Mini Countryman

My Thoughts on MINI Connected INFOTAINMENT - 2024 MINI COOPER – I purchased the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman in June this year, and while I’m overall happy with the car's performance and design, I’ve encountered a frustrating issue with the MINI entertainment system that I believe other potential buyers should be aware of. One of the key attractions for me was the wireless Apple CarPlay feature, which works… Read more

flawlessly. I can easily connect my phone wirelessly and use Apple CarPlay within the Mini’s infotainment system. However, the problem arises when trying to use MINI’s own apps through the “MINI Connected” service. Here’s the catch: If I try to download and install an app from the MINI App Store within the Mini’s infotainment system (just like using Apple CarPlay), it won’t work unless I subscribe to “MINI Connected” for $9.99 per month.

To clarify, I have a car I’ve paid for, with a built-in infotainment system, but I can only access and use the apps from the MINI App Store if I commit to paying a monthly fee for MINI Connected. This feels limiting, especially when I can’t simply use apps from the Apple App Store within the infotainment system. The system seems deliberately designed to push users into subscribing to MINI Connected, which is frustrating.

I understand car companies charging for certain premium features like map updates or using proprietary assistants (e.g., MINI’s version of Siri), but this is different. I believe I should be able to download and use basic apps on the infotainment system, utilizing my own mobile data or internet if needed. Instead, I feel locked out of accessing the apps from MINI’s store unless I pay for their subscription service.

It gives the impression that the whole entertainment system is designed not for user convenience, but as a cash grab—charging for basic functionality that should be included. In my opinion, this feels like a form of “daylight robbery.” For those considering the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman, be aware of these additional costs if you want to use more than just Apple CarPlay in the infotainment system. This is something MINI should rethink for future models or provide more transparency about upfront.

Note: I’m definitely considering raising this issue with the relevant government body or ombudsman

Mini Countryman is a lemon – Straight to my point: DON'T BUY Mini Countryman from BMW, IT'S A FAULTY PRODUCT!!! I am writing to express my profound disappointment and frustration with the mechanical issues plaguing my 2017 Mini Countryman, which I purchased with high expectations of reliability and performance, being a part of the esteemed Mini brand under BMW. Last year,… Read more

in September 2023, during a routine service check (The service was done regularly in the past years), it was discovered that the engine mount of my vehicle was broken. This unexpected issue required an immediate repair, which cost me a substantial amount of $2000. While I understood that wear and tear are inevitable, I was nonetheless surprised and disheartened by such a significant problem arising in a relatively new vehicle.

Regrettably, my dismay has only intensified with another major setback occurring merely six months later. As of today, the engine light in my Mini Countryman has illuminated, signaling yet another mechanical issue. Moreover, I have noticed a distinct lack of power while driving, indicating a serious problem with the turbocharger. After seeking professional evaluation from BWM, I have been informed that repairing the turbocharger will necessitate an exorbitant expense of $5800. With regards to car's turbo charger, as far as I know it should have similar life span as engine, like maybe last at least 150,000 kms but in my case it's only 60,000 kms, where is BMW's high quality standard???

Such recurring mechanical failures within a short span of time are wholly unacceptable, especially for a vehicle that has only accumulated 60,000 kms and is merely six years old. Turbo charger as far as I know should have similar lifespan as engine I had entrusted in the Mini brand's reputation for quality and reliability, which is why I chose to invest in one of your vehicles. However, the current situation has severely undermined my confidence in the durability and longevity of your products.

As a loyal customer who has faithfully adhered to maintenance schedules and followed all recommended procedures, I find myself deeply disappointed and disillusioned. This unexpected financial burden, coupled with the inconvenience of repeated repairs, has significantly marred my ownership experience and tarnished my perception of the Mini brand.

Stylish but poor quality body and early expensive repairs – I purchased a 2018 JCW Mini Countryman with 35000km from a dealer. Within 3 months I needed to replace the rear wiper; after 4 months the sunroof would not close and had to be replaced at a cost of $7000. At my first service (out of warranty) I had to fix damaged engine supports at a cost of $1700. My previous car was a Mazda 6 wagon which had no… Read more

problems for 16years! I would not expect these problems in an expensive vehicle with low km and only easy urban driving.

JCW is a perfect mid life crisis toy – Bought JCW F60 Countryman in May 2020, pocket rocket acceleration. My wife & kids love it a lot. It's basically BMW. I Also own 2018 BMW X3, it has similarity in many ways & the infotainment system is the same. I especially love the engine & exhaust tones with added pop sound when you are in Sports mode. Awesome midlife crisis toy & I have been buying lots of genuine & aftermarket accessories too. Show details

Best Birthday Pressie for myself! – I got this gorgeous Island Blue Countryman with white bonnet stripes and union jack mirrors from Motorline Mini just before my birthday and absolutely love it! It has been three and a half months and I have only done under 700kms but it is such a joy to drive. I prefer letting my hubby drive as I still get nervous about driving a new car, having… Read more

driven a Beetle before this. I thought it would be harder to drive ( I'm petite ) since it is higher and bigger than the Beetle but it is just perfect. The seat adjustment is just so easy to adjust it does not matter that I drive it one way and then let my hubby drive it home. You really don't need the electric seats since it is very pricey and I heard it makes the car heavier. The mood lighting is very subtle and not gaudy like the new Seltos. The interior is extremely roomy and the two kids love it since they had to 'endure' sitting in the Beetle for years! I guess the car is too new to show any mechanical faults but I am sure it will last me a long while. I bought the 5 year servicing package and since I hardly drive the car ( mostly grocery shopping trips and taking the kids around ) I have a feeling this car will serve us well into the future. I hope to pass this to my daughter in a few years and get a new Mini, probably another Countryman or maybe even a smaller Mini?

Fantastic fun family car – We bought a Mini Countryman Cooper S and are loving it so far. The 2017-20 model is roomier than its predecessor and is the only car our family has. We fitted a tow bar so we could tow a trailer for moving stuff. We are only 6 months into the purchase so no problems to report yet. I can confirm it is my favourite car to drive yet. Show details

Not so "Mini" but a fantastic small crossover – Upgraded from an old 2005 Mini Cooper convertible to the Cooper S Countryman in Chestnut Brown. It's a great car, much cheaper than the luxury brand alternatives but just as good. The built-in screen system is amazing - very zippy too with the turbocharger. Show details

Good car – It is a spacious car. It is a but noisy and expensive in terms of fuel consumption. The inside is great with features that cannot be seen in other car brands. The navigation system is wonderful. It is also great to personalise the vehicle according to our favourite colour and stickers. Lots of legroom.  Show details

Excellent build quality, some quirkiness in designs tiring after a while – We were hooked from the test drive just how good the driving experience was. Both my wife and I loved the go-kart like handling and enthusiastic engine of the Cooper S model (auto shift). So much so we bought two! The Mini doesn't come any bigger than the Countryman but we were amazed at how the designers managed to keep the driving experience… Read more

authentic to the originals. The Countryman we purchased were built in Austria alongside the X1 and we couldnt be happier with the build quality, nothing wrong with either car after both now around the 40,000km mark. We love the space and flexibility of the cabin area. It remains comfortable for long distances (we drove mine from Perth to Melbourne and back last year with our 5 month old son) and the drivers aids are very functional and easy to understand. We also love the interior lighting and tactile features of all the components. Only a few negatives to report and they relate to the design quirkiness. The tiny digital speedo is what you use when driving. No one looks at the enormous analogue speedo in the middle of the dash. When any alarm is activated, the digital speedo is lost and the alarm is highlighted in its place. Annoying when the fuel light comes on with 20% still left in the tank, and dangerous when speed cameras are about. Also the leather on the seat base stretches after a year and so leaves a crease when not being used - given the opportunity I'd have definitely optioned the ribbed leather seats. The rear seat releases are in the middle of the seat, so if you reach in from the open rear door (the ONLY way to drop the back down) you WILL get a swift whack to the head as the spring belts you upon release. I've had near concussion a number of times. And finally, the space where a spare tyre should be (having had a flat with the run flat I can verify i'd have preferred to stop and change it) is a storage area which is handy unless you have the boot full of other stuff requiring you to empty the entire car to get at. A split lid would be much more useful. Otherwise I would certainly recommend buying the service plan, much cheaper than paying individually for the services and the loan car becomes complimentary. Service from Autoclassic Perth and Bundoora BMW for both purchases has been excellent.

Badly burnt. Worst automotive experience in my life – These vehicles Mini markets as being premium are anything but. I have had the following issues within 2.5 year ownership period. 1. Faulty clutch from day one of ownership, requires replacement every 40,000kms. A known manufacturing defect recognised internationally, but not offered warranty or recall by BMW Australia. 2. Three severe breakdowns… Read more

where car has suddenly decelerated while highway driving at 110km/h. All occasions requiring a tow. 3. Full car floor flooding. Airconditioner condensation drainage flowed straight into the cabin. Was flooded for six months while BMW Sydney stuffed around and not correctly diagnosing. Required whole car strip to metal shell and refit of all carpets. 4. Countless electrical faults. Auto lights and wipers simply not working. Electric window regulators all individually failed and required replacement.

Update: Have now traded the car before expiry of warranty. A nightmare not helped by money hungry mongrels at BMW Sydney servicing the car and BMW Australia offering next to no warranty support throughout ownership. Having bought the car new, I really expected a lot better. Worst car ownership experience in my life and I have owned most marques. You have been warned and I suggest you read all international blogs before buying any MINI as very few are sold in Australia.

1. Clutch

An internationally recognised problem where the clutch has poor engagement and take off in the 2011/2012 Cooper S ALL4 models. BMW Australia have been no help whatsoever. Have denied the problem and offered no compensation for the $5k clutch and flywheel replacement. Clutch felt heavily worn after only 40,000 highway kms. When clutch was removed, was only 50% worn, but still BMW Australia denied a manufacturing problem.

Update: If you have had the same issue after a short km distance, please get in contact. Several others have done so already. It needs to be dealt with in a group manner as BMW Australia treat individuals as if they have never heard of their problem before and offer no support or compensation for when they know they are liable. Their corporate behaviour is nothing short of disgusting.

2. Breakdowns

Offered no explanation why the car suddenly cuts out engine while driving. Car requires tow every six months. I blame the servicing. I have it logbook serviced through BMW Sydney. They state oil change on service receipts, but I doubt they perform half of what they charge for.

3. Flooding

Vehicle is not only poorly engineered, it is poorly manufactured. I had full car flooding complete with mould for a period of six months. BMW Sydney failed to diagnose and denied the problem until the carpets were covered in mould. Then required full car strip back to metal shell to replace carpets. Horrific experience.

4. Electrical faults

Dash has been removed five times to fix loose and rattling wiring. Auto lights and wipers stopped working after one of these dash removals. BMW Sydney denied doing it. They also scratched up the dash plastic, scuffed the leather seats and scratched the bonnet. Again, denied doing it. Electric windows also all individually failed at different times. That is, they just don't close. Convenient when driving in the rain. Further on electrical, the speakers either had poor connections or just poor quality. Sound quality was very poor and would crackle when playing high quality digital tracks.

If you have had a similar experience, please post a review. People need to be informed. BMW Australia do not support customers at all and they need to be held accountable. Posting online and documenting your experiences will hopefully prevent others falling into the trap of buying one of these overpriced poor quality vehicles.

2014 Mini Countryman owner – My first ever car as an 18 year old was a mini.....many years later (incl wife + 2 kids) i never thought i'd be driving another mini due to family and a regular 2-door mini was not practical.....but I just took delivery of a new 2014 MINI Countryman and loving it! I'd been shopping around for over 12 months to replace my VW Jetta and test drove a… Read more

few cars including the Audi Q3 and Volvo Crosscountry but neither got me excited at all. The Audi shape looks like 90% of SUV's on the road and the Volvo only comes in auto (boring!). I test drove the 6-speed manual Countryman sports and fell in love with it! For performance, fun to drive and unique styling when you start comparing to other premium vehicles in a similar $ range it stacks up very well. Plus the CM been voted as the car with the highest value retention level its class on the German car market....another plus. great performance, fun to drive and unique mini styling but the added practicality of 4 doors nothing yet.....i'm loving it!