Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Mini Problems

Are you having problems with your Mini? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Mini issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Mini in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Browse by

Show all

Mini Cooper: Is it front-wheel drive?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 22 Jun 2018

As with the original Mini from 1959 all regular Mini Coopers sold in Australia are front-wheel drive. The Mini raced in the World Rally Championship is an all-wheel drive model, though you cannot buy this model as a member of the public. There are no four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive models sold by Mini.

Which Mini Cooper is the best?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 25 Jul 2018

The fastest one you can buy. The John Cooper Works and GP models are genuinely fun cars that have personality for days and make driving a joy.

Mini Cooper 2011: Are there any problems with the S model?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 Jun 2018

Yes, it would the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. Generally it’s a sound car, and 70,000 km isn’t a lot of kilometres for a seven-year-old car, but be careful to check for signs of abuse from an enthusiast owner. Look for smoke from the tailpipe. Also listen for a rattle from the engine, as there was a batch of engine with timing chain issues.

Predicting how many kilometres a car lasts is next to impossible, as each person drives a car differently and in varying situations that affect the potential lifespan of the vehicle. However, as the New Mini has been built by BMW since 2000 they are as reliable as any other premium small car, so long as you service them regularly and don't skimp on cheap parts. The Cooper S John Cooper Works models have a cult following with good cause, as they are legitimately brilliant, fun little cars.

Mini Cooper 2018: How to open boot without key?
Answered by Graham Smith · 13 Jul 2018

 If you don't have a key then you will need to call a locksmith to get into your Mini. Modern security systems make it next to impossible to break into your own car via the boot or door without damaging it badly.

Mini Cooper 2018: How long is it?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 13 Jul 2018

The 1115kg Mini Cooper comes in at 3821mm long.

Mini Cooper: Can it pull a trailer?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 06 Jul 2018

We could not find any tow ratings for any of the new Mini models on sale in Australia today, which tells us they are not designed to tow a trailer.

Mini Cooper 2018: How to open trunk without key?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 20 Jul 2018

Modern cars are very tricky to break in to so, if you have lost your keys then you're going to need to call a professional locksmith to get you back into your vehicle. The only other options are hazardous as they involve smashing glass, although that isn't a guaranteed way to open your boot or doors as Mini Coopers can be dead-locked meaning they will not open without a key.

Mini Cooper: Where are they made?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 15 Jun 2018

In a factory! BMW’s New Mini Hatch, Coupe and Roadster are built in England at BMW’s Plant Oxford facility, while the Hatch, Convertible and Countryman are assembled at VDL Nedcar in Born, The Netherlands. Until 2016 Magna-Steyr assembled the Mini Paceman in Austria.

Who makes and owns Mini Cooper?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 29 May 2018

While Mini debuted in 1959, the first Mini Cooper went on sale in September 1961 and over 12,000 were built by the time production ended in 1967. Today BMW has owned Mini since 2000, and produces the New Mini in England, including the Cooper and Cooper S models.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Mini
Complete guide to Mini CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more