3 year old binis are the least reliable cars in USA apparently...

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/reve ... 1c35l.html

The problem with this survey is that modern cars are so well engineered and so reliable that the difference between the top and bottom is that they are saying that at best every car has on average ONE fault and for the bottom, they have on average just over TWO faults. Not really a big difference

The other problem that can effect results is some people expect issues with some cars.
For example a few rattles or squeaks on a korean car is nothing new and probably gets unnoticed, but a beemer or merc driver is more likely to notice and make a complaint.

had mums one for years and it never ever has had a drama, at just over 70,000 k's..

and the one i race is the most reliable car ive ever raced.. never dnf'd because of mechanical failure..

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Potato

Our R56 Cooper S has had a problem with the timing chain tensioner, which has been fixed under warranty. A common problem.
Engine is still noisy when cold and has only done 41k in nearly 4 years.
Replaced 2 front tyres and replaced front disk pads at 39k.
Apart from that it is a great car.

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

theyre a pretty noisy engine anyway regardless of kms i think... all the ones ive ever heard or driven have sounded like nails in a tin up front..

Wife had a new r56 s for 3 years, couldn't get rid of the thing fast enough once the warranty expired ! 17 times back to the dealership for many mechanical, electrical problems & faults..... Complete bucket of sh#t and I'm not the only one to have this opinion......

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1964 Grp Nb Cooper S
1976 911 3.6 Circuit Car
1969 911T Grp Sb Historic Racer
2009 LC200 V8 TDI.... 660nm..
2011 Golf VI, TSI

yeah they do have some problems, i work for bmw and have done a couple of timing chains and tentioners on the r56, but most of the noise u do hear is from the vac pump which there is nothing to be done about that.

Ive had my r53 from new and in close to 8 years all i have had to do is replace the power steering pump.

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1965 Riley Elf
1974 Ex Army Moke
1997 Rover Cooper
2002 JCW Cooper
2003 JCW Cooper S

My supercharger belt snapped last week: towed it home and put a new one in myself that night. Thats the only thing thats left me stranded on an 8 year old S.

My R50 Cooper had its 9th birthday last week. Apart from the bits I added or replaced for track days etc I have repaired the belt tensioner, replaced the battery (after 7 years) and the clutch pedal rubber 3 times ($3.50 each) but now have an aftermarket pedal cover set that cost $90.00. Its lasting well but the original equipment still seems to be the most cost effective!

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2002 Cooper, when New MINIs were new!

Obviously don't have the factory alloy pedal upgrade, I'm sure that $300 for the set!

If I spent $300 on pedals I would also fit hand controls so my feet wouldn't cover them up

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2002 Cooper, when New MINIs were new!

I hear lots of stories about transmission issues, is that true or myth?

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Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak

Most of the gearbox problems happened on the early 5 speed cooper cars.
The gearbox was 'built' (more like slapped together) by midlands.
The Cooper Ss and later coopers that got the 6 speed Getrag gearboxes are generally pretty good.

Biggest problem with them is that BMW don't have any service procedures for them, they say its 'sealed for life'. I've had the gearbox oil in my car changed to give it a fighting chance against the odds in its age.