I called MINI of Sterling today to see if fixing the mushrooming strut tower would be covered under warranty

My MCS has 20k miles and I bought it as a certified pre-owned at MINI of Sterling in December '07 with 18K miles. I was in the process of installing the M7 strut tower brace when I became aware that I already have the dreaded problem that I was attempting to avoid.

Service Manager Robin explained that the mushrooming is the result of bottoming out the suspension and is absolutely not covered under warranty, even though he sees roughly 10 cars a month with this problem. He said I could bring the car in for an estimate, but without even seeing it he could confidently say that flattening the strut towers would be around $700 in labor (depending on severity), then replacing the bushings is another $99, and then it is always wise to have the front end re-aligned afterwards for $199. So, between $1000 and $1200 is his estimate -- which is an estimate he can recite with great confidence because he sees this problem so often.

I have three issues/questions: 1.) It is hard to believe that 10 cars a month are having the same problem (at a single dealer in North America), and that this is legitimately considered a non-warranty problem. How are BMW NA and MINI dealers getting away with this? 2.) In addition to the M7 brace, what further protection does a camber plate provide against the mushrooming problem? (I've noticed other NAM people recommending this.) 3.) What other shops or remedies are out there for this problem once the symptoms are already evident, besides taking the car to the dealer, that people have tried and are satisfied with?

 

So sorry for the noob question, what is mushrooming and how do I know if I have it?

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...light=mushroom

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...light=mushroom

So, based on these links it would seem that some NAM people are sick of the mushroom issue and don't see the point of continuing the discussion... others would like the Dali Lama to intervene and liberate the oppressed MINI owners and get MINI to acknowledge a systemic problem and warranty the repairs....

 

A hammer, block of wood and the M7 plates.....no more worries

At the first Burtonsville car show and run, out of 5 MINIs, 4 were 'shroomed including one that has been nothing but pampered. The one thing that was consistent was the 4 MCSs had 17" wheels. The MCS with 16" was fine.

Mike

 

Yea, a block of wood and a heavy hammer will work. Also, you should cover the wood with a towel so you don't scratch the metal.


MINInurse's had shrooms @ 10K miles and it was driven by an old man that pampered her. I have fixed 3 MINIs now and it is very easy.

 

Second the towel, I scratched mine, but touch up is easy enough. I'm thinking to pull the plates and paint them to match as well.

Driver / Passenger weight seems to make a difference, hence the driver's side usually shows more deformation than the passenger side. At least that's assuming your sidekick only rides occasionally.