Model year guide

2011 Mini cooper s convertible

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Mini cooper s convertible is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Mini cooper s convertible at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints40
Combined28–30 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible recalls 2

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger NHTSA Campaign #18V248000 · 18/04/2018

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 Roadst…

Fix: 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 …

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger NHTSA Campaign #12V008000 · 11/01/2012

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 CIRCU…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Rollover risk: 10.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible C FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible MPG & running costs

Combined28–30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850
EPA size classMinicompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume74 cu ft
Cargo volume6 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Mini cooper s convertible costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Engine compartment fire Closed

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 eng…

NHTSA #PE11036 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Oct 2011 · closed Jun 2012

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 173

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 173.

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System · May 2026

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may…

Bulletin M610226 · Electrical System · Apr 2026

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System, Structure · Feb 2025

MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not d…

Bulletin M610607 · Electrical System · Oct 2023

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)…

Bulletin M360119 · Equipment, Electrical System, Wheels · Dec 2021

OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for t…

Bulletin M011116 · Seats · Aug 2020

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated al…

Bulletin M010419 · Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine · Jan 2020

"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. Thi…

Bulletin M170912 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2019

Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. CAUS…

Bulletin M640108 · Equipment · Jul 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COOPER S CONVERTIBLE FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the remedy is applied. Additional note: This is an e…

Transport Canada #2018195 · Apr 2018

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the remedy is applied.

Transport Canada #2012008 · Jan 2012

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2011 Mini cooper s convertible trims & engines on record

Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 180 hp

2011 Mini cooper s convertible vehicles on record

Other Mini cooper s convertible model years

2011 Mini cooper s convertible — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible?

Across all 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What is the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible crash-test ratings of rollover 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Mini cooper s convertible get?

The 2011 Mini cooper s convertible has U.S. EPA estimates of 28–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.