10 MINI problems solved

It drives like a dream. It makes you feel like you want to go on a mini adventure. And with 10 million possible combinations, the Mini truly is the car for individuals. With all this, it’s no surprise that the BMW MINI is popular among men and women alike.

Last month (March 2010) following the launch of the new “10” registration plate, MINI delivered 23,880 new vehicles, up 9.1% on last year’s delivery figures.

According to BMW MINI dealer Bond Street Select, Leicester, while extremely reliable, like with all cars, there are things that can go wrong. If you have your car serviced regularly by a reputable dealer, then trained mechanics can pick up on any problems before they happen.

The Mini servicing expert from Leicester has put together a BMW MINI driver guide to help you look after your car.

1. Mini Power Steering Problems: We have all become accustomed to the ease of power steering. But when your mini hasn’t had time to warm up, you might find that the steering is sluggish and comes and goes. If this is the case, the solution is to replace the power steering pump.

2. Air bag light on: Many of the early MINI models experienced a fault with the air bag light coming on. In most cases this was caused by a broken connection under the passenger seat. If you want to get technical, it’s caused by the wiring loom for the pressure sensor (located under the passenger seat) being tugged by the movement of the seat. If you’re Mini is suffering from this problem, get it to a reputable Mini mechanic.

3. Mini Gearbox sounds: Even fantastic German engineering can’t always escape the rigour of zipping around town. If your car starts to sound more like a tractor when engaging gear, you might require a new gear box. Check it out before it gets worse.

4. Car Clutch: There are two common Mini clutch issues to look out for. When using your clutch it may feel heavy in operation. This unfortunately means that you may require a new one. If you hear a whining sound before the clutch is engaged this means that the release bearing has gone.

5. Water leaks: If you are experiencing water leaking from underneath your car this may be due to either the radiator or head gasket. Either way it is well worth having it checked out as soon as possible. Although it is only water it may lead to a far bigger issue if you do not get it fixed.

6. Brakes: Brake pads and discs always need replacing, and the more miles you drive the more often they need replacing. If your rear brake discs are showing rust on two thirds of the disc it normally means that the callipers are at risk of seizing – without worrying you, a new set will be required.

7. Mini Seats: You may have noticed that your passenger seat does not return to the natural upright position. This is fine if you are the only person that travels in your car however if you carry passengers they may face an uncomfortable ride. If your seat does not return to the correct position it may need a new base.

8. Exhaust: Exhausts are one of the most commonly replaced items on a car along with brakes and tyres. The rear box of a BMW MINI exhaust often corrodes but does not blow for quite a time. However through the corrosion the brackets often snap. As long as you keep your car serviced then this problem will be spotted early.

9. ABS light flickers on and off: With so many lights on the dashboard these days it can start to look a bit like Blackpool Illuminations. Not many of us know what they are all for but the ABS light is simply the letters ABS, so it is easy to spot. If you find that your Automatic Braking System (ABS) light keeps flickering on and off it is more than likely down to the wire braking up near the ABS pump. If that’s the case then the wire will need to be replaced.

10. Water in Boot: The last thing you want to find is a few fish and a couple of ducks setting up home in the newly formed pond in your boot. This is often caused by a leaking rear lamp seal, but luckily for BMW Mini owners there is a simple and inexpensive solution to stop all of your shopping getting wet - you just need to get the rubber seal replaced.

If you fancy yourself as a MINI driver and you are looking to buy a second hand BMW MINI do not be put off by the above. As long as you buy from a reputable dealer and keep your car serviced regularly then these issues will either have been fixed before you buy or will be picked up well in advance by your mechanic.

If however you want an expert to talk to, give Bond Street Select, Leicester a call for some unbiased advice on what to do to keep your Mini purring.