3 replies to this topic

[Angry Mini Owner]

Hi,

I have owned a Mini Cooper S Works Model from New, the car was bought in 2007, and has covered 31000 miles and is just out of warranty.

I was driving the car on the motorway when all power was lost, managed to get into the hard shoulder, and the AA recovered the vehicle to my local
dealer, who have now informed me that the vacuum pump on the engine seized, causing major damage to the engine and a replacement engine is required.

BMW/Mini have agreed to pay for the new engine but I will have to pay for the labour approx £2500 which I think is unfair, has anybody you know of been faced with this?

I found on the net a few people who have had the same problem, most were lucky, the car was still under warranty and repaired free.

My understanding is the pump should last the life of the car.

[maggies_minder]

you may find the answers you seek quicker on a forum such as MINI2 or totalmini (i think they correct)
most people have classic Minis on here, some also own the BMW varient, but of those theres only a few.

best of luck.
ps, if you had a classic you could try doing the engine yourself.

[bmcecosse]

As explained above - your car is a MINI - not a Real Mini. So saying - hard to imagine why a 'failed vacuum pump' would cause the engine to fail!! I think you may be being 'ripped' - seek a second opinion.

[Dan]

Vacuum pumps mounted on Diesels tend to be fitted directly to the end of the cam, if they seize they can cause massive damage. Is there a Works Diesel? If not what vacuum pump are they referring to?