Hi all,

My '04 Mini Cooper's (bought it used 18 months ago) engine is ruined after a rapid loss of oil about 250 miles from home. Not long after the oil light came on, the engine light came on and there was a big puff of smoke out the tailpipe. I had it towed to the nearest town, got a hotel room and the next day hauled the car on a truck/trailer rented from U-Haul to my home. Funny thing is, I had an oil change 6 weeks ago at the dealer. The car has about 95 K on it and was well behaved until last Sunday. I saw no leak and can't help but think this has something to do with the oil change. The dealer has offered me a refurbished engine with a 2 year warranty but wants me to pay for installation ($1400). I've spent almost 2 grand at the dealer on other stuff since May and getting the car back home cost almost a $1,000. I have lost my faith in automobiles. I feel like a hostage to the dealer.

 

What did they say caused the "rapid oil loss"?

 

This happened to my friends S2k. They forgot to screw in the oil filter all the way and 1000 miles later it just popped off! Honda payed for the tow to the dealer and he got a new motor under warranty.

 

The dealer's view is that the missing cap on the oil pan is unrelated to the oil change. They say that a faulty cap would have meant obvious leakage. The car got new brakes and a new exhaust about 10 days before the breakdown and they say that the leakage would have been obvious to their mechanic at that time. They don't seem to have an alternative explanation, only saying that my theory (cap put on wrong) is incorrect. I am headed there now to negotiate further. Thanks for the input so far.

 

It would be hard to prove but I think persistence might pay off. For 1,400 bucks I'd be in there at every oportunity to pester them until they made it right. The old persistent widow gambit. Hope everything goes well.

 

ouch...i dont have an answer but sorry to hear about the trouble

 

Not getting into dealer or your responsibilities here, just trying to emphasize a point that I learned a couple of years ago with my father-in-law's porsche . Whenever that oil light goes on while driving, SHUT IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY!!!!

I hope you resolve your situation in the best manner possible

 

...and don't lose faith in your MINI. Judging from the information you've provided, it's most likely that this problem was induced by human error, not by faulty technology.

I feel bad for you and your situation...hope you're back up and motoring soon.

 

I just returned from the dealer. They held firm to the $1400 installation fee and seemed offended that I wasn't appreciating their free engine. They told me they would see about bringing the installation fee down but there was no firm committment. They told me they pressed MiniCanada hard for this even though I have no extended warranty and there was (they claimed) no evidence of negligence re: my recent oil change. The service manager stressed that they were doing a favour for a loyal Mini customer. He also said that he had never heard of a plug falling off an oil pan and was incredulous that this could have been their fault. My faith in this car is gone but I feel I had no choice (other than let the car sit in my driveway while making monthly payments) I hope it lasts until the payments are done in Feb. 2011. Thanks again for all help and encouragement.

 

Well, look on the brightside... You'll have 0 miles!

 

Perhaps have an outside mechanic look over the car to verify the dealer's findings? The fact that the dealer would turn right around and offer you a rebuilt engine makes me think there's something fishy. Maybe I'm too cynical, but I'd be double checking everything to make sure there isn't evidence of them screwing up.

 

The dealer knocked $200 off the installation and I picked up the car yesterday. I turned into a shopping plaza about 2 blocks away and when I went to put the car in 'Park' the car rolled right along. It wouldn't go into any gear and the parking brake wouldn't work. I called the dealer and about 1/2 hour later he showed up with two mechanics. They couldn't fix it or figure it out and decided to tow it back. Maybe I'll hear something tomorrow. I've had it.

 

Sounds like someone didn't connect the tranny properly.....

 

Well Geez Louise - it's that old saying I guess - "if it's not one thing, it's another". Dang....I feel for you...

Donna