I am new to this forum and one of the main reasons I joined has to do with the service issues recently experienced with my 2005 MCS. I purchased the car new from the dealer in April '05. Since August '06, it has been in the shop no less than 5 times for SES (service engine soon) light activation. The Service Department has cleared the faults (P2096 DME & 02) and adaptations, opened PUMA cases with MINI, replaced the intake pressure sensor, the shut-off valve and the 4 fuel injector valves. No resolution. This past Monday, I had to bring it back in for SES activation the previous Friday. I had my state emissions test this past Saturday and it failed (P2096 - post catalyst fuel trim system too lean bank 1). I have yet to hear back from the Service Department.

In addition to the SES activation, my windshield cracked, in much the same way that I have read from others in their threads. The crack started at the top middle of the windshield, progressed down to the bottom of the rear view and made a hard left towards the driver's side. It has yet to reach the side of the windshield but it will eventually. I took it in to have it checked for defect and they did the proverbial "pen test", found a nick and called it damage due to a rock chip. All the same as I have read from others. Is it just me or is there some indication of a design flaw here?

Also, the last time I had my car at the dealer for the SES light, they claim that they had to road test it for 50 miles to get the proper diagnostic readings. On the ride home, I noticed an unusual metallic, gear-like sound when in 2nd and 3rd gear. I brought it back the next day to have it checked and it turns out that a dowel pin had backed out of the flywheel and had somehow punctured something inside my transmission. The transmission, flywheel and clutch all had to be replaced, under warranty and with remanufactured parts, mind you.

I love the car but I am beginning to wonder if I received a lemon. The lemon law in VA only covers the first 18 months from purchase so I am outside of that protection. With my factory warranty ending soon, I fear keeping what could be a considerable drain on my wallet. I'd love to hear from others who have had similar experiences or who may have suggestions and recommendations on how to deal with these problems. Thanks.

 

I personally would get the windshield replaced and trade the car in. We have an '05 and an '06 and both have been mostly trouble free. I think the motor mount in my '06 is leaking (a common problem), I have a crack in my windshield and my wife's '05 has had the cover on the steering wheel replaced twice due to the MINI emblem curling up but that's it. I think unfortunately that you managed to get a lemon - I know that I wouldn't want to keep fighting all the issues that you have had. Good luck and let us know what you do.

 

I really appreciate the response. Any ideas and opinions are helpful. Problem is I really enjoy the car and if I trade it in, I doubt I will get another Mini.

 

A lemon usually means they have tried to fix a problem "so many times" and are unable to do so. Your case looks different ... just the "normal" issues people have with the car. For example, when a dealer told me I would need to by camber plates to get the car aligned with their OEM suspensions ... I was about to explode. I suggest you read through the complaints forums to see what other ppl complain about.

I think the thing is while some ppl have no issues, others have lots of issue... its just the price you pay for the enjoyment you get. When the time comes the cost of this enjoyment (and cost means more than money) outweighs the benefits, its your choice to walk. But I do not believe you have a lemon by definition of most lemon laws.

 

5 times for service engine light activation with no conclusive fix is borderline repetitive to me. I understand what you're saying about the luck of the draw when it comes to new vehicles, and it appears that I may be in the minority with my experiences, but do you honestly think that its worth the price for a 2-year old car with 18k miles to be manifesting so many problems at such a young age? I can see the intermittent issues as the car ages, but its almost brand new. This is not something that any product manufacturer (auto or otherwise) should wish on their consumers but I guess in the end it is all about the bottom $$.