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2008 Mini Cooper S

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cooper S years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mini Cooper S are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

153 reports with mileage · 15 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports10 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

78 reports
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48,000 miles · Dec 9, 2016
Engine

THE TURBO OIL FEED LINE IS INHERENTLY FLAWED AND PREMATURELY FAILS BECAUSE OF A BAD DESIGN. THIS FAILURE CAUSES HOT OIL TO LEAK ALL OVER A HOT TURBO. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE MY ENGINE CATCH FIRE WITH THE FAILED O-RING ON MINE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN LARGE CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEGIN TO FLOW FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMEN…

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THE TURBO OIL FEED LINE IS INHERENTLY FLAWED AND PREMATURELY FAILS BECAUSE OF A BAD DESIGN. THIS FAILURE CAUSES HOT OIL TO LEAK ALL OVER A HOT TURBO. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE MY ENGINE CATCH FIRE WITH THE FAILED O-RING ON MINE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN LARGE CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEGIN TO FLOW FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER AND GET TOWED HOME. I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT STILL VERY LOW MILEAGE (48K) WHEN MINE FAILED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10934179

34,400 miles · Oct 6, 2016
Engine

PRISTINE CONDITION, LOW MILEAGE, DEALER SERVICED MINI COOPER S (OWNED SINCE NEW) BEGAN EXHIBITING A RATTLING NOISE FROM ENGINE AT 34K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A TIMING CHAIN DEFECT AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER DEFECT. THIS IS A KNOWN ENGINE DEFECT. REFERENCE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND SETTLEMENT 338403. THIS SETTLEMENT BY BMW/…

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PRISTINE CONDITION, LOW MILEAGE, DEALER SERVICED MINI COOPER S (OWNED SINCE NEW) BEGAN EXHIBITING A RATTLING NOISE FROM ENGINE AT 34K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A TIMING CHAIN DEFECT AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER DEFECT. THIS IS A KNOWN ENGINE DEFECT. REFERENCE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND SETTLEMENT 338403. THIS SETTLEMENT BY BMW/MINI USA COVERS THIS FLAW AND BMW/MINI KNOWS THAT VEHICLES PRODUCED WITHIN THE 2007-2010 TIMEFRAME HAVE THIS FLAW. THIS FLAW CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IN MY CASE, IT WAS NOISY UNDER ACCELERATION, AND WAS INTO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE WITHIN DAYS OF FIRST ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOWN FLAW. HOWEVER, BMW/MINI SETTLED THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND SET ASIDE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR CLAIMS....BUT THOSE CLAIMS MUST BE FILED BY 7/1/16. I DID NOT HAVE THE ISSUE BEFORE THAT DATE, I HAD IT HAPPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2016 - TWO MONTHS LATER. I HAVE REQUESTED SOME ACCOMMODATION FROM BMW/MINI, HOWEVER THEY ARE REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE AT ANY LEVEL, EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THIS WAS A FLAWED PART AND COULD HAVE CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. I AM NOT EXPECTING FULL REIMBURSEMENT, BUT IF THEY KNOW THE CAR HAS A MAJOR FLAW, THEY SHOULD HAVE SOME COVERAGE IN PLACE FOR ANY OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE FLAW. THUS FAR THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER AND MINI USA HAVE INDICATED BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AFTER 7/1/16 THEY WILL NOT ACCOMMODATE.

NHTSA ODI #10914301

97,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System

FUEL SMELL STARTED TO GET STRONGER IN THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT SEE ANY LEAKS ON THE FLOOR TILL TODAY. I ALSO NOTICE THE GREEN TEMPERATURE NOTIFICATION COME ON TODAY. I HAD MY OIL CHANGED AT THE BMW/MINI DEALER IN ONTARIO LAST MONTH.

NHTSA ODI #10905148

48,544 miles · Jun 2, 2016
Engine

TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKEN AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE AT MILE 48544 - 48552

NHTSA ODI #10872172

85,777 miles · Mar 30, 2016
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THICK, GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THICK, GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,777.

NHTSA ODI #10852542

61,500 miles · Mar 28, 2016
Engine

I OWN A 2008 MINI COOPER S AND IT HAS 62000 MILES ON IT. AS MANY OTHER MINI OWNERS, I HAVE " RATTLE NOISE" ISSUE WHEN COLD START AND POPPED UP "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE TOO LOW" WARNING YESTERDAY WHEN DROVE HOME ON CITY STREET. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER/GUIDE CHANGED ONCE BEFORE AT 18,942 BY A MINI DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #10852027

109,000 miles · Jan 12, 2016
Engine

ENGINE RATTLE UPON STARTUP. NEXT THING I KNOW IS THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES BROKE AND THE VALVES BENT. THOUSANDS IN REPAIR AND MINI WON'T COVER A THING.

NHTSA ODI #10819659

90,000 miles · Nov 30, 2015
Engine

AS MANY OTHERS HAVE POSTED HERE, MY ENGINE BEGAN RATTLING LOUDLY WHEN I WOULD START IT UP. TO ALLEVIATE THIS, I WOULD TOP OFF THE OIL AND GET FREQUENT OIL CHANGES, IN FACT, MORE OFTEN THAN MINI/BMW SUGGESTED IT SHOULD GET AN OIL CHANGE. THIS WOULD USUALLY TAKE CARE OF THE RATTLE. ONE NIGHT, THE ENGINE RATTLE KEPT INCREASING A…

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AS MANY OTHERS HAVE POSTED HERE, MY ENGINE BEGAN RATTLING LOUDLY WHEN I WOULD START IT UP. TO ALLEVIATE THIS, I WOULD TOP OFF THE OIL AND GET FREQUENT OIL CHANGES, IN FACT, MORE OFTEN THAN MINI/BMW SUGGESTED IT SHOULD GET AN OIL CHANGE. THIS WOULD USUALLY TAKE CARE OF THE RATTLE. ONE NIGHT, THE ENGINE RATTLE KEPT INCREASING AND SUDDENLY THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET JUST 20 FEET FROM RAILROAD TRACKS WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATIONS WHATSOEVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY MECHANICS SHOP I TRUST (NOT THE DEALERSHIP). THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN AND BENT THE VALVES AND I'M IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING A NEW ENGINE PUT IN (WITH THE SAME FAULTY TIMING CHAIN) TO THE TUNE OF $6,500. I CALLED MINI/BMW USA BECAUSE MY MECHANIC SAID HE'S SEEN THIS PROBLEM FREQUENTLY IN MY MODEL. MINI SAID THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME UNLESS THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE MINI DEALERSHIP, AND EVEN THEN THERE WOULD BE NO GUARANTEE THEY WOULD COVER ANYTHING BECAUSE OF "MY VEHICLE'S AGE." MINI/BMW USA WOULDN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN FREQUENT REPORTS OF TIMING TENSIONER/CHAINS HAVING PROBLEMS. I'M EVEN MORE SURPRISED HOW FREQUENT THIS PROBLEM IS NOW THAT I'M LOOKING ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND SOMETHING THAT MINI/BMW SHOULD COVER AND RESPOND TO, SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AGAINST THE COMPANY BECAUSE OF THIS.

NHTSA ODI #10807571

89,633 miles · Nov 16, 2015
Engine

AFTER MINI/BMW REPAIRED THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND THE TIMING CHAIN, MY TURBO OIL SUPPLY LINE DEVELOPED A SIGNIFICANT LEAK (WITHIN A WEEK/ WITHIN 200 MILES OF MINI SERVICE) CAUSING SMOKE TO ESCAPE FROM THE BONNET, OIL TO COVER THE FRONT ENGINE/TURBO/EXHAUST. OIL NOW PUDDLES BENEATH THE CAR WHEN PARKED. THE CAR HAS 89,XXX MIL…

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AFTER MINI/BMW REPAIRED THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND THE TIMING CHAIN, MY TURBO OIL SUPPLY LINE DEVELOPED A SIGNIFICANT LEAK (WITHIN A WEEK/ WITHIN 200 MILES OF MINI SERVICE) CAUSING SMOKE TO ESCAPE FROM THE BONNET, OIL TO COVER THE FRONT ENGINE/TURBO/EXHAUST. OIL NOW PUDDLES BENEATH THE CAR WHEN PARKED. THE CAR HAS 89,XXX MILES. I FIRST NOTICED THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL WHEN DRIVING ACROSS TOWN AT A SPEED OF 40MPH. WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, UPON IDLE THE SMOKE BILLOWED FROM THE BONNET OF THE CAR. ACCORDING TO MINI FORUMS, THIS PROBLEM OF A FAILED O-RING IN THE TURBO OIL SUPPLY LINE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM RESULTING IN NUMEROUS FAILURES THAT CAN LEAD TO CATASTROHIC DAMAGE TO THE TURBO, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI #10790749

45,000 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Engine

WHEN STARTING CAR, I GET A GRINDING, RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS THE CHAIN TENSIONER ON THE CAR

NHTSA ODI #10787997

Official recalls

4

23V337000 · Electrical System

May 11, 2023

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, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

Consequence & remedy

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.

18V248000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Apr 18, 2018

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 Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence & remedy

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 the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

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 Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

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 the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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 Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

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 the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

12V008000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Jan 11, 2012

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 ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

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.

08V657000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Dec 12, 2008

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE11036 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Oct 11, 2011 · Closed Jun 11, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

EA08020 · Exhaust Pipe Burns

Opened Aug 29, 2008 · Closed Jan 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

BMW WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (08V-657) ON 28,450 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2006 THROUGH JULY 8, 2008.DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED EXHAUST PIPE TIPS THAT DO NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE TWO EXHAUST PIPE TIPS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXIT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE AND EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON THEIR LEGS WHEN THEY INADVERTENTLY TOUCHED THE EXPOSED HOT EXHAUST PIPE TIPS WHILE REMOVING ITEMS OF CARGO FROM THE REAR OF THEIR VEHICLE VIA THE HATCH BACK DOOR.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION OR THAT OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WERE ALSO BURNED.THE 50 INJURIES REPORTED IN THIS INVESTIGATION INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT SECOND DEGREE BURNS CAUSING BLISTERED AND SCARED SKIN AND ONE INCIDENT RESULTED IN A THIRD DEGREE BURN.THIS INVESTIGATION ALSO RESULTED IN AN INITIAL DECISION OF A DEFECT.FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE INITIAL DECISION AND DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION SEE DOCUMENTS, INRM-EA08020-31646.PDF (INITIAL DECISION LETTER) AND INIR-EA08020-31648.PDF (INITIAL DECISION REPORT), IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.