Supercharger Failures

[Coops05]

I am the proud owner of a 2005 Cooper S Convertible with 85,000km. I have had this car for about 9 months and I love it!

The bearings in the supercharger have worn out and I am having to replace the WHOLE supercharger at considerable cost and also no car for several weeks while we wait for parts.

Has anyone else had this problem?

[BRGJCW]

This sounds very odd. I thought it would be at least 160,000 klms before the supercharger needed this sort of work (if at all). I have just over 105,000klms up in a 2002 S. Are you sure this is the problem? What symptoms are you having?

[mab01uk]

Average life of a Supercharger is about 120,000 miles although some of course fail earlier and some much later than this.
I have had the very similar Eaton S/C fail on a Mercedes C200K at 110,000 miles when it became noisy through wear in bearings.

This article describes 2002-2006 MINI Cooper S Supercharger Oil Service:
https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...er+Oil+Service

[Coops05]

it is definitely the problem as the mechanic has pulled it apart and we can see where the bearings are worn. Costing $5, 500 to repair!!!!!!!!!

Is it worth letting Mini know?

[mab01uk]

Worth a try with MINI for a 'goodwill' offer........nothing to loose.
My Mercedes Supercharger which is very similar to the Mini one, cost £1000 (UK) for a new S/C unit + a couple of hours labour to fit.

With Mini's in the UK it is often possible to source a good low mileage used replacement supercharger at a much lower cost than new.

[Coops05]

I have read a few posts that have mentioned the goodwill offer. What is it and how do you do it??

Thanks for your replies, it is very frustrating to spend so much money on what is a relatively new car.

[mab01uk]

You have to submit details of the problem and your Mini's history, mileage, etc with a request for 'goodwill' via your local Mini Dealer.....or ask them for a contact number/person for you to get in touch direct with the relevant department at MINI HQ.

[BRGJCW]

You'll also probably need proof of a service history (regular oil changes etc...). Did the car come with the service history? Was it serviced by BMW/Mini or a different service company (Ultra tune or similar)?

I'd be going back to the dealer you bought it from initially but if you bought privately then there is no comeback on the seller unforetunately.

Good luck with it and once reparied at least you will know that it will be fine for quite some time.

[Coops05]

Thanks for that info, I am not sure whether I will go down that track yet.

I have been told that this is not an unusual problem. Has anyone else had their supercharger fail at such low kms (85,000)????