bought a pre-owned 2005 mini cooper a couple months ago (64k) and a week later the right trunk hinge broke. Dealer I bought the car from fixed it @ no cost....today....I discovered the same gap on the left side, indicating that the left hinge is on its way to go too........come on Mini USA!!! do something...this is NOT COOL! This seems to be a common problem and should trigger a recall

 

Not a common problem that I am aware of and I have been on many forums for a few years now. It is possible that the car you bought was in a collision (rear ended) and that is why the hinges are having problems now.

 

dear daflake,
there are quite a few mini owners out there having had the same problem.... Found at least a dozen threads yesterday....and No...my car was not in a rear ended collision....

 

Yes, the "common problem" is called maintenance - or the lack of it. All you have to do is oil those hinges once a year or so and you'll never have a problem with them - same with you door and hood hinges. I mean, think about it - it's a moving part, and moving parts need periodic lubrication And had you been paying attention, I'll bet yours gave you plenty of warning that it was dry and needed lube, either by making noise as you opened and closed it or by being very stiff in action.

I don't think every part of the car should be subject to a recall if it fails - there's a certain amount of owner involvement that should be maintained too. Your car is new to you so you can be forgiven for not knowing this, but really, it's just really basic stuff.

Good on your dealer for fixing it for you for free!

 

To Minidave,

I am not saying all parts...I am German and have owned many European made cars (mostly Hatchback's) and never, ever had a problem with trunk hinges! I have always maintained cars and/or motor cycles i have owned well....I honestly believe that this time it's due to faulty material or bad design (yes, it happens to German as well )...well...it's semi British (owning a Triumph I know British)....thanks for your input

 

If you look you will notice that MINI changed the hinges to a more robust design toward the end of the 06 model year. Those hinges are also used on the R56 MINI's.

What is happening is practically no one ever lubes those hinges. The hinge pin binds & over time the metal of the hinge is worked enough to fatigue & fracture. If you keep them lubed that will not happen.

 

so..since I have to get a new one...should i get the more robust design (will they fit?)... having replaced one just 2 month ago...could this one have been become fatigue now as the other side fractured? I just want to know so I can tell the shop on monday what to do if it makes sense...so I don't have the same issue happening two month later again...

 

how about a picture of the failure?

 

A dozen threads with thousands of owners hardly warrants a recall. As was said, it is not "common" and is a maintenance issue. You have a MINI that is now going on 6 years old, it will require a little maintenance. I do know that the some cabrios had issues but even that was limited and easily resolved.

 

My boot hinges have been on my car for 5 years & 86,000 miles. I lubed them at each oil change. I think the original type my car has are fine.

I see no real difference other than the redesigned ones being of a heavier stock. I do not know if they are a direct swap out.

Not my picture, but one I found....

 

I've got plenty of used ones from MINI's we have parted out if that helps you.

 

So how do you oil the door and hatch hinges? I've tried and I doubt any oil is getting in there since the gaps seam so tight.