I have been reading the many threads out there and decided it was my turn to send my first post. I am not a mechanic and can't talk about the inner workings of the car. I wanted to give you a different perspective. Purely from a wife's point of view.
We bought the MINI S for the handling and performance. I grew up in a family of car enthusiasts and race car drivers so handling and performance are important to even us automatic drivers. Yes, it is the automatic version but that is out of necessity for what I can drive. I have owned many cars but nothing that really made me smile every time I saw it like this one. Some days, I take the backroads instead of the freeway just to drive it on the winding roads. I love the way it can handle.
At first I half expected being a new car and one of the first in our state to have the automatic in a S that we would have small issues. I tried to be patient and understand. Then time wore on and the visits to the dealer were more frequent- lately less than a month apart. Last week it was towed and the only saving grace for me was that I went to move my car to load some things in it before the end of the night. Otherwise both the dealership and rental car place would of been closed and I would of been in an empty parking lot looking for help.
The other day I was at a light and when it turned green I tried to go- my car started to hesitate and the large truck behind me was flashing it's lights and honking at me. He wanted me to go. I wanted to go too, but after a few stumbles, coughs, sputters and gasps it finally decided to kick into gear. I was close to having to merge onto the freeway at this point. I began to wonder if I would truly be able to get up to speed and make it. It did but definitell not a "relaxing" drive into the office after that. No lights came on to tell me my car was having a problem and my guess is the computer probably won't even register it happened, but the guy behind me in the truck would be happy to give his two cents of what he thought of me and my car at that moment I bet.

Today, for the first time since I have owned it I asked my husband to trade me cars. Yes, I wanted to drive a pickup instead of a MINI today. I had a late night at work and knew the dealership and rental car places would all be closed before I left. I for the first time did not have faith that my MINI would work when I needed it. Tmw, I have asked my husband to let me drive his truck again. Another late night and not alot of faith that I won't be waiting in a dark empty parking lot with a car that won't go. Sad isn't it when you want to trade a MINI for a truck so you can make it home safely? Those that know me couldn't believe I even suggested it.

Dont misunderstand me. I LOVE my MINI- when it runs. I wouldnt trade it for the world when it is running good. There is nothing out there like it that gives me such joy. But, those days seem to be getting less and less and reliability seems to be more and more an issue as each day passes.

I am discouraged and yes even jealous of all you owners that are not having troubles. I am happy that you are not don't get me wrong, I just want to be one of you too. I want to be able to take the road trips in it that we have not been able to do. I want to take it out and show it off and I want to enjoy driving it again. Yes, I even want to have my faith restored not only in my car but in the car company. My husband is just about done with it as his frustation is high. I have been depressed for days now as no fix seems to be in sight and until today no one seemed to care to try and even make it right. We will soon see if the dealership is going to help us. I want to believe so but my faith is shaken.

I know that these sites have to be monitored by MINI USA and by dealerships to see what owners are thinking/talking about so my message goes out to all of them. I need someone to be a hero and take the time to take one of these cars apart and figure out why these issues are happening. It is not unique to just ours and while not everyone is having the problem there seems to be enough to warrant somebody trying something, anything. We even offered mine up as a guinea pig to have this done at our dealership.
I would love to still be a MINI owner years from now singing the praises of a dealership or a person that made a difference and actually tried something even if the computer is telling you that part doesn't need to be replaced. Something is wrong if it is not running the way it is intended to. The computer upgrades aren't doing the trick so why not go back to the basics of mechanics and start tearing apart and trying things. My guess is most of the mechanics hands are tied so to speak in the process.

This isn't a whine. It is a plea. It is a last ditch effort to make a bad situation right. Not just for us but for all those people that seem to be having the same issue.

There has to be a dealership or someone at MINI USA that is willing to take a chance and figure out why this is happening and a fix. It just takes one person to stand up and make a difference. I truly don't want to be a ex-MINI owner.

Thanks for your time and for listening. It's the last thing I can think to do before I hand in my keys.

The wife of a car enthusiast

 

wow that's no fun...not at all....I have one question though...was your AC on when this happened....the lack of acceleration....

 

Sweetie, have you kept records of all the times you took the MINI in this year? You may want to contact a lawyer dealing with lemon laws. What you are experiencing is not normal and I am so sorry.

Hopefully, someone with more experience regarding the legal side of matters will post and give you more specific advice. :smile:

 

I agree with MINIclo.
Oregon has clear lemon laws on the books and a quick reading seems to suggest you qualify. Make absolutely sure that you have documented proof of the complaint/problem and attempts on the dealers part to make them right. Also make sure you have documentation as to how many days the car is held by the dealer for repairs.
I would start making sure that your complaints/requests are in writing if at all possible and that everything is dated.
Unfortunately is does sound like it's lawyer time, unless of course the dealer is willing to work with you to replace the car or give you your money back. Even then a lawyer may be a good idea. Unfortunately, its most likely BMW and not the dealer you'll have to negotiate with since its the manufacturer that I believe has liability. I would get aggressive in pursuit of your goal soon as the law may only be applicable w/in 1 yr or 12,000 mile from the time of delivery.

 

How long have you had the car and how many miles? How many times have you brought it to the dealer for the same problem? How many times have you had to have a loaner?.....perhaps some lawyer types in this forum will help out with lemon law info?

 

for almost the same price. the resale wont be as good, but it will handle great and it has plenty o torque.

could you trade for a manual Cooper S? maybe that would help with some of the drivability issues?

Good luck..

 

If you express your issues to MINI USA or whomever as eloquently as your post you should get whatever it takes to resolve the problem. It's refreshing to read a post like this free of all the drama that many bring here. The "this or that sucks" posts make us all look foolish. I'm sorry for your troubles and I wish you the best.

 

Might be worthwhile to trade your MSCa in for another one? Most of us don't have consistant problems with our MINIs, I think you got a lemon.

 

This is the Mr side posting this morning. To answer some of the questions, A/C on or off makes no difference. Whatever car we end up with be it this one fixed, new Mini, back into a BMW or Benz, etc, it has to be an automatic. Plus we know there are manual MCS's out there with the very same issues. Regarding the STi as much as I mod it the car never misses a beat. I left the Mini stock and it's a nightmare. We really do not want to lemon the car if possible. We waited a year to get this one. Hopefully Mini/dealer will come through. The goal is to not get out of the car, just fix it.

 

I want to thank you all for your kindness. I like many of you are a car junkie too. Just not good on the mechanic side- I know just enough to be dangerous and not enough to speak intelligently on the subject. But, I can speak from the heart of a MINI enthusiast.

My 2005 S is less than 9 months old with under 8,000 miles. Yes, we have paperwork although I have learned to be extra diligent in the way it is written up that so it matches what it is truly coming in for, is what is written down.

We have talked to dealership and MINI USA so many times. Lots of I am sorry and I understand. I can appreciate their position. It's tough. Dealership called yesterday and we have a small ray of hope there. Just waiting to hear. We have been asked to be patient again. So far, no one is stepping out of the box to try anything new or different. Thus my last plea. Not wanting to hand over my keys.

It is getting ready to go in again for the 5th time and the issues are the same. Yes, we are being forced at this point to look into lemon law, but how depressing is that? Not a route I want to go. Get me on the road instead.

I hate to have to resort to getting a lawyer as I am not that type of person. To me it is where you go when there is just no other options and while I am close I am not quite there yet. I still want to have faith. (Nothing against lawyers here I just don't want to have to settle it that way.)

I have been forced to look lately at other cars though. The Mustang GT is okay but the new Shelby is coming out in a year or two with some horsepower and performance. The Saleen is fun and does come in an automatic, but again the new Shelby. MINI to a Mustang? Not sure I can do it. Crossfire is kind of zoomy looking but my heart isn't quite in it. Who wants something that is just a "car"? If I did, I would go buy something practical. :smile:

Someone asked about the STI-The STI was my husband's not mine as it was a stick. It was a fun car, even as a passenger.

Oh and the person that asked if my AC was on- no, it was not. I live in Oregon- it is raining here. We don't get to use our AC very often. I know that loss of power with AC on can be an issue with some cars, but not an issue I have experienced with my MINI even during summer. My heated seats are on more than anything else- except maybe my windshield wipers.

I am so glad to hear that some of you are not having problems, it gives me a little hope if it ends up that the dealership gives me another. In some ways I want to try again as I know how much they are.

Nothing wrong with the non S version, it is what I had originally ordered but when I found out the S could be bought in the automatic if I waited an extra 6 months I couldn't sign the paperwork fast enough. (S was not available in an automatic when I first placed my order.) Waiting patiently was the tough part. You would of thought I was having a baby I was so excited. I checked with the dealership or on the MINI site at least once a week looking for progress. The marketing dept is so clever with all their toys and gimmicks. I loved all of them! Each one timed just perfect in the process to keep my enthusiasm going. A little over a year from the time I placed the original order I got my car. Now 9 months after that here I am.

Take your car out for a spin today and think of me. Drop down on a windy road and have some fun or take it on a fun road trip. Have some fun and enjoy the way it handles and performs.

I appreciate your comments and will keep you updated although I am new to this so you may have to be patient with my long posts. I am hoping my next post will be a happy one and I will see you on a road trip sometime in my MINI.

Thank you again for listening.

Wife of a car enthusiast

 

It seems to me that if neither the dealer or MINIUSA has been able to produce a definite fix for your car in 8-9 months, what makes you think they will be able to produce one right this minute?

I hate to sound harsh, but the point I am trying to make is for you to come to terms with the reality that while there is hope for the issues to be addressed effectively, there are greater odds that this car is not reparable (lemon).

I personally think that is not in your best interest for MINIUSA to start yanking out and replacing parts left and right on a trial and error basis. That is something that should have happened back in Oxford before the car even left the assembly line. This level of "quality control" should not be happening when the car is in the customer's hands.

I feel your pain and fully understand your situation as I experienced something similar in another car (Not MINI) years ago. The good thing is that you LOVE the car or at least the very essence of it but you want a car that works reliably and that is not too much to ask.

I hope MINIUSA, after reviewing your chronic and unsuccessful repair history that they'll come to their senses and do the right thing for you. That is to give you a BRAND SPANKING NEW MCSa replacement. They should give you a priority production slot at the factory and make sure to have it shipped to you as quickly as feasible possible.

Don't cling to this car. Honestly, if MINIUSA awards you a replacement car, you can rest assured that car will be much better than the 1st one. Its been 11 months since the first batch of MCSa rolled the assembly line at Oxford. Think about it.... a new replacement MCSa will have 11 months worth of quality improvements that your current MCSa does not have

This whole situation is giving the MCSa and MINIUSA a bad rap, so it is in thier best interest to go the extra mile and get your satisfaction and level of confidence back into the product.

If MINIUSA refuses to settle outside of the Lemon Law, then you have no choice but to seek relief by means of legal counsel.

Face it, if you love the MINI, you won't be happy on anything else, no matter how much more torque, horsepower and cylinders it may have. MINIs are so much more than that!

 

C4 : nuff said. Real good point.

I have a friend of mine had the same problems with his auto MCS, sounds like the first shipment was faulty. I was thinking, since it is warranty related, why doesn't your dealership provide you a loaner Mini, just to keep you on the same page? Ask for it this time.

Sorry for your pain, hope everything works for you.

 

The dealer has no Minis to loan. Their loaner program is Enterprise rental cars. They do cover the cost but it's still not a Mini.

C4 we hear what you are saying. Our hope for reselution releys more on replacement than repair. I am with you 100% if they haven't found a fix for ours or the many others in the same boat another week won't matter. We are realist in that repect. Legal action for us would be the absolute last option. By no means will we be bend over and take it.

 

Understood, but it's advisable that you at least investigate the option sooner than later, otherwise in the end you may find yourself SOL. BMW (the manufacturer, not necessarily the dealers)can be problematic when it comes to standing behind their product when mechanical issues arise. I would get a lawyer's opinion so you know what your options are and what the timeline is if you have to pull the lemon trigger.

 

So sorry to hear about your experience. I have a month-old MCS 6spd and so I have not encountered any problems, but know from past experience what it is like to have recurring problems that no-one can find or willingly resolve. It must be very disheartening for you since you obviously love the MINI in principle. We all feel your frustration and it makes us somewhat uneasy to know that a similar fate might await us down the road. I sincerely hope that you obtain total satisfaction.

 

I encourage you to file a complaint with DOT/NHTSA at this site. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Safety related operational problems get a higher priority. If everyone with this problem filed a complaint the numbers could force the FEDS to investigate and might force a recall. It takes only a little time and does not require a lawyer to do. Recalls get a lot of unflattering public attention, and if one is threatened, BMWNA might step in to head it off. At least we can hope they would. Best wishes.

 

I am sad to hear about your problems... good luck getting this whole situation straightened out!

 

A great idea. This certainly is a safety issue, whether your MINI, without warning, suddenly is sputtering along in rush hour traffic, for which the above complaint would be justified, or you are marooned somewhere without transportation late at night.

 

BTW, you both presented your case very eloquently.

there are some nice 2002 M3s out there for around $30k. get one with the 100,000 motor warranty and FLY!

Good luck and keep us posted. i have a feeling you need a new car. if BMW/MINI can get you into an 06 MCSA, go for it.

 

I swear that sounds like fuel starvation. Fuel pump gone south? Clogged fuel filter? Kink in the fuel line? That's just what my old Jag FHC did, and cussing it didn't help. Turned out to be that the (electric) fuel pump* decided to go on strike, but I blamed it on The Prince Of Darkness.

But I'm not an auto mechanic (anymore), and have come to realize that cars have now become so darn complicated that the days of the "shade tree mechanic" are long gone.

I wish you luck MiniMe05.

*edit: Found out after replacing the spark plugs, plug wires, coil, distributor cap, points, in-line fuel filter, three(?) filter screens at the carbs, drained fuel tank, etc., etc., etc. (damn car... oh... sorry - there I go again...)

 

Rev,
I also suspect the fuel system. My biggest problem is if I take matters into my own hands I have no leg to stand on for a lemon law claim. I am a compentant wrench and have some very logical ideas to try. Unfortunately Mini/dealer has me handcuffed at this point. With all the little tatle-tale paint marks across key componants and fasteners it vitually impossible to try anything undetected. If they end up replacing the car we would be happy with that. That shows that they stand behind their product. If the current communication breaks down and things go bad then we will have no choice but to pursure less desireable action. Also if they can fix this car permenantly we will be happy Mini owners as well. Trying to keep things positive. Next week will be the test.

 

I KNOW this leaves a bad taste in your mouth for MINIs, and wish I could say "replace fuse 12 with a 20amp and all of your troubles will cease". No magic pill...

You are right. I guess you will have to see how this plays out.

I, for one, have been very happy with my MINI. Just got her back from getting a new top (the "If-You-Complain-About-Abnormal-Top-Wear-You-Get-A-New-Top-If-You-Don't-Complain-We-Won't-Say-Anything" recall), and the people at Hendrick MINI treated me like royalty. The follow up call from MINIUSA got "5's" across the board.

Again, I'm sorry you and your obviously charming wife have to go thru this...

 

I know of two MINI drivers who got lemons and MINIUSA replaced them. So it is possible, and I don't remember these owners getting a run around.

Now, I'm not sure if this is a NY thing or a MINIUSA thing, but our dealer told us that if we bring our MINI back 7 times for the same problem then MINI would replace our MINI.

At this point I've got to tell you, I'm pulling for a New MINI for you two. I understand why you would rather keep this one, but I believe you will always have doubts about this specific MINI. It would be nice to start fresh. I also wouldn't recommend trading this in as you will lose money this way. Unless you get a full refund stick with MINI. If it seems that MINIUSA and/or your dealer aren't going to budge and you're stuck with this MINI... then I'd walk away a buy something else and take the loss. I'd rather have no MINI, than a broken MINI.

But do keep on MINIUSA, as I said at the top, they do replace lemons.
If you want me to track down those other "lemon MINI" owners from the other forums, send me a Private Message (I don't check in here enough).

I feel so bad for you.

Melancholy Cheers

 

Why hasn't the dealership put in a new tranny for you? Or have they? That'd be the first thing I'd want. Even if all the mechanicals of the old tranny is sound.. it eliminates a huge possibility for fault. That's what i'd make them do.

 

MiniMe05 unfortunately you have a lemon. Take whatever legal course available but in the end you will have to get rid of this car. In a perfect world the dealer should replace the car completely or at least offer to replace the car with a small depreciation charge added.
Our family has owned many cars and we have had two lemons. One a Mazda which the dealer handled very poorly and therefore we will never purchase any Mazda product ever again. The other a GM which was handle very well. As consumers we vote with our pocket book. Hopefully MINIUSA and/or the dealer will step in and fix this situation for you. It not you, it's your poorly assembled lemon of a MINI.