Passenger side air bag sensor is going off when either a passenger of average weight (150lbs.) is occupying seat or a small bump in road is hit. the air bag sensor for wiring and seat cushion replacement is no longer under a warranty for 2008 model, but is a known problem costing approximately $1200.00 to repair at the dealer. the 2002-2006 models had recall by mini for this. along with the below service bulletin. service bulletin no.: sim-65-08-03 component(s): air bags nhtsa id number: 10043927 manufacturer: bmw of north america, llc summary: bmw mini: airbag warning light is on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06. *kb i would like a recall on this made for the 2008 model as this is a massive safety issue as i don't know if in an accident either driver or passenger airbag will deploy. without a recall owners must pay $1200 for what is a known defect by mini. does someone have to get injuries for this to become a recall? *tr
I can't tell exactly the mileage of the car by the time the alarm pop up, but it was about 64k as specified above. at that time the passenger air bag alarm comes "on" the car with a passenger seated. it all started intermittent but after a week the light remains on all the time, along with the warning "passenger air bag off". both lights (the alarm and the warning) remains on all the time. i brought the car to the service dept. and after 117.00 for a diagnostic, they conclude that the "sensor mat (oc3) sib 657506" (whatever that is) was broken and needs replacement. they are charging a total of $2,608 for parts and labor (including taxes). after this trouble and a stretched timing chain that was diagnose were covered the three days the car spent at the service department, i asked mini of america to call me back, but after some e-mails back and forward, the. *tr
2008 mini cooper s. the vehicle had a complete electrical and engine failure with no notice. while driving on interstate 287 in nj with absolutely no notice the car lost total power. every warning light illuminated on the dash, all gauges dropped to zero, no power whatsoever from the engine, no way to open windows or door locks as their was a complete and total electrical and mechanical failure of this vehicle - there was absolutely no notice. one moment the vehicle was operating normally and the next i had complete and total mechanical, engine and electrical failure rendering the car disabled and without power in the middle lane of interstate 287 south in morristown nj. vehicle brought to mini dealer; vehicle there for almost 2 weeks-supposedly "fixed". the same problem happened a second time within 100 miles of that first service. vehicle brought to mini dealer again. happened a third time for the service technician while he drove the car home from princeton to pa. vehicle was at mini for another 2 and one half weeks. now they say it is fixed and i do not feel confident they are correct. this problem is without warning and leaves the vehicle permanently disabled in a total and complete way that can lead to serious injury or death for the occupants. mini customer service was abhorrent. they would not return calls and stalled time and again when asked to repurchase this vehicle which is clearly unsafe. they will do nothing. the nhtsa must investigate. the only part they tell me is wrong is the footwell module but will be no more specific. mini must be held accountable for this defect and failure; this is of very serious nature. again, the car completely fails-everything-engine, electrical, all power you can not open door locks, windows or the rear hatch. the engine losses all power. please investigate. *tr
2008 mini cooper s causes fire whilst parked in the garage at 2am, burns down another car and property. the sugar land, texas fire department reports the cause of origin of the fire is suspected from mini cooper. *tr
Car will not start, leaving you stranded. pushing in clutch then start button, and nothing. first time was 5 weeks ago, towed to dealer, did tests, found no problem. happened again on 4/23/2009, giggled dead man switch on clutch pedal and then started. happened again 4/27/2009, tried giggle thing, nothing this time. sat overnight, then started. only common factor has been on warm spring days around 90 degrees. will be taking back to dealer. *tr