Mini Cooper Problems: 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013)

The Mini Cooper has existed for three generations and is currently in its 3rd. This article and video reviews the top 5 Mini Cooper problems owners have experienced with the 2nd generation, years 2007 to 2013.

Common 2nd Gen 2007 to 2013 Cooper Mini Problems

Mechanic reviewing the most common problems with the 2nd gen 2007 to 2013 Mini Cooper

1. Valve Cover Leaks

Symptoms of Valve Cover Leaks

  • Oil leaking from the valve cover
  • Oil leaking onto the exhaust
  • Smell of oil burning

Causes of Valve Cover Leaks

Oil is known to leak from the valve cover, and especially at the corners. It may also fall on the exhaust, and you might smell oil burning.

How to Fix Valve Cover Leaks

You might be able to replace just the valve cover gasket, but often the valve cover that’s made of plastic can brittle and warp over time. You might want to replace the entire valve cover, and to do this you’ll need to remove the 10mm bolts from the cover and remove the coil packs.

2. Coil Packs

Symptoms of Faulty Coil Packs

  • Engine running rough
  • Check engine light on and possibly flashing

Causes of a Bad Coil Packs

The ignition coil is what gives the spark plug its spark. The spark plugs could have failed and been neglected, causing the coil to fail since it needs to work harder.

How to Fix a Failing Coil Pack

There are four coil packs since it has a 4 cylinder engine. Disconnect the connector grab the coil pack and twist it back and forth and slide it out. Replace spark plugs at the same time.

3. VVT Solenoids

Symptoms of VVT Solenoid Failure

  • Check engine light for a vvt-related code
  • Horsepower loss at low rpms and high rpms

Causes of Problems with VVT Solenoids

The VVT solenoids are valves that control the valve variable timing, and the computer controls them electronically. You may experience horsepower loss at lower or higher rpms depending on how the valve has failed. These typically fail because there’s a lack of oil in the engine, but dirty oil can also cause problems with the VVT solenoid. This usually happens from the oil not being changed regularly. If theres not enough oil, it wont reach the solenoids and they wont be able to work properly and causr the valves to fail.

How to Fix a Defective VVT Solenoid

One VVT solenoid is located next to the exhaust manifold. Another is located on the backside next to the intake manifold.

More on how to diagnose the VVT solenoids

To prevent this problem, change the oil regularaly at the recommended intervals.

4. Water Pump Failure

Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump

  • Coolant dripping on the ground
  • Engine overheating

Causes of a Bad Water Pump

If coolant is leaking near the water pump, and o-ring in the crossover pipe in the back could be leaking, but the water pump is known to be the cause of this problem on the mini cooper. You might also want to replace this pipe when replacing the water pump

How to Fix a Defective Water Pump

The water pump is located in the passenger side wheel well. Consider replacing the crossover pipe seal or the entire pipe that is known to leak while your working on this area and replacing the pump.

5. Door Latches

Symptoms of a Bad Door Latch

  • Doors might not open from the outside or inside
  • Door locks itself
  • Door may not unlock

Causes of Problems with the Door Latch

Door latches are known to fail and might cause you to have to open the door from the outside to get out of the car.

How to Fix Door Latch Failure

Replace the door latch.

2nd Generation Mini Cooper Model Years

Fix common 2007 to 2013 2nd gen Mini Cooper problems yourself with quality auto parts at 1aauto.com
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Mini Cooper Problems - 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013) - 1A Auto
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Mini Cooper Problems - 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013) - 1A Auto
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Learn the top 5 Mini Cooper problems owners experience with the 2nd generation, years 2007 to 2013 with these tips from expert mechanics
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1A Auto
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One thought to “Mini Cooper Problems: 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013)”

  1. My 2010 mini cooper clubman has a low beam failure indicator light showing but both low beams are working . the high beams also work. What could need fixing?

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