I am brand new to Mini and had my reservations about them, but after seeing and driving my Laser Blue MCS...I was sold on the fun factor. However, that has only taken 3 days to subside as I watched it rolling out of my S/D on a flatbed to the dealer with 143 miles on it. Stupid thing cranks, but will not turn over and run. Comp indicates power steering failure, cruise control failure, and inclement weather... Service Manager at Global Imports Mini in ATL seems confident that it will be a simple fix...but after reading a very similar post from R*C, I am hesitant to agree. Has anyone here anything to say about this dealer so that I know where to set my expectations?

 

May be a computer glitch that they can solve by reinstalling software. Don't give up on your MINI or the ATL service department quite yet.

 

Don't worry..We have a great warranty in place. And that wonderful help line 866-ask-mini, they have been crucial in helping me when it comes to keeping files on both of my cars and their issues. And now that we have our third sailing in any day now, I'll be making sure to always keep them a phone call away.

 

Sounds nearly EXACTLY what happened to my 2011 on Wednesday.

My thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mine-died.html

 

welcome to MINI ownership

 

thanks all. i am still waiting to here from GI. they called yesterday afternoon and said "their guy" wouldn't be able to take a look at it until Tuesday...which means parts ordered and shipped maybe by Wednesday...and with the holiday weekend...I might see my car again sometime Next week

 

Wandrur,
I just read your thread...and that sucks.
I have now emailed miniUSA, the GM of the dealer, and the entire executive staff and board of directors for the Dealer's parent Company to voice my disdain with my situation.
We just got rid of a horribly problematic Mazda3 for a new car so we wouldn't worry about crap like this...

 

Effin' awesome

Looks like you got one that failed quality control. Sometimes I wonder if they ship them out even knowing that are issues and let the stealerships sort it out.

Hope you get it sorted out promptly. Contact MINI USA and get some freebies for your aggravation.

 

??? If the owner was driving it around then it passed QC out the door at the factory because it was working. Failures happen and the MINI isn't exactly known for being ultra reliable. If you want something like that then perhaps a Honda or Toyota is what you need. (Both of which I have taken friends to the dealer to get repaired).

 

Well, apparemtly they still missed something in QC if the car died four days the owner got it, no? Although I do have to concede that something may have happened between the plant and the dealership. There's however always room for improvement.

Yep, you got that right. Still fun cars though.

Let me check my orginal post... Nope. Never said I did. I'm happy with what I have. Still sucks for the OP with his FOUR DAY OLD CAR... just sayin'

 

How can you "miss" something in QC if it is tested and working when it leaves the factory?

My point is that nothing was missed at all and the QC was fine. Failures do happen and no car is perfect (this was my point that you missed the first time around). Cars are made by man and we are far from perfect thus the car is as well. It does suck for the OP, but it will be resolved by the warranty, this is exactly why we have them.

 

My Audi A6 did the exact same thing. It took a week to get it back. I sold it a year later and vowed to never buy another Audi product again.

 

I would think they would give you a loaner, our local dealer, Baron Mini, always provides a loaner if their is a warranty issue... Hopefully they do and that will help a bit

 

Wow... you just bought a mini and the dealer puts very little effort in getting it literally "running" for you.

When I had my mini at the dealers for an oil change, they were preparing a Countryman for someone that just bought it. The dealer makes kind of a special "show" by covering the car with one of mini's special car covers and then having the new owner pull it off!. Anyway, the vehicle was pretty torn up and had some very ugly large dents. I figured I was in for some "entertainment" when the new owner saw it. I wasn't disappointed!

The owner had traveled over 300 miles to pick it up. He said he had waited for it for almost 6 months (the Countryman was just coming out at the time) and the anticipation was killing him! Well... when that cover came off his big smile suddenly disappeared. He walked around the car in silence as the MA explained that all the problems would be fixed but it would take another two weeks for this to happen. The MA then ushered him over to his desk for final paperwork - he was silent. About 15 minutes later I could see some color return to his face and anger began to take over. He shouted out a flurry of expletives when the MA said "sigh here"! He was then ushered into a closed office.

 

Like susanmini said, welcome to Mini ownership. Hopefully your dealer is better than the ones I have had experience with, and will get you a loaner and get you back on the road quickly.

 

Best of luck with a sppedy fix huddyman.

Please post results to let us know what the issue was. Could be informative for those with similar issues with new fresh off the lot cars

 

so, after little not being able to fall asleep last night, i decided to reach out to miniusa, the dealership's general manager, and the entire board of directors for the dealer's parent company, Sonic Automotive and sent a very respectful email stating my discontent with the situation. I received a call at 10:10 am from the service manager stating that my car was up, running, and freshly detailed. I also received a call from the GM of the dealership apologizing for the lack of urgency to fix the issue. Car is running like a top now. Had a blast driving it back home.

 

Great to hear!

My story is the same, however. The "software" update didn't change anything.

 

Glad to hear!

 

Now for the details of the fix: a bad R1 engine relay
I asked if this was a SPDT,SPST, or other and the service manager looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears.
I asked what the relay controlled and he couldn't tell me that either.
The mechanic's notes: however, state that this relay was audibly erratic in it's operation and that once replaced--the car started and ran fine.
There you have it---$25,000 german car failure due to a $1.50 Chinese manufactured part----LOL

 

I know it caused you some grief but problems CAN happen even to the best of us. A thumbs up for the dealership for stepping up to the plate and delivering what is expected of them!

 

Classic!! A $1.50 part kills the car. I hope your next visit to the dealership is not until your first scheduled service, and that you have fun motoring in the meantime.

 

glad they got you up and motoring, have fun