Hey guys. Have a new month old CVT BRG Coop. I noticed that the left side wheel arch is kind of loose. Loose enough where it'll move a quarter of an inch. The problem is that since it is loose, it is causing light scratches on the clearcoat.
Anyone have this problem before? If so, what did you do to solve this?

 

Never heard of this. If it was my problem I'd go to the dealer....I mean...it IS a new car! They'll buff out those scratches caused by the loose arch, too.

 

yea we had the same problem. The dealership will try to remount them, don't be suprised if it doesn't like up correctly after they do. They will say it's because of the clips, the were loose so it hung low, now that it's tight it doesn't line up.

We have pretty much given up on trying to fix it.

 

Can I go to any dealer to get my stuff taken care and would I need an appointment??? Just Curious...

 

Hmmmm, that's weird. I have purchased 2 new MINis and never had this problem with the wheel arches. Your best bet is to take it back to the dealer and determine why the clips are failing to hold the plastic wheel arch in place. It seems to be a factory defect but the car goes thru different places during importation (Port, Ship, VPC, Dealer) that damage can occur at any given point.

Don't try to buff out the scratches until the dealer sees the problem as it is. After that you can purchase a 7oz tube of Meguiar's "Scratch-X" product that safely removes light surface swirl marks and scratches. Safe on the clearcoat and it is not aggressive on your finish at all.

 

Obviously yes, you will need to contact your service advisor and schedule an appointment. Most dealers won't take you in if you just show up, so it is a good practice to call before you go, specially if your dealer is very far away.

Seems to be a 100% warranty covered repair, so don't hesitate in taking it to the dealer.

 

Had it. They said it was hit... But thye replaced the clips and its fine now.


Paul

 

I had a broken clip and I went to the parts counter where they just handed me a couple. I think they cost around a dollar each. I was able to pull the arch away enough to get the broken clip out and replace it with a new one and pop the arch back into place.

 

Those clips are not really truly re-usable and the techs will have to remove the wheel arches to get at things. the trick is also to know how to undo them and install them. You will note they have Philip's head slots. Unscrew the middle part about a quarter inch, grab it and tug. when you reinstall it, unscreww it almost all the way out, carefully fit the other end into the hole (make sure plastic liner and hole in the metal are correctly aligned) and press the unscrewed portion in. It will snap in and hold securely. Like the man said, worth keeping a few in the glove box......

 

I just got new wheels put on. This is probably a stupid question, but will they make a big deal about them when I bring the car in? I mean the car is like a month and a half old.

 

If they are like the classic guys, they will ogle them comment on them and be glad to have something to look at other than standard wheels...... not that the S lites aren't cool.....or any other for that matter. Relax......

 

Don't think so. Why? Your new wheels did not cause the wheel arch to fall off or did they?

 

The service people will "enjoy" seeing your new wheels so yes they will notice them and if they are happy they will make a "big deal about them" but in a nice way so you have nothing to worry about.

Same goes for appearance mods and exhausts.

It's pretty boring all the time seeing alot of stock cars come in for servicing and the MINI is so unique and easily modded it seems they ought to be full of character and personality.

So you got your new wheels- show them off- it will be obvious.

The only caveat is this- it has been known to happen that when servicing your MINI, damage can occur to the wheels so inspect your wheels very carefully before you take your car in and when you check in, show your wheels very carefully to the Service advisor and let him see each wheel slowly and mark down on the sheet that each wheel was free of scratches and dings when you brought it in. Same for the body, etc. This will help to protect you in case something does happen and you wish to point out that trouble occurred.