Edmunds Answers questions

I have a electrical fault with my 2002 Mini Cooper. Lights stay on, indicator inner lights dont work etc

jules10 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:52:11 GMT

Hi, i recently got the car i had always wanted, a Mini Cooper. Unfortualty i have had nothing but problems with it!! The garage i got it from say the car is only under warrenty for the engine and gear box!!j Anyway, i have a number of electical faults with it - When i park up the front and rear lights stay on (yes i have turned them off on the dash), sometimes the inner noise of the indicators dont flash inside,(even though they work outside ok), after locking the car with the fob all the dash stays lit up. Please please please does anyone have any idea whats wrong with it. I cant really afford to take it to a BMW garage for a diagnotic check as im sure it will cost a small fortune.
Thanks
Jules10

What size oil drain plug on a 2006 mini cooper s? wish to replace with Fram ez drain.

jeffwendy — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:26:19 GMT

Thanks Jeff

My 2002 Mini Cooper's Power steering just quit with a full fluid reservoir & it's pulley turning, why?

mattblack — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:25:56 GMT

The fluid reservoir is full, the pump pulley is turning and what began as a once in the morning problem 2 days ago just turned into full time manual steering. I have no signs of leakage and the manual doesn't even show me where the reservoir is. Could it be the former owner (I bought this used just this month) put the wrong fluid in? Help!

MINI gas requirements, Regular or Premium? Please help.

1chai — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:38:33 GMT

The salesman at a MINI dealer told me all 2007 and up incl. the S model can run on regular gas. Does anyone know this for sure or any MINI owners out there using Reg gas on both the S and non-S. I love the car but saving on $for fuel goes along w/ increase MPG. Help!

I have an 04 MINI. I've been told the power steering pump has to be replaced...is this common thing?

04mini — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:20:22 GMT

I was on the road one night and I tried to turn on a street....I could hardly turn the car............. The next day it did the same thing. I parked it. It is now in the shop and I was wondering...is this common??
I love this little car, but I am becoming annoyed with the little things going wrong with it. It has less than 38,000. miles on it..........

2005 Mini Cooper. Need help fixing a horn problem.

lucy01 — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:17:09 GMT

A rain cloud squatted over my car while the top was down, and rain ran into steering column area. The horn was sounding when I reached the car, and I had to pull the terminals from the horns. I presume water reached, and shorted some contacts in the horn/column area.

Does anyone know how I might get into the steering column/horn area to see what I need to replace? One big concern is the airbag, which is right there, too.

I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks,
L

My MINI power steering quit. Mechanic replaced pump - but still not working! Should have taken it to dealer mechanic?

billt12 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:06:16 GMT

I understand the pump is electric, it's not an overheating problem because it's staying broke. I thought that the control device was IN the pump? So changing the pump should have fixed it? It was never low on fluid.

I have a 2009 MINI Cooper with Bluetooth and cannot get my new Verizon LG Dare to hook up to it. No help from dealer.

roger559 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:05:12 GMT

I have contacted dealer and verizon with no results. Thought bluetooth was bluetooth.

How much does it cost to flush out the power steering system of a 2002 MINI Cooper S ??

edokton — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 08:53:55 GMT

My 2002 MiniCooper S stopped having power steering all of a sudden. I read your response to a similar problem and want to know how much a power-steering system flush should cost and how much, if necessary, a new power-steering pump should cost installed. Why isn't this grounds for a recall?

Thanks, Ellen

Where can I place jack stands under a MINI and also a floor jack?

jrobicheau — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:19:05 GMT

I see no good place to put the jacks. I am trying to change the power steering pump. do I just lift the front to do this job?

Does upgrading the speakers in the MINI Cooper S fix the problem of poor sound quality?

rooster21 — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:21:16 GMT

I just recently become an owner of a new 09 Mini S.

Although I don't have many complaints the sound system is something I think they should have spent more time with. I am a listener of every type of music from classical to rock. I feel that the system has poor range and bass along with vocals.

In short I think something needs to be fixed. I have talk to a number of audio people and they keep saying speakers and maybe an amp. I was wondering if anyone has actually done this and if it works?

What are best year round tires for all weather conditions for 06 Mini Cooper convertible S?

pegster1 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:53:44 GMT

Chicago has every weather condition. I am switching out 4 Dunlop Sport run flat tires. What is the best replacement?

What is the towing capacity of a 2002 MINI Cooper? Tongue weight and trailer weight?

zoebis — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:23:07 GMT

I'm researching whether I might be able to tow a little Trillium trailer with my Mini - what is the towing capacity of a 2002 Mini?

Can you tell me where I can get an original owners manual for a 2004 MINI Cooper S? Would a 2003 be the same?

minidriver2004 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:49:03 GMT

Mini Cooper S owners manual 2004.

Do all MINI Coopers come in standard, or do they also come with automatic transmissions?

vusgrl — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:57:13 GMT

I am looking to buy a MINI, but not sure about learning to drive a standard.

Can I dingy tow my manual shift 2007 MINI Cooper S?

cplano — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:01:38 GMT

Can a 2007 Mini Cooper S manual shift be towed?

How do I change the front disk brakes on my 2006 MINI Cooper S? Thank you.

popeye15 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:08:44 GMT

My MINI dealer informed me I need the front brakes replaced on my '06 MINI Cooper S. I just dropped $600.00 on it and would like to do the work myself. It's been a couple decades since I did any brake work so I need step by step instructions.

Thanks.

I have an '03 MINI standard that I bought new. I haven't had any clutch or transmission problems but worry.

tulip3 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:34:13 GMT

I have an '03 Mini, standard shift, that I bought new. Have had no problems with clutch or transmission, 44,000 mile on it. Is all this stuff I'm reading inevitable, is there a class action suit I should know about? I love this car and do not want to get rid of it. What are the symptoms of transmission failure...i.e. warnings before it happens? Are they all defective?

I own a 06 MINI Cooper S and my harmonic balancer went out. Can it be fixed or does it have to be replaced?

tink8 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:57:05 GMT

The harmonic balancer on my 2006 MINI Cooper S started spinning, and I was told it had to be replaced. Is this true or can it be fixed? My car only has 60,000 miles. Has anyone experienced this problem, and if so, what did you do? Please help. Thanks.

What color is the power steering fluid in my MINI Cooper suppose to be? Mine is browish...not green like new CHF 11S.

minimom5 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:32:29 GMT

I just bought some of the CHF 11S fluid for my Cooper as it was a bit low and it is green... but my fluid is brownish.... and I am having some power steering issues. if I park it facing down hill... and go to leave it works fine, but not if I park it on the level.

What type of fuel does the Mini Cooper require?

greggy69 — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:24:32 GMT

Does the Mini Cooper require premium fuel or can it just use regular? I have asked multiple people and have received multiple responses.

any suggestions on which MINI to buy ?

gman24 — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:55:24 GMT

which model, what options are good to have in this car

Real world mileage in '08 Mini Cooper and Cooper S, mostly highway?

96blacktahoe — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:53:12 GMT

Looking @ new job with 125mi/day commute. Stuck between sensible civic hybrid and fun Mini's. Any input appreciated.

I bought the factory fill tube so I can change fluid on the MINI CVT transmission. How do I pump the oil into the tube?

drotvold — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:08:08 GMT

The transmission holds 4.8 quarts of special CVT fluid. The hose is about 12" long and has a fitting on one end that screws into the transmission fill plug hole. The service manual says to pump the oil in and close a valve to prevent feed back through the pump after the engine is started and the transmission run through it full range and reverse. Any body have an idea what type of pump I need? Could the oil be gravity feed into the tube from above? I am sure a BMW Tech would know all about this. Thanks for your help!
Dave

Dealer invoicing for a MINI Cooper S?

mic8 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:12:43 GMT

would like to find dealer invoice for a mini cooper s ?

How to set auto lock feature to 08 MINI Cooper?

aiiiyaya — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:57:44 GMT

Followed the 2008 "S" Owner's Manual. Unable to set the automatic locking feature. Appreciate any advice.

I am using an iPod shuffle with my 2008 MINI. How do I activate the random function?

audwin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:59:24 GMT

I have learned to set the shuffle on "shuffle" prior to plugging it into the mini. All Ipod functions work great and appear on the screen, but no matter how I enter the commands, I cannot seem to get the ipod to "shuffle" when I hit the rnd key. What is the trick?

Can anyone tell me the difference between a 2008 MINI Clubman and a 2009 Clubman?

pame — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:35:34 GMT

I need to know before buying my next mini what is the difference between the 2008 clubman and the 2009 clubman. I don't know and I need to before I can justify buying a 2009 modle. Thanks, Pam

Who is the manufacturer of the first MINI Cooper car?

pantony — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:23:01 GMT

who designed and manufactred the first mini cooper cars.

anybody know how to tighten a loose chrome gas filler cap on an 03 MINI Cooper S?

samsun02 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:03:35 GMT

the chrome cap that covers the gas cap on my 03 cooper s has become loose. i've removed the interior panel and there is no access to the cap from there.

Location of oil filter on a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman so it can be serviced?

nickcutrone — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:50:55 GMT

2008 mini cooper s oil filter location

How do I get out of my Mini Cooper lease?

janamarie — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:32:09 GMT

I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S convertible and I am over it. How do I get out of my lease without paying a ton of fees?

Can wind noise on an 08 Mini Cooper S be reduced/quieted/helped at all?

cpomar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:52:00 GMT

My wife's 08 Cooper S gets an annoyingly loud wind noise (sounds like it's right where you'd expect it - in front of the sunroof) starting around 30 mph and gets louder as the car goes faster. Can anything be done for this? Or is the solution just to turn up the stereo volume?

Do you have experience with the MINI Clubman?

dgivoni — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:20:07 GMT

Just looking for a personal evaluation of the Mini Clubman.
I like the looks of it, but wanted to hear some hands on experience :)

I have a Mini Cooper 2001. The heater has stopped working I'm only getting cold air coming out.

rosyranger — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:22:13 GMT

Is this something to do with the water, as once during the week when I stopped the car and got out the fan had turned itself on? The water level on the dial inside the car looks fine and is on the halfway point. (I'm only driving 5 miles to work and then 5 miles back each day during the week so it doesn't really have time to get hot. Help please?

I own a Mini Cooper. Can I use any kind of coolant or do I have to use the expensive synthetic brand?

angelo7 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:17:22 GMT

My warranty has expired. The temperature gauge in my Mini is on Hi. The fan kicks on really loud when I turn my car off. Does this mean that I need coolant? If so do I have to buy the expensive synthetic coolant? I'd prefer not to if I don't have to. PLEASE HELP!!! :)

Do I need to use special snow tire chains for a Mini Cooper?

gilroygal — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:22:48 GMT

I have a hardtop 2009 Mini Cooper and will be taking it to the snow for the first time this week. Do I need special chains, or can I pick some up at a local auto parts store?

How safe are MINI Cooper cars?

pstahl — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:07:26 GMT

Mini Cooper Safety factors?

Where to buy coolant for my 2004 Mini Cooper?

gracielu — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:07:54 GMT

Can I just fill it myself? If the container is empty, can I drive to the store to get it? Or should I fill it with water just to get there? Thanks.

Will using regular fuel instead of the recommended premium fuel affect performance or lower MPG on a base Mini Cooper?

minicooper2009 — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:25:09 GMT

2009 Mini Cooper/6 speed manual/base model.

Regular fuel vs. Premium fuel...positive or negative effects (performance and or MPG)?

Does the increased performance of the Sport button equal a penalty on gas mileage on a Mini Cooper (base)?

minicooper2009 — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:04:01 GMT

2009 Mini Cooper/6 speed manual/base model.

Does using the Sport Button make that much of a difference in performance and does it lower gas mileage and if so by how much?

Can someone explain the MINI Select program? Interest, money factor, residual. I drive too much for a traditional lease.

loki467 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:43:59 GMT

I'm interested in purchasing a MINI Cooper S and was browsing MINI website. Saw the MINI select program. Does anyone have experience with this program? How similar to a lease is it and is it worth it. Any problems with it. A previous post indicates that the dealers push it. Why? Thanks for the help.

Any advice on changing the thermostat on a 2006 Mini Cooper S?

popeye15 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:09:43 GMT

I was informed my coolant thermostat is malfunctioning. I wish to replace it myself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

How to replace the driver side park lamp assembly in a 2003 Mini Cooper?

wayne0527 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:43:24 GMT

The park lamp lens was broken on the driver's side and the entire assembly unit must be replaced. Although the park lamp assembly only requires three screws it appears that there is no way to get to the bottom screw without removing the entire front fender. Is there an easier solution? If not, how can I easily remove the fender to get to the park lamp assembly?

2005 Mini Cooper S. Any ideas why electrical stuff randomly turns on and stays on or won't turn on at all?

blindsquirrel — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:57:14 GMT

Front wipers used to stay on. Back wiper goes on and stays on. GPS screen sometimes goes on, sometimes won't. Seat Belt alarm rings for no reason and sometimes just stops ringing.

2004 MINI Cooper S dash light.

minidriver2004 — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:38:58 GMT

Mr_shiftright,
I wondered if you can tell me about a dash light. The light between the seat belt and airbag light is coming on and off. I did not get a owners manual with the car but I just bought one on ebay for $50.00, I don't expect to get it for about 4 days or so. I am not the only person to not get the owners manual with the car, does this mean people are removing them to sell? There is tons of owners manuals on the internet. Is the repair manual for 02-04 worth the money. Any help would be appreciated,
Rowland (mini driver 2004)

What will be the changes in the 2010 MINI Cooper?

rla72 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:01:22 GMT

How will the 2010 MINI Cooper change from the 2009?

I read the 10 cheapest cars to own and wonder where the Mini Cooper stands. What is the cost per mile?

minimike1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:53:52 GMT

I read a report (on Yahoo) listing the 10 cheapest cars to own. Purchase price, maintenance, insurance etc. were taken into account. I have a 2008 Mini Cooper and am curious where it would fall in your list. What is the expected/average cost per mile. Thanks

My 2004 automatic Mini Cooper sporatically dies on me while stopped at a stop sign or signal. Loss of RPM. Why?

CeeeeCeeee — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:46:20 GMT

This happens after sitting at a stop sign for an extended period of time. Doesn't happen every time. Just wondering what it could be to cause this. The engine never seems to be "racing". Seems just fine, otherwise.

My daughter owns a MINI Cooper and is having problems with it not wanting to start when the engine is cold. HELP!

oldmum — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:10:01 GMT

My daughter's Mini Cooper does not want to start when the engine is cold. The repair department has checked it twice and tells her it is the gasoline. She has used several tanks of gasoline since they first told her this; the car is still having the problem. Does anyone have any ideas that may solve this problem?