2008 Mini cooper s problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2008 Mini cooper s have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mini cooper s. 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.

Q: What is the 2008 Mini cooper s safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Mini cooper s crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 Mini cooper s get?

The 2008 Mini cooper s has U.S. EPA estimates of 27–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

2008 Mini cooper s at a glance

Safety recalls4

Owner complaints16

Combined27–29 mpg

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

2008 Mini cooper s recalls 4

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #23V337000 · 11/05/2023

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 Je…

Fix: 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.

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe NHTSA Campaign #08V657000 · 12/12/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

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.

2008 Mini cooper s common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2008 Mini cooper s safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Frontal — driver★★★★★

Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Side — front seat★★★★★

Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 MINI Cooper S w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Mini cooper s MPG & running costs

Combined27–29 mpg

City25 mpg

Highway33 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

EPA size classMinicompact Cars

TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd

Forced inductionTurbocharged

Passenger volume76 cu ft

Cargo volume6 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,750 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 2008 Mini cooper s costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750

Fuel only$14,750

Per mile$0.20

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.

Dimensions & weight

Length

144.1–145.7 in

Width

66.1–66.5 in

Height

55.5–56.3 in

Wheelbase

96.5–97.2 in

Curb weight

2,668–2,844 lb

Front track

57.1–57.5 in

Rear track

56.7–57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Mini cooper s — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

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 27

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 27.

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

AISIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISISON: RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT

Bulletin M240118 · Power Train · Feb 2018

MINI Water Pump Class Action Settlement

Bulletin BMWJUL1316 · Equipment, Engine · Jul 2016

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.

Bulletin M320214 · Steering · Mar 2016

MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE FOR THE TANK VENTILATION CONTROL DISPLAYS ENGINE THROTTLE REACTION WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HIGH OUTSIDE, AND MORE OBVIOUS IF THE TANK IS ONLY PARTLY FILLED. *MA

Bulletin 12 09 15 · Electrical System, Engine · Jul 2015

MINI: SOME VEHICLES HAVE TURBOCHARGER NOISE AND A LACK OR LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, DUE TO RESTRICTION OF TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY, RESULTING IN OIL STARVATION AND SEIZING OF TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY. MODEL ALL. *PE

Bulletin SIM-11-10-14 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2014

MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequ…

Bulletin M010514 · Power Train · Oct 2014

Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles

Bulletin M320214 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Steering · Aug 2014

MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequ…

Bulletin M010514 · Power Train · Jun 2014

MINI: ON CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES, AN ENGINE OIL LEAK MAY OCCUR, DUE TO THE COMPROMISED OIL PUMP VOLUME CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE, FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF ENGINE. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 4/19/2013. *KB UPDATED 3/11/14. *PE

Bulletin SIM-11-01-12 · Engine · Jan 2014

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

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2008 Mini cooper s. 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 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

Other

On certain vehicles, the centrally-located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. As a consequence, it is possible for inadvertent contact with a person's leg. It the tailpipe is hot during contact, a burn could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace the tailpipe extension with a new, shortened version.

Transport Canada #2009028 · Jan 2009

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2008 Mini cooper s trims & engines on record

Engines

1.6L 4-cyl 172 hp

2008 Mini cooper s vehicles on record

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF73528TV32521

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF73558TT88401

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF73558TT88706

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71030TU87701

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF73528TV34236

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF73519TW80208

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71000TU90085

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF31050TT79363

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMM31070TN70174

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71080TS24846

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71060TS21282

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71080TU90481

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF31090TW42227

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71000TS21584

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71010TU87700

2008 Mini cooper sWMWMF71080TS24507

Other Mini cooper s model years

2008 Mini cooper s — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mini cooper s have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mini cooper s. 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 2008 Mini cooper s?

Across all 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, seats, suspension.

What is the 2008 Mini cooper s safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Mini cooper s crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Mini cooper s get?

The 2008 Mini cooper s has U.S. EPA estimates of 27–29 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.