thanks! i will certainly ask!

 

this is really gonna hurt the 'dealers all stink and MINI is always ripping us off' crowd

I think they are treating you well given that you are out of warranty. I'm not aware of any additional 'paint' warranty and doubt this would fall under 'rust perforation'

I've used pressure washers on my cars many times ... but there are pressure washers and there are PRESSURE washers. A friend of mine blew thru the siding of his house, thru the insulation and the dry wall to wet his couch..... first time he tried his new pressure washer. (he wet himself too . . .)

I agree that this should not have happened so it is very kool that MINI is going to repair it. Most clear coat delamination should not occur either but I don't see many makes standing by that issue . . .

Do note that it is 100% acceptable for damage that occurs in transit to be repaired at the arrival port and not be reported to the buyer. It is possible your bumper was repainted at the pier - repair paint is seldom as strong as factory paint. It is possible the bumper got scratched and it was repainted .... and that repaint clear is what lifted.....

in any case - good recommendation from the body shop you visited to ask more questions - and kudos to MINI for covering it.....

 

I know, but they said that is not really referring to possible paint damage but to possible damage to what's under the hood. (bonnet )

 

Took our red 2009 Mini in around June. Told them we noticed clear coat coming off front bumber, the manager said they had been having problems with the red cars. He took pictures and said the rep would have to see it.
Well got called to bring it in this week (new manager and rep) said they never heard they were having problems with red cars. Said it looked like gravel probally hit it and wasn't covered. (was not gravel damage clear coat just started peeling off)When leaving stopped and looked at the Mini's they had around back. Looked at several no problem, then walked over to the only red one - clear coat coming off. hmmmmmm

 

I just got arounds to going in and my SA said to bring it by for a mini rep to see, hoping for free paint , but understand if its not covered

 

there is some cheap stuff called bug n tar remover, I believe its 3M, maybe $3 to 4 per can, guaranteed no paint damage, cleans bugs off like magic. It even removed tree dropping blackberry juice that had stained a white car I owned many many years ago. Good stuff.

 

Hopefully, they will cover yours. The body shop that fixed it said that the bumper had been repaired earlier, probably on the lot before it was sold to me (new). So he felt that accounted for the peeling clear coat. But perhaps it is a problem with the chili red Minis. Keep us posted.

 

When I ordered my 2012 MINI convertible yesterday my MA told me that there is now a paint protection plan available for $500. It protects against all paint mishaps, including sap. I wasn't going to get it but after having sap go through one of the bonnet stripes on my Clubman I think it might be wise. I was lucky. My detailer found it and replaced the stripe before it went through to the paint.

 

Before you take a trip through Love Bug Season, just spray the front of your Mini with PAM (The cooking spray). If the bugs stick to the hood afterwards, it is a simple matter to have them removed. Very few will stick, none of them will stay stuck. Pam will wash right off and a gentle touch up, (light wax job from a liquid spray detailing bottle) will remove any traces of the road trip..

 

Griots Garage also sells a spray on bug guard. I've used it when I go on trips to Phoenix or the time I took OTTO to Tucson. It is amazing stuff. Doesn't hurt the paint or leave residue of any type. You apply it before you drive. It is amazing when you wash the car that not one bug part is stuck to the paint. It comes off with no problems.

Great stuff. Especially useful on the front grill area, but I also use it on the backs of the mirrors.

 

Did you know that pressure washers are great for stripping paint? My Kranzle pressure washer will do that. It tears up concrete too.

Just put the nozzle a few inches from the ground and a hole is dug and concrete flies everywhere. Put that same nozzle a few feet away and it feels soft as cotton.

The problem here isn't your clear coat. It's that pressure washers can be very dangerous to your paint if you are not careful.

To remove bugs, just lay some wet warm towels on the bugs and they will soften and can be safely removed.

Richard

 

Mine's at the dealer for the sunroof, and mini rep was gonna be there anyways, so they're keeping it for them to check the clearcoat.heres hoping

 

Got the offer for them to cover 1/2 the paint job around $200, i think i'll go for it.