Mini Cooper
The Mini is considered a British icon of design. Its space-saving front-wheel drive layout – allowing 80 per cent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage – influenced generations of car makers. In 1999 the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T. The car has been in production for over 55 years.
The Mini marque has been produced by BMW in Cowley, England since about 2000.
Mini Cooper Services:
- Full Mini Cooper Diagnostic Service
- Brakes
- Tires
- Engine and Transmission Rebuild and Replacement
- Air Conditioning and Climate Control
- Electrical
- Suspension Systems
- Performance Upgrades
- Full and Partial Classic Mini Cooper Restoration
- Mini Cooper Factory Scheduled Service and Maintenance
COMMON REPAIRS ON MINI COOPERS
Mini Coopers can be great fun to drive, but sometimes problems do crop up. This covers the most common problems we run across in servicing Mini Coopers.
1. FAILED ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING PUMPS
Electric power steering pumps can be prone to failure. If your power steering pump has to be replaced it is a good idea to check out the cooling fan and other related parts while the vehicle is being services, as access is a considerable cost in these small engine bays.
2. TRANSMISSION ISSUES - FLUID REPLACEMENT
Problems with the automatic transmission come down to the manufacturers saying that their transmissions do not need fluid changes. This is a big problem because not changing the transmission fluid will cause it to fail early. Changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles will save thousands of dollars in repairs. The CVT transmissions installed before 2008 should have regular oil changes; however the 5 speed automatic transmissions used on most Minis are much more reliable.
3. RATTLING TIMING CHAINS
Timing chains can start rattling. This problem can be worse when the engine is idling. This is a fairly major repair, but do not ignore it or you could end up with some major problems. It seems like this issue is also related to not changing the transmission oil/fluid often enough.
4. WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT LEAKS
If your Mini Cooper has over 50,000 miles you should consider replacing the water pump and thermostat. This can save hours of labor if you replace them before finding a leak.
5. VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ISSUES
Performance issue can come up when the oil is not changed enough. The VVT requires a good flow of oil to operate the system. When the oil is not changed, sludge builds up and blocks the tiny passages.
6. MINI RADIATOR SUPPORTS
We suggest changing the oil to allow the detergent in the oil clean the oily supply passages. To prevent the problem, change the oil as soon as it gets dirty, even if it's after a couple of thousand miles. If the passages are not blocked completely this might solve the problem.
7 DAMAGED RADIATOR SUPPORTS
The front radiator support is made of plastic and it supports the radiator, fan, and condenser. It sits very low, and it doesn't take much to damage the support. Just a moderate impact on a high curb can cause a lot of damage. The lower coolant hose sits even lower and if this is hit it can also cause a lot of damage, so be sure to take care when parking your car.
8. CLUTCH FAILURE
Early clutch failures seem to be related mainly to hard use.
GOOD NEWS
Mini Coopers aren't the most expensive cars to purchase new, and with regular maintenance, depending on the type of driving you do, the cars are designed to last a long time. Mini Cooper maintenance costs are in line with other performance cars.
MINI COOPER TUNE-UPS
Ed Wright’s British Car Repair offers tune up services to help you get the most out your Mini
• Engine Coolant / Ant-Freeze
• Air Filter
• Brake Fluid
• Tire Tread and Pressure
• Engine Oil
• Oil Filter
• Transmission Fluid and Filter
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINI COOPER TUNING
We provide complete service for tuning Mini Coopers
• Tires
• Performance Chips
• Superchargers
• Exhaust
• Brake Systems
• Suspensions
• Engine Tuning
• Transmissions
We help you find the right starting point to tune your Mini Cooper for high performance. Identifying one’s performance goals and driving style is vital. Customers should also have in mind the products which fit their preference.
Our shop offers options that are suitable for every interest and driving level. Visit our car repair shop in San Rafael, CA to get step-by-step instructions from our competent mechanics on how to tune your Mini Cooper to achieve optimal handling and power. Services offered at our shop are affordable.
BRAKE AND SUSPENSION
Come over to Ed Wright’s British Car Repair and get brakes for all terrains. We can fit your car with a grooved and vented brake pad that presents the ultimate brake set up for all Mini Coopers. This set up is much larger in diameter and thicker than stock. At Ed Wright’s British Car Repair, we have ‘fast road’ brake pads. These brakes attain enhanced braking in all conditions.
STYLING
Mini Cooper owners like to add a personal touch to their cars. There are almost limitless styling options for Mini Coopers. There is a Mini Cooper style that fits every owner. Our mechanics will ensure that you get the finest quality of style that suits your preference and personality.
SUPERCHARGERS
Mini Cooper S models equipped with supercharges can be upgraded with a supercharger pulley kit allowing the supercharger to rotate faster and deliver higher forced air pressure. This relatively simple modification provides noticeable power gains through the range.
Images below are from our shop and include many of the Original Mini Coopers we have restored and maintain for their owners.
Send us an email with any questions about your Mini
(415) 457-1707
142 Mill Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Service for British Autos in Marin
and the Bay Area since 1960
Monday through Friday
9-am 5pm
