I noted that the Mini USA General Manager, Mr. Jack Pitney responded to a Detroit News interview published on May 9, 2003, noting that in regards to the J.D. Power and Associates initial quality study (IQS) result of 166 problems per 100 vehicles, with the industry average being 133 problems. The Question and Answer type article statement went on to note that, among other things, "The quality issue in the IQS report said that we had a harsh ride. You know we do. Beginning this month we changed the oil in the shock absorbers, which has a dramatic effect on the compliance of the suspension system. We're real serious about it quality and we're keeping an eye on it." This edited quote was found on the Cars.com web site as one of the featured articles from detnews.com.

Is there a possibility of a recall to upgrade/replace the existing shock absorbers? Is anybody aware of such a recall? We've a Cooper S with the Sport Package that includes the 17" S-Lite with all season run flats and stiffer suspension, that could use a bit of tweaked shock absorber help from time to time. The winter expansion joint ruptures around Chicago get a tad overbearing.

 

Interesting stuff, that interview, but I found it unsettling.

Some comments:

IMHO, the stiffness of the suspension and even the cupholders are not quality issues, but are design issues. They are both issues that buyers shoudl be aware of: they've looked at cars at dealers and seen the cup holders, and have (or should have) test driven the cars, so I am quite surprised that these issues came up in the JDP surveys. IMHO quality issues are the strut recall, tranny problems, and of course the sub-standard windshield (stress cracks and pitting). Those should be addressed.

As far as stiff ride goes, it is a bit of a puzzle for me. People here clamor for and laude the handling prowess of the MINI and other sports cars, but then complain about the suspension stiffness. Then, manufacturers soften the suspension and the cars lose their sharp handling. It is amazing to hear people clamoring for the European version of the Golf GTI (the R32), but so often when performance versions are brought to the States they are softened up, such as the Golf GTI, because some people complain about stiff rides. I think to some extent that may be a reflection of the fact that the roads here in the US on average are so much poorer than those in most European countries (at least the ones I have lived in).

I actually hope MINI does not alter the sports suspension, I hope they keep it as is. For people who want a soft car, they should offer the standard suspension and maybe make it softer, or maybe even a specially de-tuned comfort (or cushy) suspension, but please, please leave a performance version available for enthusiasts. The handling is one of the prime reasons I bought my MINI, and I would not enjoy a softer car.

So, to sum it all up, I was shocked by MINI's response to the JDP survey, in that IMHO they are adressing ALL THE WRONG ISSUES, but I'm not sure if they are addressing those that I personally do consider real quality issues, such as the windshield and the trannies.

Just my 2c worth.

Markus