MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013) Review
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MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013) At A Glance
Great performance from Cooper S, much smoother and more sophisticated than first generation, capable of travelling distances in comfort.
17-inch wheels with Sport suspension destroy both ride and road feel, air conditioning wasn't standard on models before January 2009.
Has BMW taken the fun out of the MINI?
First reports from "first drives" a tended to end with that conclusion, And seemed to be worrying MINI Project Leader Horst Radibojevic as he cross-examined us after our own first drive.
Happily we, and others, of course, were listened to and by the time R56 MINIs started reaching customers they felt and handled a lot better.
Reviews for MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from Cooper to Cooper S Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–51 mpg
Second and third in BMW's list of ‘What's the same' about the new MINI are "the kart-like handling" and "the wheel-at-each-corner control". And from our experience that patently was not true.
The thing about the original Mini, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S on their tiny 10" wheels was that they did feel exactly like go-karts. The steering wheel connected you directly to the road with no sponge pudding in between. It informed you exactly what each wheel was doing and fed every ripple, pebble and grain of sand to your hands. At lower speeds you could change direction so alarmingly quickly that your passenger wasn't firmly strapped down she could land on your lap.
Despite 15", 16" and 17" wheels, BMW managed to hang onto the fun factor with its rejuvenated MINI. A fully loaded supercharged MINI Cooper S convertible on 17" wheels could sometimes feel exactly like an original MINI 1275S.
But the new MINI Cooper S turbo we had been driving just didn't.
It was very refined, like no MINI ever has been before, and an excellent Motorway cruiser. It had very good ride quality; enough to shame an SLK, a 350Z or the new Audi TT. The seats were very comfortable. But the handling was as much like a go-kart as Del Boy's Reliant van.
To me the steering felt no more connected to the road than it does driving an arcade game. It was direct, but didn't tell me anything. So I could see which way I was going through the windscreen but couldn't feel what any of the wheels are doing. Added to that our car was twitchy and unstable under braking on the straight bits before the corners. The only way I could keep it under proper control was to brace my left hand against the steering wheel with my knee. Pressing the ‘sport' button in front of the gearlever sharpened it up, but stiffened it, and that emphasised the deficiencies even more.
True we had been knocking on a bit. The Cooper S turbo is fairly quick with a 0-60 under 7 seconds and a top end of 140. We saw 130 several times and found ourselves cruising at 110 in places where 100 would have been fast.
But it was work, not fun. And that worried Herr Radibojevic.
I suggested it might have been a quirk of that particular car. A bad set of tyres, and a faulty brake compensator valve, for example. Because others had been having bundles of fun in Cooper S turbos on 16" wheels.
The thing is, you can order a MINI Cooper on 15", 16" or 17" wheels and standard or ‘sports' suspension. Or you can order the Cooper S on 16" or 17" wheels with or without sports suspension and with the option to delete sports suspension if you go for the Chili pack. So we tried a non-turbo Cooper on 16" wheels with sports suspension and it was fine. Not quite as much fun as the original MINI Cooper, but a natural, refined successor to it that will find more friends than enemies.
I also drove a MINI Cooper on 15" wheels with standard suspension. Less grip. More understeer. But a good little car with handling nearly as sweet as a base model Peugeot 207. To round it off I even drove another Cooper S on 17s and that was vastly better than the Cooper S we'd had earlier.
So when you order your MINI Cooper or Cooper S, I'd suggest you go for either 16" wheels and sport suspension or 17" wheels and non sport suspension, but not full-house 17s with sport because you might be very disappointed.
The new engines are both more fuel-efficient and emit less CO2, dropping them two places in the VED bands. So a new MINI Cooper owner can park in Richmond for £90 a year instead of £130. And you can still buy a five-year servicing package for £150, which 95% of MINI buyers do.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | 52 mpg | 9.1 s | 127 g/km |
| Cooper Automatic | 44 mpg | 10.4 s | 150 g/km |
| Cooper S | 49 mpg | 7.0 s | 136 g/km |
| Cooper S Automatic | 44 mpg | 7.2 s | 149 g/km |
Real MPG average for the MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
27–51 mpg
MPGs submitted
506
MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 160–680 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3723–3729 mm |
| Width | 1683 mm |
| Height | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm |
Other features of the car all work fine. I reckon it's better looking than its predecessor, and just as cheeky. It's a bit roomier inside with more leg-space for rear passengers and a bigger boot. BMW has gone back to the central speedometer and made that huge so everyone in the car and can see what speed you're doing. The steering wheel adjusts in and out as well as up and down, and takes the rev counter with it. There are thoughtful touches like a side sunvisor for the driver. Some great new colours including an ochre yellow.
Remember, however, that the must-have aircon isn't standard, even on the Cooper S. It's an extra £660. And if you go for the Chili Pack, on the Cooper S that brings with it 17" wheels which you may not want. As before you need to spec your car up very carefully from the options list and that can bump up the price substantially.
The hugely improved ride and refinement will make the new MINI an even hotter seller than the old one and will hang onto its value in exactly the same way.
MINI Hatch (2007 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3723–3729 mm |
| Width | 1683 mm |
| Height | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1150–1240 kg |
| Boot Space | 160–680 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,900–£19,345 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–F |
| Official MPG | 44.1–52.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Cooper 3dr | £14,900 | 52.3 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Cooper Auto 3dr | £16,125 | 44.1 mpg | 10.4 s |
| Cooper S 3dr | £18,185 | 48.7 mpg | 7.0 s |
| Cooper S Auto 3dr | £19,345 | 44.1 mpg | 7.2 s |
Model History
- August 2006: MINI hatch announced
- September 2007
- July 2009: MINI First announced
- January 2010: Improvements from March 2010
- June 2010
- February 2011: MINI Cooper SD announced
- February 2011: MINI Pimlico on sale from March 2011
- April 2011: Cooper S based MINI Goodwood launched
- January 2012: MINI Baker Street introduced
- January 2012: MINI Bayswater launched
August 2006
MINI hatch announced
All new MINI with new 1.6 Valvetronic and 1.4 engines and body that looks the same but isn’t. 60mm (2”) longer than before.
New 1.6 MINI Cooper has 120hp, does 0-60mph in 8.8 and tops out at 126mph. New 1.6 MINI Cooper S has direct injected intercooled and turbocharged version of same engine with175hp. Does 0-60mph sprint in 6.8 seconds with top speed of 140mph. MINI Cooper gets 48.7mpg combined and MINI Cooper S 40.9mpg combined.
CO2 emissions very low 138g/km for Cooper and low 164g/km for Cooper S. 6-speed manual boxes for both; 6-speed auto with steering wheel paddle shifts from 2007. New MINI One will follow in the first half of 2007 with 95hp 1.4 engine. Also new MINI Diesel, no longer with Toyota Yaris D-4D. Dominating feature inside is a huge central speedometer, incorporating satnav screen where fitted.
September 2007
MINI Cooper S Works Challenge launched. 1.6 turbo engine develops 210PS and 260Nm torque (280Nm on overboost), 0-60 5.9 seconds, top speed 149mph. Engine has re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.
July 2009
MINI First announced
Starting at £10,950 OTR, the MINI First features the 1.4-litre petrol engine currently found in the MINI One, but with a power output reduced to 75 hp. The frugal engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and go-kart handling is ensured by the trademark sophisticated chassis of all MINIs. A multi-link rear axle and independent front and rear suspension systems combine with Dynamic Stability Control to put a smile on the driver’s face every time they get behind the wheel.
January 2010
Improvements from March 2010
A new and improved version of the MINI petrol engine will be fitted to all First, One, Cooper and Cooper S models in the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman ranges. The MINI First and One models will now be fitted with a 1.6 litre engine, replacing the 1.4, and VALVETRONIC valve operation that delivers more torque and better fuel consumption. All MINI petrol-engined models will conform to European EU5 emissions standards or ULEV 11 in the USA.
The largest-selling model, the MINI Cooper benefits from a power hike to 122hp (+3hp) and peak torque of 160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm help the Hatch to 62 mph in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph. Sharing all the new engine features of the Cooper S except the turbocharger, the Cooper achieves 52.3 mpg (combined cycle) and emits only 127 g/km.
The result is the most efficient hot hatch in its class: the 1.6 litre unit produces 9hp more peak power at 184 hp while peak torque is 240Nm, delivered from as low as 1,600rpm through to 5,000rpm. This flexibility is enhanced by an Overboost function that delivers 260 Nm for short periods when it is most needed, for example when overtaking. The Cooper S Hatch sprints from 0 to 62 mph in exactly 7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 142 mph, But it’s not just about ‘go’. It delivers improved EU cycle fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg (combined cycle) lower by 3.1 mpg, while CO² emissions are now 13 g/km lower at 136 g/km.
June 2010
From August 2010, all existing MINI models – Hatch, Clubman and Convertible – benefit from design refreshments to both exterior and interior. At the front, a new bumper with a lower air intake serves not only to update MINI’s face but also to improve pedestrian protection courtesy of larger deformation zones. New style fog lamps adorn either side of the air intake which on MINI One and Cooper features a black cross bar to emphasize the car’s low, wide stance. On the Cooper S two purposeful air intakes feed the brake discs and enhance the sporting intent of this model.
The round MINI headlights display new light elements, with optional Xenon lamps featuring Adaptive headlights (bendy lights) as an option. A new side indicator has a distinctive design of concentric circles and sits in the redesigned side gill housings.
At the rear, a new bumper the tail and brake lights are now LEDs while the brake lights use dynamic intensity lighting that varies according to the deceleration force applied. Pulsating light affords following drivers an opportunity to gauge the urgency of the braking manoeuvre. The LED design also gives a distinctive light design at night. Integrated reversing and rear fog lamps are also new and are housed in the rear bumper.
Along with five new dynamic paint colours and five new alloy wheel designs the new MINI models are subtlely different, yet immediately distinctive.
February 2011
MINI Cooper SD announced
The two litre four cylinder power unit follows the design philosophy of the familiar 1.6 litre engine but produces 143hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28 per cent more than the Cooper D and nearly 60 per cent above that of the One D. Unsurprisingly its power, allied to a mighty torque figure of 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm, the highest torque value of any MINI engine, even the engines within the John Cooper Works family, endows the Cooper SD with vivid performance: in the case of the Hatch a top speed of 134mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds.
The John Cooper Works models have long offered the pinnacle of MINI performance and excitement for sport-oriented drivers. From April 2011 a Sports Pack, closely aligned to the JCW models is available for all models of the MINI Hatch and Convertible to enhance exterior and interior individual style and offer more dynamic driving responses.
Each Sport Pack is equipped with a special aerodynamic package that includes a unique front and rear apron with black detailing, horizontal slats on the fog lamp surrounds and a honeycomb mesh over the main air intake. The rear apron also features prominent sculpting at the outer edges while sweeping, curved side skirts continue the sporting theme.
February 2011
MINI Pimlico on sale from March 2011
Following the success of the MINI Graphite Special Edition in 2009/2010, a new MINI Hatch special edition will go on sale in the UK for 12 months from March 2011. The MINI Pimlico models will feature as standard exclusive Laser Bule metallic paint, previously only available on MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works, 16’’ twin spoke alloy wheels, Piano Black interior trim, white indicators and MINI Pimlico special edition badging.
April 2011
Cooper S based MINI Goodwood launched
The most striking features of the exterior design are the body finish in the exclusive Rolls-Royce colour Diamond Black metallic and 17-inch light alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design.
The MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD is powered by a 1.6-litre 184 bhp four-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control. The power unit, which is featured in the new MINI Cooper S, impresses with spontaneous power delivery. At the same time it is also the most efficient engine in its displacement class.
January 2012
MINI Baker Street introduced
Finished in exclusive Rooftop Grey metallic paint, with twin black bonnet stripes drawing a subtle V-shape, the MINI Baker Street is available in MINI One, One D, Cooper and Cooper D guise. Pepper White or Midnight Black shades are available as an optional body colour.
‘Baker Street' lettering is added to the side scuttles and door sills and the special edition features 16-inch ‘6-Star' twin-spoke light alloy wheels in a high-gloss black to match the door mirror caps. Cooper and Cooper D models feature a painted black roof.
The comprehensive equipment list on the MINI Baker Street includes the Pepper Pack, which means automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth, on-board computer, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, a multi-coloured interior lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat are all included. DAB digital radio is standard, as it is on all MINIs.
January 2012
MINI Bayswater launched
This hot hatch special edition is available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD models.
An eye-catching Kite Blue metallic paint has been created especially for this model, as have the 17-inch light alloy ‘Sandblast' wheels. They feature a high-gloss black finish with machined rim and spoke edges. The exterior is finished with blue and grey Sport Stripes on the bonnet, from outside the car a blue stripe is on the left and grey on the right, corresponding door mirror caps are coloured in the same way. ‘Bayswater' lettering adds a touch of class to the side indicator surrounds and door sills. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic can be ordered as alternative body colours on Cooper S and Cooper SD variants.
The MINI Bayswater's interior includes the Chrome Line and Chili packages as standard, but other elements are completely bespoke. For example, the Punch Leather seats come in Rocklike Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a unique metallic sheen with blue and grey contrasting stitching and ‘Bayswater' seat tags.
What to watch out for
First report of a timing chain failure on an Cooper S, following first report of the same thing happening to the engine of a Peugeot 207GT (same basic engine) in March. Might be down to the extended oil change regime
07-04-2011:High pressure pump and gearbox failure reported on a 3.5 year old Cooper S
08-08-2011:Another report of a timing chain failure, on an 2007 Cooper S.
11-03-2012:Now thought that low pressure in the fuel pump of the 1.6 petrol engine leads to low pressure in the oil pump, starving the timing chain of oil on start-up and leading to stretching of the chain.
27-04-2012:Strange case of massive condensation build-up under cam covers due to car being repeatedly used for short runs from cold. Occurred after 3 years, then again after a further 2 years.
30-07-2012:Seems to be a manufacturer TSB to replace water pumps that are causing timing chain failures.
23-10-2012:Timing chain and tensioner failures increasingly common. Incredibly, some dealers are refusing to change the oil of engines that have done 15,000 miles in 3 years under tlc, saying "not necessary". But that's precisely why the timing chains and tensioners fail.
10-11-2012:Seems to have been a spate of air conditioning evaporator failures involving a lot of dismantling to fix and a £500 bill. First signs are specks of white powder coming out of the air vents.
27-01-2013:Coolant pipe to heater matrix can gradually get worn through by part of the gearchange linkage, leading to loss of coolant and potential overheating/head gasket problems.
15-06-2013:Apparent spate of electric panoramic sunroof failures. BMW dealers quote £1,600-£1,800 to fix.
2009/59 MINI Cooper Convertible back to the dealer to have the cam sensor changed under warranty in 2011 & 2012. Same fault then occurred out of warranty. Dealer says it is because only doing short journeys and it has caused rust in the engine. To rectify the problem by fitting a modified rocker cover and repair the damage caused they want to charge 20% of the labour amounting to £387.20.
03-07-2013:Inlet camshaft sensor failed on 6,419 mile 3 year 5 month old MINI Cooper Automatic, probably related to the fault listed on 20-6-2013 because the car is not used enough for condensation inside the engine to evaporate off, thus causing internal rust. Quoted £150 to fix, then dropped to £90, while an independent specialist quoted £65 to fix. However, apparently there is a shorteage of parts.
26-07-2013:Another failed manual gearbox reported, this on a 2008 Cooper.
31-10-2013:Another report of a Cooper S coking up with carbon, being decoked by the dealer prior to re-sale, and the rocker cover being broken leading to an oil leak.
12-11-2013:On 62k mile 2007/57 R56 Cooper S, first timing chain failure, repair part-funded by BMW, closely followed by piston failure requiring £3,500 work, not funded by BMW.
06-01-2014:20k mile 2010 reg MINI One suffered faulty fusebox and oil leak due to failed oil control valve shaft seal.
08-01-2014:40k mile 2008 MINI One started to lose power and amber light flashed. MINI dealer replaced plugs and coil packs to no avail at cost of £250 (including diagnostics).
20-02-2014:Heater blower of 14k mile 5 year old Cooper S failed, but between them Ocean Torbay and MINI replaced it for 2/3 cost.
28-02-2014:Timing chain failed on 42k mile 2007 MINI Cooper S, probably due to inadequate tlc servicing. £7,500 bill. Some goodwill likely.
10-03-2014:Electric Power Steering fault on 2007/57 MINI Cooper due to moisture ingress causing corrosion to the wiring.
13-06-2014:Low oil level of 2008 MINI Cooper S led to timing chain slipping, valves hitting pistons and a destroyed engine. Vital to change the oil and filter in these at least every 12 months or 10,000 miles whichever comes first, and to check the oil level regularly.
29-09-2014:Another yellow engine light showing on a 2007 MINI Cooper S. Suspect oil/timing chain problems.
11-07-2015:Report of peeling and blistering of clearcoat lacquer on Chilli Red MINI Cooper S.
21-07-2015:Number of problems reported with Cooper S. First, a timing chain failure (often the result of too infrequent oil changes). MINI provided goodwill. Then a coolant leak from a failed header tank (£600), and now another coolant leak at the seal with the oil filter for which the dealer is asking another £600. This could be connected with the electric pump that circulates coolant through the turbo and which was the subject of an NHTSA recall in the USA.
03-08-2015:Strange case of 3 year old MINI Cooper S failing to start after a recent franchised service. Local mechanic found that CV joint had detached from driveshaft.
16-11-2015:Rear brake discs of 3 year old 30,000 mile MINI Cooper corroded and MINI lease demanded they were replaced by lessee before returning the car.
09-01-2016:Timing chain failed on used 2009 MINI Cooper S bought 3 months previously.
09-05-2016:Starting problem on December 2010 MINI Cooper S Cabriolet traced to failed oil seal on a solenoid that allowed oil to track along the wiring harness and into the engine management system, both of which had to be replaced, along with re-programming. BMW dealer response was no chance of a contribution to repair costs on a car of that age. Owner opted to have it repaired at local independent MINI specialist. This cost £2,525.
20-05-2016:As directly above (9-5-2016), engine warning light recently came on in 25k mile 2011 MINI Cooper. Fault was traced to a failed solenoid in the sump, resulting in oil tracking back up the wiring to the engine management system, all of which had to be replaced. MINI and the local MINI dealership dealt with the situation very well. MINI stood the cost of the new EMU, and the dealer significantly reduced his hourly rate. Instead of a bill of £1,800, the reader paid £526. The dealer told him that it was a rare, but not unknown problem. Somewhat friendlier dealer than 9-5-2016.
24-07-2016:65,000 mile 2009 R57 MINI convertible automatic reported to be using a litre of oil every 1,500 miles.
11-08-2016:Report of 17,400 mile 2012 MINI Cooper auto with Pepper pack perpetually stalling and losing power to steering and brakes. Taken to MINI dealer which has had the car for 12 days and cannot find the problem. (Begs the question why not. See above.)
18-10-2016:Yellow engine EML light came on in 59k mile R56 MINI Cooper S. Garage advised that it needs a new timing chain (which has "jumped a tooth") and a few other parts. Estimated cost £1,900, of which parts are about £1,500, but apparently the replacement parts would not develop the same problem later (ie, the parts have been modified to eliminate (or reduce) this problem).
20-12-2016:Porous cylinder head reported on 2008 MINI Cooper at 57,000 miles. Car has cost £3,000 in repairs over past 3 years. MINI specialist said never saw the condition before and that car needs a new engine. BMW MINI dealer to conduct diagnostic tests for a manufacturing fault.
31-01-2017:Report of failure of high pressure fuel pump in R56 MINI Cooper S.
06-02-2017:Report of 112,000 mile 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW overheating after a 10 minute drive, not exceeding 3,000rpm. The car has a watercooled turbo and the system in a Cooper S sensibly includes a pump to circulate coolant through the very hot turbo after the engine has been switched off. When this system fails (especially if the engine loses coolant, or the radiator fan sensor/ sender switch fails) you get the situation you are experiencing. I think first step is to check that sensor/sender switch.
17-05-2017:For the MINI Cooper S, the thermostat housing can crack and cause coolant to leak; this often occurs around 80,000 kilometres, though individual experiences vary. As a result of the coolant leak, the error code ‘P0597 Cel:Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open’ may be logged because the temperature sensor no longer functions.
10-06-2017:Report of MINI Cooper needing new front brake pads at 20,000 miles, found to be 90% worn; rears 80% worn and advised to replaced as well. Braker pade wear indicator gave no alert.
06-07-2017:Report of Timing chain tensioner failing on 2008 MINI Cooper S at 46,000 miles. Needed new timing chain tensioner, solenoid valve, vanos unit and oil pump cleaned. Total bill £1,868.
24-10-2017:Report of 2012 MINI Cooper convertible needing a new timing chain and considerable other work costing £3,000 after a rattle was heard on starting the engine. Common problem, but suspect it has not been subject to 10k mile oil changes.
29-12-2017:Report of clutch failing on 2012 MINI Cooper S at 33,500 miles. Cost £805 to replace.
11-04-2018:Report of horn intermittently failing in 2014 MINI Cooper S. Worked for its MoT, but still failing intermittently. Apparently the repair requires a new steering wheel. MINI will pay for it but dealer wants £130 to fit it.
25-04-2018:Report of timing chain failure on 2014 MINI Clubman 1.6. BMW will not contribute because first service was carried out by a non BMW dealer.
25-07-2018:Report of noisy knocking sound inside the engine after a couple of minutes of driving 60,000 mile 2019 MINI Cooper 1.6. Increases in tempo when accelerating. Both Halfords an independent BMW mechanic believe it will require a replacement engine. Might be the timing cvhain tensioner.
10-08-2018:Report of a/c condenser in 2013 MINI Cooper fracturing at 35,000 miles and losing refrigerant. Not stone damaged. Thought not to have suffered corrosion damage. After protest, cost £357.50 to rectify. Case ongoing.
27-06-2019:Report of 51,000 mile 2010 MINI Cooper using full sump of oil in 800 miles.
20-08-2019:Report of gears of 60,000 km 2007 MINI Cooper automatic not selecting correctly and changing up and down randomly without warning. After a rebooting of the software failed, owner (resident in France) quoted 6,461.39 euros by French MINI dealer to replace the transmission. He did some checking and found transmission specialist Stephens Engineering in Hertfordshire. They told him not an uncommon problem and occurred when the battery is old and does not have the same constant power output as a new battery; therefore the gearbox can lose its mode and settings. The car had still been on its original battery and once that was replaced the problem was solved.
15-09-2021:Clutch and flywheel failure reported on 2009 MINI Cooper S. Owner had the car for six months and has returned it to the dealer for repair claim.
