Mini Cooper Brakes

As an happy owner of a Mini Cooper S, I can tell you driving the car is a blast. Mini Cooper brakes, unfortunately, do not get the same love from me.

The Mini Cooper was reintroduced to the market in 2001. BMW purchased the brand and built out a turbocharged version. The car was light and powerful. It is often compared to driving a go kart and I really can’t disagree. This makes even the boring drive to and from work every day a fun little adventure. The car simply flies and puts a smile on your face.

The downside to the Mini Cooper is it really is impossible to drive in a slow fashion. The car handles so well that you get used to whipping around corners while just driving normally. I pass Porsches on two lane circular onramps to the freeway. It handles that well and is that fast. The problem, of course, is you have to stop eventually. When that occurs, you often really end up putting the brakes under stress. This means they wear out fairly quick. I actually had to have my first pads replaced at 17,500 miles! The warranty/free maintenance covered it, thank you!

I’ve learned to take it easy on the brakes. Still, there is little doubt that the brakes could be done in a better fashion. One very annoying problem is brake dust. The pads shed dust after even just a stop or two. I’m talking a ridiculous amount. I’ve heard you can go with better pads than come from Mini, but haven’t replaced mine since they are under warranty. Still, buy black rims or you’ll soon give up and just drive around with dirty rims.

The second issue that arises with Mini Brakes has to do with rotor warping. The rotor is the device the brake pads clamp onto to slow the car. The rotors appear to have been designed for a normal family sedan. The Mini is anything but. I’ve not had problems with mine, but the Mini forums certain contain many discussions of the rotors warping. Rotors are costly, so it is vital that you stay on top of the pad wear and try to keep the rotors from being abused.

I love my Mini Cooper S. The brakes are not that big of an issue and I would certainly buy one again. That being said, you need to plan to spend some money on them. I intend to upgrade to a racing kit once I am out of warranty so that I don’t have to worry about it too much.

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