Model year guide

2008 Mini Cooper

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Mini Cooper is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 141 on record.

2008 Mini Cooper — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Mini Cooper at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints283
Combined31 mpg
Typical price$6,935

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Mini Cooper recalls 1

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Mini Cooper common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 283 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.
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.
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2008 Mini Cooper MPG & running costs

Combined31 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Mini Cooper worth?

Low
$4,600
Typical price
$6,935
High
$9,000

From 141 comparable 2008 Mini Cooper listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Mini Cooper costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,500
Total$16,000
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($6,935) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,460), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Mini Cooper trims & engines on record

Trims
S · Base
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 172 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 118 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 115 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 168 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 175 hp

2008 Mini Cooper vehicles on record

Other Mini Cooper model years

2008 Mini Cooper — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mini Cooper have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 Mini Cooper. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper?

Based on 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Mini Cooper get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Mini Cooper at about 31 mpg combined (27 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2008 Mini Cooper worth?

Comparable 2008 Mini Cooper listings run roughly $4,600–$9,000, typically around $6,935 (from 141 vehicles).

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