So, one week into ownership of a 2012 Mini Countryman S (FWD, Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, HK) and I notice that I inherited a package that Mini doesn't have on the window sticker; the Vibr-O-Matic Rear View Mirror Option ($0).

There is a vibration oscillation at around 2,000 - 2,200 RPM that vibrates the rear view so badly, it blurs everything. It's not a giant vibration; just a very low, constant wave that makes the mirror unusable. Lightly touching it with your hand stops the issue. I see this in the power band during acceleration, and worse, it happens constantly and consistently driving 65 mph down a smooth highway with no incline, and the cruise control on, which is in 6th gear in the 2,000-2,200 RPM range.

I mentioned this to Mini of Annapolis, and they ordered me a new mirror. I had it replaced, and for the first 50 miles it seemed to be dampened a bit; still there, but less of a bother. Beyond that 50 miles, it is back again in full effect.

Clearly, this is an engineering issue that needs to be addressed by Mini USA. Having engineering experience of my own, I believe that this would be an easy fix for MINI USA if they wanted to remedy it. I assume that it has to be either the torque spec for the mirror assembly, the lack of (or insufficient gasketing/dampening) inside the assembly, or at the attachment point between the mirror assembly and the mounting point.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

 

We decided to forego that option even though we liked the price

Seriously though, our 2 1/2 month old All4 does not suffer from this.

Do you have the optional auto dimming mirror? We do not.

Interesting that a new mirror seemed to make the problem a bit better for a short time. Maybe Mini has a bad batch of mirrors from a supplier? Maybe there's some kind of an issue where the mirror attaches to the car?

The other thing that comes to mind (and this is a longshot) is that I've seen incorrectly installed exhaust systems cause weird vibrations, especially on cars with 4 cylinder engines.

Hope your dealer can figure this one out, and if they can, kudos to them.

Please let us know what happens.

 

Since I haven't read or heard of anyone else having this problem with their Countryman, I wonder if your problem isn't the mirror, but maybe somewhere else, like a bad motor mount or an engine alignment issue?

 

@Shark715: Yes, it has the auto-dimming mirror
@MINIDave: I hope not; especially since it has 2,000 miles on it. I'll mention that to the dealership and have them check that out.

 

If it's one of the issues Other than a bad mirror that Dave or I pointed out, it's more likely something that was incorrectly assembled at the factory versus something to do with the fact that your car has such low mileage on it.

 

UPDATE: I contacted Mini NA Customer Service and informed them of the issue, and then set another appointment at the dealership. After three days at dealer service, they said that they cannot figure out why it is vibrating like this. They brought in an East coast rep from Mini, and started a case for it. The service rep at the dealer said that they test drove several Countrymen (plural?) on the lot, and noticed that they have the same issue. She also informed me that this has been reported by other Countryman owners as well.

From what I understand, this case goes back to the engineering team at Mini for review. I was given no timeline on when to expect an answer.

*sigh*

I'll keep updating as news breaks.

 

Mine has 28,000 miles on it and replacement of mirror doesn't help. I have a 2011...

 

Did they mention if the issue is only with auto dimming mirrors?

 

mine has the standard mirror and does this as well.