Having shifting problems with my new '06 MCS. Have found all good resources on this N.A. Motoring member site. Much to read and research. Great find. Love the Mini enthusiasts. Thanks, James S.

 

Hi James!

Glad you're finding what you need here. I'm sure your shifting problem will be fixed soon.
Post some pics of your MINI if you get a chance!

 

Thank you for the reply, LadyGodiva. Just because I need to tell someone; I have had my MCS for about a week now. For the heck of it I decided to take my Mini to a shop that I have been dealing with for 15 years and just have them check it out. (Yes, I know your supposed to do this first.) So they give me a report of the check-out and I find out: the power steering pump cooling fan is dead, the front control arm bushings are toast, the inside of the rims are so bent from hitting pot-holes they will not pass PA inspection, the air filter is dripping with dirt and what looks like oil and the tag lights are corroded and not working. But the car looks fantastic! I drove it to the dealer I purchased it from and showed them the report - well I have an appointment on Monday the 19th and am just hoping they don't give me any static about fixing the problems. I do have an option to give the car back but I really like this Mini and want to keep it. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks, James S.

 

Oh my gosh!

Sending good thoughts your way. Hope the dealer takes care of you and you'll be happily motoring again soon.

Keep us posted!

 

Welcome to the forum, see why every reccomends a pre purchase inspection, doesn't sound like any of these problems are too serious thankfully.

 

BensMini - Thank you for taking your time to reply. James S.

 

While it is better to do the inspection before the purchase, it is good that you did it early enough to work with the dealer. I assume you have an estimate of the repairs required to make this right? Since you have the option of returning the car (even though you indicate you want to keep it), I would put the pressure on the dealer to make this right. It can't hurt. I mean, cmon, a dirty air filter? Geez.

 

shawjd1: Man that is stinky! Lets hope either everything gets fixed ASAP, or that they offer you an even NICER car that you fall head over heels for and no additional BS!

Regardless, thanks for joining NAM! Enjoy the board and the "motorin"!

 

Damn, hopefully this wasn't a mini dealer. Thats just sketchy that someone would sell a car with those issues.

 

Well first, no, not a Mini dealer. It's a used car (er, pre-owned) store that's part of a large well known family of dealerships selling Porsche, Audi here in the northern Delaware, S.E. PA area. This used car store was a Saturn dealership that they converted. So the mechanics are used to working on Saturns, I guess with transferable skills? The sales Manager told me they bought the Mini from Manheim (which is about 30 miles from here), just to have a variety of inventory, and a mundane inventory it is. (except for Mini)

The shop I have been working with since 1995 did give me an itemized costed parts and labor estimate. $459 parts, $1,098 labor. (Can post if anyone wants to see it.) The labor includes $480 for dismounting, straightening, mounting, and balancing 4 wheels.

Please let me know if I am rambling on too long...

By the way, I love the Alta Performance website - Do I want 15% Pulley Kit?? Actually I probably need to take smaller steps, like, I need a center arm rest.

Thanks for listening and responding! Best regards, James S.

 

I think once you get the other issues hammered out, the 15% is a near must purchase. They make such a HUGE improvement in the car's performance!

Is the dealer going to pay for the repairs? Once they do, go back to your guy have install some fun stuff!

As always let me know if you have any questions about the parts, installation, (ALTA or otherwise don't hesitate to ask)

Have a GREAT weekend!

 

Just for closure here is the status of my Mini:

The dealer stepped up and replaced the p/s pump fan (although he told me they usually only last about a year and really do no good), pounded out the rims to meet PA inspection requirements, fixed the tags lights and lenses and after some encouragement lubricated the shift linkage.

I couldn't bear to drive around with a gross, dirty air filter so I replaced it last weekend and brought it in to show the Service Manager. He could not apologize more. So now all is good.

By the way... this Mini has a power sliding top window. The control for the window is on the left of the interior lights by the rear-view mirror. BUT, on the right side there is an oblong grill - What is this for??????

Thanks to everyone for your posts, James S.

 

I would be VERY cautious of the rims. Aluminum is not a great metal to be bending a bunch of times, it becomes weak. I would look into a set of aftermarket rims, imo.