With it’s marvelously retro look, it’s sporty driving style, and it’s unique exhaust pipe, the first generation Mini Cooper—available new from 2001 to 2006—is one of the most popular cars created in the last two decades. Still, it has its share of difficulties, one of which is occasionally violent shaking coming from the front end.
Mini Coopers are known for their smooth riding ability, so any amount of shaking or trembling in the car is a good sign that things are not all as they should be. Usually, when owners experience difficulties in this area, it occurs when driving at speeds of 50mph or greater, and the shaking seems relegated to the front of the vehicle and the gear knob. Once the speed is lowered to under 50mph, the shaking stops once again. There is no check engine light associated with this issue, and it leaves the owner in a place of uncertainty: what the heck is going on with the car?
Like many problems that occur in automobiles, there are multiple points from which this issue can originate. It could stem from something as easily managed as tire pressure. Fill the tires back up to where they need to be, and you’re on your way. Or it might be that the wear on the tires is uneven, leading to a similarly uneven ride. Towards the more serious edge of things, you might be dealing with missing wheel weights, a buckled wheel, or a faulty engine mount.
The potential danger to you and your car is rather great in situations such as this. Because you are dealing with a difficult to pin down problem, we highly recommend taking your car to an independent Mini Cooper repair expert who can thoroughly examine your car and offer a more comprehensive diagnosis.
Search for a local, independent Mini Cooper repair shop with Mini Cooper mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.