vehicles""), MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC, is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and...
M840114 — EQUIPMENT
Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the...
M651015 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
NAV Road Map Installation Using USB Stick. The Navigation road map can be installed onto the head unit in the vehicle using a USB stick connected to the USB connector in the center console in the vehicle. 32GB USB stick is necessary Desired NAV road map version can be retrieved...
M110414 — ENGINE
N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. CAUSE The sealing plug was not tightened sufficiently during production.
M330112 — WHEELS
Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly
SB-1227 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH A VAPOR RECOVERY PUMP WHICH WILL CAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO COME ON. *RM
SIM-11-03-08 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
MINI: TURBOCHARGER FAILURE; OIL SUPPLY LINE BLOCKAGE. LOSS OF PERFORMANCE AND TURBOCHARGER NOISE. *PE UPDATED 8/16/11. *PE
NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 MINI COOPER S
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2008 MINI COOPER S.
Other Model Years of the MINI COOPER S
- 2003 MINI COOPER S — 258 complaints
- 2004 MINI COOPER S — 279 complaints
- 2005 MINI COOPER S — 383 complaints
- 2006 MINI COOPER S — 243 complaints
- 2007 MINI COOPER S — 300 complaints
- 2008 MINI COOPER S (current)
- 2009 MINI COOPER S — 151 complaints
- 2010 MINI COOPER S — 78 complaints
- 2011 MINI COOPER S — 46 complaints
- 2012 MINI COOPER S — 30 complaints
- 2013 MINI COOPER S — 32 complaints
Other MINI Models
- MINI COOPER — 2,830 total complaints
- MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE — 212 total complaints
- MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE — 180 total complaints
- MINI COOPER CLUBMAN — 171 total complaints
- MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN — 161 total complaints
- MINI COUNTRYMAN — 145 total complaints
- MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN — 119 total complaints
- MINI CLUBMAN — 92 total complaints