Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was looking into some mysterious cases with some turbocharged Mini cars randomly catching fire. My humorous side would tell me: I’m not surprised, it’s British.

But we’re long past the days of terrible electronics from the Prince of Darkness, Lucas. As a result, the NHTSA stepped in and found that there’s an issue with turbocharged Mini’s built between November of 2006 and January of 2011. The issue lies within the water pump and the NHTSA said the following: “the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.”

Supposedly, if that electronic circuit board fails, it can smolder and can cause your turbocharged Mini to randomly combust.

Owners of any Mini Cooper S Coupe between 2007-2011, Convertible between 2009-2011, Clubman S between 2008-2011, 2011 Countryman S and John Cooper Works models from 2009-2011 are eligible for a free repair at your nearest dealer.

For full details, check out the NHTSA press release after the jump.

NHTSA Press Release:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MINI / COOPER S 2007-2011
MINI / COOPER S CLUBMAN 2008-2011
MINI / COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2009-2011
MINI / COOPER S COUNTRYMAN 2011
MINI / JCW 2009-2011
MINI / JCW CLUBMAN 2009
MINI / JCW CONVERTIBLE 2010-2011
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 10, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V008000 NHTSA Action Number: PE11036
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 88,911

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence:
THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

- By: Chris Chin

AC Schnitzer has just unveiled their new modifications package for the new 2009 Mini Cooper R57 Convertible.

Visually, Schnitzer added a new front spoiler, a new rear skirt, various decals, chrome sports exhaust system, and a variety of wheel and tire combinations. Inside, AC Schnitzer is offering a set of aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and a aluminum gear knob.

Performance wise, Schnitzer is offering an upgrade for the Mini Cooper Convertible S that takes output up from 175-hp to 226-hp. Other performance enhancing features include a limited slip differential, an aluminum strut brace, and a height adjustable sports suspension.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

AC Schnitzer 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Being the Playboy Playmate of the Year has its perks. Besides being on the cover of one of the best-selling magazines, total celebrity status, you can get a brand new 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible. But when the year is over and the glamour and fame are no more, you may want to get rid of your Cooper and trade it in for a luxury performance convertible.

We’re guessing that’s exactly what happened to Sara Jean Underwood, the 2007 Playmate of the Year. Underwood is selling her fully-loaded red 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible on eBay with a “Buy It Now” price of $34,999.99.

Underwoord’s Mini Cooper S Convertible has an automatic transmission and less than 13,000 miles. Features include heated seats, power seats/windows/steering, parking sensors, traction control, leather and alloy wheels.

Follow the jump for more pictures.

Sara Jean Underwood’s 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: eBay (via GlobalMotors)

• “¢  2009 MINI Convertible: More colors, features and premium materials.
• “¢  MINI Cooper Convertible: 1.6L 4-cylinder, 118-hp.
• “¢  MINI Cooper S Convertible: 1.6L twin-turbocharged, 175-hp.
• “¢  Orders being taken now.

The new 2009 MINI Convertible has been unveiled prior to its 2009 Detroit Auto Show Debut. Orders are being taken now with prices starting at $24,550 for the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible and $27,450 for the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible. Deliveries for both models will begin on March 28, 2009.

The 118-hp 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds with manual transmission and 10.2 seconds with an automatic. The MINI Cooper S Convertible does 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat when mated to manual and 7.2 seconds with an automatic transmission.

The soft-top MINI Cooper Convertible drops its top in 15 seconds flat and can operate when the car is in motion up to 20 mph. Its sophisticated wheel suspension, power steering, powerful brake system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are all standard features.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible: