2003 Mini Hardtop Mini Hardtop 2003

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2003 Mini Hardtop repairs by problem area

Engine (33%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (23%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 168 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Mini Hardtop.

2003 Mini Hardtop repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (31%)

< $100 (38%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 136 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Mini Hardtop

Engine not specified

Mini Hardtop in New York, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

73000 mi

US $450
knock and other sensor replaced 
Mini Hardtop in Virginia, United States
May 2009 - Mar 2010
Jun 2009

50000 mi

US $600
The new service manager of MINI at Sterling of BMW & Sterling - saved my life - she got Mini of NA to pay half for the repair ref. good will because of on-going problems with the transmission. She was a fantastic advocate for my problem with my 03 Mini. 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 163hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Mini Hardtop in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2014 - Mar 2015
Jun 2014

65100 mi

C $500
Alternator seized, replaced it as well as supercharger oil, thermostat, belt and idler pulley. Replaced rear wheel bearing, noisy. 
Feb 2015

70680 mi

C $150
Replaced battery 
Mar 2015

70680 mi

C $300
Tie rod end replacement 
Mini Hardtop in Washington, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2015
Dec 2014

96000 mi

US $300
throughout bearing failed. Replace clutch assembly. Replace worn serpentine belt 
Feb 2015

113000 mi
Got back from a week long trip and the AC compressor would no longer run 
Mini Hardtop in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2013 - Mar 2018
Jan 2014

76000 mi

US $612
Front control arm bushings gone. 
Jun 2014

82000 mi

US $75
Right rear wheel arch trim clips came off; trim piece flapped in the wind. 
Feb 2015

84000 mi

US $720
Power steering pressure lines were leaking and replaced. 
Jul 2015

88500 mi

US $1200
Exhaust rusted, replacement required Brake line wearing, rubbing on control arm. 
Jul 2016

100700 mi

US $115
AC compressor pulley clutch 
Nov 2017

118000 mi

US $400
Power steering pump replaced with rebuilt model. 
Jan 2018

120000 mi

US $300
Leaking coolant dropped coolant level below pump 
Mini Hardtop in Kansas, United States
Aug 2013 - Jan 2018
Sep 2013

50000 mi

US $60
Coolant expansion tank was leaking slightly when I acquired the vehicle. Replaced myself with a genuine BMW OEM part for $60. 
Dec 2013

51000 mi

US $20
Supercharger oil change. Rear water pump drive housing completely dry. Will have to monitor for "death rattle" and eventually replace the supercharger itself. 
Oct 2015

69700 mi

US $80
Airbag control unit had a hardware failure, replaced it with a used one. Found out I can't use a used control unit if the VIN from the donor car is too far from my own. Now need to purchase a new OEM part. 
Jan 2017

85300 mi

US $90
Second OEM plastic coolant expansion tank began to leak. Replaced with aftermarket aluminum tank. 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Nov 2014
Jan 2014

64000 mi

US $400
Short in the starter which caused the car to start repeatedly while running 
Mini Hardtop in Ohio, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2014
Jul 2013

125300 mi

US $7000
Rod bearing failed. Replaced entire bottom end of engine. 
Apr 2014

128000 mi

US $7000
Threw a rod. Replaced engine with short block. Did all maintenance items under hood. 
Mini Hardtop in Nebraska, United States
Jan 2015 - Jul 2015
Mar 2015

83000 mi

US $405
Driver side wheel bearing and passenger side tie rod replaced 
May 2015

84000 mi

US $180
Battery was down to five functioning cells. Replaced battery to fix. 
Mini Hardtop in Oregon, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2021
Nov 2015

79900 mi

US $150
Anti-lock braking, traction control, & tire pressure monitor all failed due to sensor failure on driver front wheel. Sensor replaced; problems solved. 
Sep 2016

84000 mi

US $280
Replaced failing aftermarket headers with new aftermarket headers.The replaced headers, on the car when Purchased it used, had been wrapped which caused rust which caused holes. New headers are not wrapped. Supercharger hose wore through, rendering supercharger inactive. Replaced hose; works fine. Since I bought the car used, the rear bushings which had been replaced by solid ones by the previous owner, were very noisy. As they wore, the rear suspension felt loose. Replaced with new solid bushings. Drives and sounds great. 
Mar 2017

86000 mi

US $200
Replaced vacuum hose and changed oil. 
Jun 2017

87000 mi

US $750
Replaced oxygen sensor Front strut mounts were worn. Replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Oregon, United States
Dec 2015 - Sep 2018
Apr 2017

98000 mi

US $225
Turned out to be an improperly seated pad. Check dragging right rear caliper, flush brake fluid. 
May 2018

101000 mi
Oil leak or leaks. Too much of a mess to identify sources for sure. Gave up and will live work the leaks for now. 
Mini Hardtop in Vermont, United States
Jul 2017 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

107000 mi

US $600
(4) new wheel bearings, not all done in same visit. 
Jun 2018

112000 mi

US $200
O2 lights on dash. Trusted mechanic thought MINI S would need supercharger tear down to access forward sensor. Our online search showed more direct access to BOTH O2 sensors when car is placed on a lift. Cost estimate went from $2000.-(extreme labor demands) to $200 parts+$200 labor. A big win. 
Mini Hardtop in Maryland, United States
Jul 2011 - Sep 2011
Aug 2011

29000 mi

US $1900
Electrical, other than above, repair 
Mini Hardtop in Minnesota, United States
- Jun 2007
Jun 2007

81000 mi

US $876
Power steering pump, and cooling fan need replacing. BMW parts quoted $876.00 for PARTS ONLY! found online for $450.00 replaced myself. 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Nov 2003 - Jul 2011
May 2003

135 mi
Bonnet stripe application. 
Feb 2004

11760 mi
Dash trim and center console 'downtubes' rattling. Covered by warranty. 
Mar 2005

30607 mi
Replace one front pulse sender, and a steering angle sensor. Tail light bulb replacement. Replace crankcase breather line. Covered by warranty. 
Jun 2005

35869 mi
Front and rear brake pad replacement, Xenon headlight replacement, passenger side window motor replacement, sunroof shade re-attachment, ABS fluid repaclement. All covered by warranty. 
May 2006

48672 mi
End of warranty at 50k. Alignment, replace the clutch, steering rack, re-hang the driver's side door, driver and passenger side window motor replacement. All covered by warranty. 
Mini Hardtop in Hawaii, United States
- Oct 2003
Oct 2003 Window inoperative. 
Mini Hardtop in Virginia, United States
May 2012 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

37000 mi
Power lock on driver side required new actuator 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2013
Nov 2013

107900 mi

US $700
lower control arm bushings loose/worn out catalytic converter fell apart internally 
Dec 2013

110000 mi

US $600
low speed fan module defective, required a lot of labor to dig it out. 
Mini Hardtop in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2009 - Aug 2020
Dec 2013

111000 mi

US $500
Thermostat replacement including coolant flush.  Review extensive oil leaks, apply oil tracing liquid to determine source of leaks. 
Mar 2014

113000 mi

US $50
Leaking power steering 
Oct 2014

117300 mi
Leaking battery, checked regulator and all is ok. 
Apr 2015

120300 mi

US $1200
Clogged heater core 
Jan 2017

122000 mi

US $335
Post Catalytic Converter Oxygen Sensor "Lifetime" Xenon headlight bulb replaced, passenger side only. 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

124000 mi
driver's door would not open from inside the car 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Oct 2014
Jan 2011

102000 mi

US $235
transmission failed at 35,000 miles. Dealer replaced entire transmission and clutch both front control arm bushing needed to be replaced I replaced them myself at 65000 miles left HID Headlight ballast, and HID Bulb needed to be replaced under original warranty, at 45,000 miles Right HID Headlight ballast, and HID Bulb needed to be replaced under extended warranty, at 65,000 miles CD player needed to be replaced with newer OEM model, 2003 version's LCD display would pixelize in temps under 20 degrees. Known issue when I brought it to dealer, and they replaced it with newer build date CD player Rear hatch license plate light socket disintegrated. Metal tabs for bulbs totally corroded away - had to replace entire rear hatch handle assembly, and have it painted, since it only comes primed. 90,000 miles 
May 2011

107000 mi

US $235
Supercharger was out of internal oil. Mini USA states it is a wear item, and needs to be replaced once out of oil. normally 100,000 miles - part from dealer is $2600 for the part, + 7 hrs labor. I got mine rebuilt for $1200 plus 6 hrs labor thermostat housing cracked replaced it and thermostat crank seal leaking oil replaced alternator died 
Jun 2011

107000 mi

US $115
both O2 sensors needed replacing. was able to get non-OEM ones for $55 each from advanced suto, and just splicesd the connector on. 
Nov 2011

116700 mi

US $1200
CV joints starting clicking, and then went to a heavy vibration when on the gas. needed to replace both driver and passenger axle's and CV joints, and have the passenger side bearing pressed off the old axle, and pressed onto the new axle. 
Mar 2012

120000 mi

US $1800
OEM flywheel has internal grease in it. This grease was expelled from the flywheel, contaminating and ruining the clutch 
Jun 2012

123000 mi

US $75
MAP sensor died. When the Map sensor dies, it throws the EML light, and the car goes into limp mode. I could sometimes restart it, and it would be fine for a little while, then it would sputter, and go into limp mode again 
Oct 2012

125500 mi

US $670
power steering pump failed. $550 for a new one. replaced feed and return lines also, as they were leaking. 
Dec 2012

126000 mi

US $280
thermostat housing cracked again - replaced it Both wheel bearings are shot again. I drive the Dragon, and I drive the car hard all the time, wheelbearing replacements are normal maintenance for me :) 
Feb 2013

128200 mi

US $1400
the gears in the trans shattered. I got a fully re manufactured trans from the UK, $1270 shipped from http://www.minigearboxes.co.uk/. I also replaced my ebrake lines, one had rusted solid had a hole in the intercooler, which got replaced 
Sep 2013

130000 mi

US $420
rear hard lines had rusted out in spots and were leaking. Parts were 120, dealer wanted $700 to install. I bought a brake line bender and did it myself. I replaced all the ball joints I replaced a worn out tie rod end 
Oct 2014

138000 mi

US $9500
Number 2 piston and connecting rod broke up. Needs complete overhaul including sleeving the block due to damage to the bore from the piston. Opted for 1.8L stroker crate motor from revolutionmotorworks.com 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Apr 2009 - Jul 2016
Aug 2009

102000 mi

US $479
Parking brake cables misaligned, causing uneven wear of the rear pads. 
Oct 2010

111500 mi

US $180
Noticed slight exhaust leak sound, couldn't find the source. After 1-2 weeks, the exh. manifold broke right at the 1st cat. Suspect it's too close to the cat to re-weld. Replaced entire mfld with used part. New was $1350 at discount dealer. 
Dec 2010

114000 mi

US $21
Cowl vent foam had deteriorated and almost completely disappeared over time. Replaced foam with pre-cut foam from Minifini. 
Aug 2011

118000 mi

US $7
Power steering fluid had been leaking from reservoir cap for months. I assumed it was due to overheated fluid spewing from the breather. Found out that a bad o-ring on the cap is a common problem. No evidence of leakage since the repair. 
Mar 2012

120000 mi

US $153
Engine cooling fan low speed stopped working; fan would stay off until the car got hot enough to engage high speed. Replaced cooling fan/shroud assembly with aftermarket part. Bumper & radiator support must be slid forward for access. Small oil leak from front of engine and oil pan area. Since radiator support was already pulled forward for fan replacement, decided to replace the oil pan gasket and re-seal the crank angle sensor, both common oil leak locations. Side marker bulb apparently overheated and melted the plastic at the socket. The socket broke off the lamp housing and was dangling by its harness. There were no signs of external damage. Replaced side marker lamp assembly. 
Feb 2013

127300 mi

US $1
Had to pull inner door handle 3-7x before the door would open. Cable had stretched and cable end had popped out of its holder. Reinstalled in holder, routed cable to take up slack, put a fastener in an unused hole to keep cable in place. 
Apr 2014

140200 mi
Glove box would fall open when hitting large bumps. Eventually it just started falling open frequently and randomly. Removed glove box and adjusted latch. Problem fixed. 
Jun 2014

141000 mi
Power steering fluid leak from reservoir. Engine oil leak(s). 
Apr 2015

146200 mi

US $12
Oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. Replaced gasket. The sunroof deflectors rattled while the roof was closed. I removed them years ago because of this, but the air is very turbulent when the roof is open. Reinstalled deflectors, using new springs. The new springs didn't help the rattling. 
Jul 2015

147200 mi
Sunroof deflector rattle never fixed. 
Mini Hardtop in Wisconsin, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2017
Oct 2011

122200 mi

US $176
Power steering pump 
Sep 2012

155000 mi

US $250
Burnt exhaust valve 
Jan 2013

165000 mi
Steering pump stopped working. 
Apr 2013

174800 mi

US $110
Heater core was leaking. 
Jan 2015

170800 mi

US $900
Burnt an exhaust valve on cylinder #2 
Sep 2015

222000 mi

US $120
Rear wheel bearing was noisy. Front suspension control arm bushings were replaced. A little worn but had many miles on them. 
Jul 2016

233300 mi

US $70
Wheel bearing was noisy. 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Aug 2005 - Jun 2011
Apr 2005

16868 mi
Stereo head unit replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2009

52000 mi

US $260
Replaced radiator due to small crack in side of tank. 
Nov 2010

61200 mi

US $2220
Radiator fan assembly failed due to short. A/C compressor also failed and receiver dryer was leaking. Mechanic determined that the A/C compressor may have caused the short. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
- Nov 2009
Dec 2005

55000 mi

US $7500
Transmission Broke. Had to replace whole new transmission. 
Apr 2007

88000 mi
Transmission replaced again because it would rev up too high before shifting into a higher gear at around 70 mph. Fortunately it was still covered under a two year warranty from the original repair in 12/05. 
Jul 2007

94000 mi

US $500
O2 sensor needed replacing. Left rear control bar was bent and also needed replacing. Dealer wanted $1500 for the job. Went somewhere else and have never returned to the dealer. 
Sep 2008

120000 mi

US $850
Power steering pump failed and needed replacing. 
Oct 2009

135000 mi

US $225
Power steering pump fan needed replacing. 
Nov 2009

136000 mi

US $400
Radiator leaked and needed replacing. 
Mini Hardtop in Michigan, United States
Nov 2012 - Jun 2015
Feb 2013

90000 mi

US $100
Drivers Door Handle frozen and would not release when cold weather.. TSB said to R&R door handle. 
May 2013

90300 mi
Passenger Side window .. Motor drive broke.. second time.. The Window lift cables and the regulators jamed the window after it was down. 
Oct 2013

91200 mi
This is the third time for repairs to the passenger window motor and cable assembly.. The first time was $350 for parts alone.. then the next 2 were covered under warrenty. 
Feb 2014

94600 mi

US $185
Oil Pressure illum engine check lite 
Nov 2014

103900 mi

US $270
Starter Failed 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2012
Mar 2011

59000 mi

US $500
2 power steering hoses leaking. Parts ordered and replaced. Pump fine no problems. 
Mini Hardtop in Arizona, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2018
Jun 2009

41000 mi
ignition switch 
Jul 2010

47000 mi

US $730
new starter 
Apr 2015

64300 mi

US $500
cooling fans 
Jun 2015

66000 mi

US $501
sensor 
Jun 2016

68000 mi

US $200
replace o2 sensor 
Jan 2018

74000 mi

US $495
Headlight repair box 
Mini Hardtop in Washington, United States
Sep 2009 - Mar 2013
Jun 2012

46000 mi

US $1001
R & R electronic power steering pump. Design is prone to failure, and it was beginning to whine incessantly, "bump" on turns and I've read enough to know that this is a common failure on the BMW design. 
Mini Hardtop in Oklahoma, United States
Sep 2021 - Jun 2022
Oct 2021

120000 mi

US $500
repaired vacuum leaks with new lines. replaced plugs, wires, coil. O2 sensor. Also replaced front struts. General cleaning. Polished and waxed. replaced some trim parts that were broken or missing. The car had been neglected for some time. 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mini Hardtop in South Carolina, United States
- Jul 2009
Jul 2009

121000 mi
New owner of a used mini, right away power steering started malfunctioning & runs after car is shut off, other forums report this as widespread problem, planning to repair myself at cost of aprox $300 for rebuilt part. No other problems to report 
Mini Hardtop in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2003 - Dec 2013
Aug 2003

2000 mi
warranty covered squeaky speaker grill in passenger door and loose lens on rpm gauge on dashboard 
Oct 2012

59200 mi
Driver door lock no longer controlled by key fob 
Dec 2013

65000 mi
Driver door lock no longer controlled by key fob 
Mini Hardtop in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2009 - Jul 2018
Sep 2012

34100 mi

C $400
Engine light on, diagnosed as thermostat, replace same. Currently solved. 
Mar 2014

40300 mi

C $160
Battery died, replaced. Battery was original from 2003. 
Mar 2018

65720 mi

C $150
Replaced leaking thermostat housing. Replaced power steering pump 
Mini Hardtop in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2010
May 2009

12000 mi
Light indicated overheating went on during commute home. Coolant level very low. Radiator will need to be replaced.  
Mini Hardtop in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2013 - Dec 2017
Jun 2014

82000 mi

US $17
Headlight replaced. 
Sep 2014

85000 mi
Power steering pump replaced due to intermittent loss of power steering. This is common and well documented but NOT a Recall! If you let them know you are aware of how widespread the problem is, the dealer will replace the pump, NO CHARGE. 
Dec 2014

89000 mi

US $17
Twice, I've had to replace the same headlight! Also one lower "custom light" is out but haven't replaced it yet. 
Feb 2015

90000 mi

US $2800
Whirring noise under hood, confirmed to be bad transmission. Replaced with rebuilt transmission, new clutch and rear main oil seal. 
Dec 2015

100000 mi

US $164
2 circular wheel decals, "Mini" wing emblem (back), cup holder & clamp - Black panel, separating windshield from door. This is the 2nd panel (other side) I've replaced! Parts guy said they break ALL the time. Cheap plastic garbage! 
Jun 2016

107000 mi

US $45
Third time in 2 1/2 yrs that I've had to replace low beam headlight. Attempted to replace it myself but it still wouldn't work. Took it to a shop and discovered I was sold a burned out bulb! Still, it's worth noting frequency of this repair. 
Nov 2016

110000 mi

US $583
Right front wheel bearing replaced. Front end alignment. 
Jun 2017

115804 mi

US $12711
Drove too long with burned valve. Instead of buying new car, replaced engine with 32k mileage from wrecked car (3 yr or 36,000 mile warranty). I saved money by repairing EVERYTHING that was wrong (details entered separately), rather than buying a late model used car. Little "Nigel" is a "Cream Puff", now! Well worth it, because I would have been miserable driving anything else. Replaced oxygen sensor, spark plugs & wires, ignition coil. Replaced water pump, thermostat & gasket, drive belt. Replaced left & right front CV axle shaft. Replaced shift cable. Replaced AC compressor, expansion valve. Machined rotors, new brakes. 
Mini Hardtop in Florida, United States
Jul 2013 - Mar 2014
Aug 2013

93300 mi

US $100
Hatch would not align when closed - discovered rusted hinges cracking 
Nov 2013

94600 mi

US $250
Driver's side window motor died. Replaced rotor. 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2009 - Dec 2012
Oct 2011

58200 mi

US $1300
Replaced shocks  had to replace exhaust Switch for raising and lowering windows is not working well...have to apply lots of pressure to the toggle. Was told the unit needed to be replaced. The cost was not worth it to me, as the issue is a minor nuissance. Praking brake needed to be tightened up. 
Nov 2012

61300 mi

US $2300
Hinge for hatchback broke. Check engine light wnet on, some sensor needed replacing. 
Mini Hardtop in Nebraska, United States
Mar 2016 - Sep 2017
Apr 2016

107500 mi

US $200
Broken shift cable 
Sep 2016

116000 mi

US $2272
Suspension worn. All four struts and mounting plates replaced. 
Oct 2016

118000 mi

US $749
Replaced torn lower control arm bushings 
Jan 2017

US $1525
Replaced water pump, thermostat housing, thermostat, and related hoses and seals 
Jun 2017

136000 mi
Compressor failure 
Sep 2017

143000 mi

US $90
Replaced broken oil filter housing and gaskets. #2 spark plug ejected from cylinder head 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Apr 2009 - Sep 2013
May 2009

65000 mi
Clutch pedal no longer engaged clutch. Could not drive. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Apr 2009 - Sep 2013
Apr 2010

23000 mi

US $5500
rear wheel speed sensor replaced. Computer reset. Brake system flushed(preventative). 
May 2011

25000 mi

US $823
Replace leaking high pressure power steering hose. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Mini models.

2003 Mini Hardtop Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Mini Hardtop problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.