I thought it was just a little chip...?

 

It is a tiny chip, plus what I thought was a tiny crack. The same guy who fixed Larry's windshield came to look at mine. Leo has lots of battle scars. Poor guy

 

Let's have a contest at the next meet about who has the most scars. I know I'll be a good runner up if not the winner. I got 3 new dings since Xmas.

 

I like the idea, only because I'm sure I would win

 

Hey Jo, let us know if this gets taken care of to your satisfaction. Inquiring minds want to know.

For densan57 -- I think you mentioned during R4TH2 that you'd been experiencing this issue again lately. Sounds like the dealerships are getting better at stepping up and making things right. Highly recommend you follow Smoky Jo's lead and have the dealer fix it again with all of the latest replacement parts, which are itemized in a post in another thread at this link:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3293021

I would hate to see your rattle devolve into something bad for FINALLY's power plant.

 

The dealership confirmed the Timing Chain Tension issue a.k.a. "Death Rattle".
They said it should be ready Tue/Wed.
It didn't take them a week to fix it last year.
I think they want me to fall in love with the 2011 I'm driving and then buy it.

 

I imagine it's a little under-powered for your tastes.

 

Thanks! We haven't heard it lately, but will be watching it closely!

 

Plans are in the works for the Wild Ride which will be held in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 25. We’ll meet at the Sonic (560 33rd Avenue Southwest) at 11:00 am. “Wild” and “Ride” will be part of an afternoon of fun with our MINIs and MINI friends. So that your free souvenir can be personalized for you, please send your name and a photo of your MINI to darylha@hotmail.com.

See you on the 25th!

 

#$%^&*($%^&* (expletives!)

There is another issue. The timing chain itself. Stretched due to low oil pressure. I don't understand. I don't have any leaks and checked my oil ocassionally. It was always fine.

So, an extra $2200 that I was NOT expecting to pay and really CAN'T afford.

 

Hmmm.... they tried to fix this a year ago and didn't replace the chain at the time. Now they want to charge you the whole cost for something associated with a problem that you previously brought to their attention. Chain replacement is part of the fix when necessary.

I think I'd be tempted to push back a bit. You should not have to shoulder the complete cost of a new chain. They could have got it right the first time.

 

Sounds peachy!

Maybe you should start up a dedicated discussion thread for this event so the info is easier to find. I notice there are already a gaggle of folks signed up for this event in the calendar entry -- even in advance of the details!

 

I would so push back at the dealer on the timing chain issue, they should have gotten it right the fiesta time!!!

 

I don't know how to fight this with the dealer. I already said that 1 thing is related to the other and also mentioned my oil situation.
They gave me 15% off of the cost plus an outside detail of the car.
Is that enough?

 

So the low oil pressure must mean that they want to install a new oil pump along with the timing chain? I can't imagine that the timing chain would come to $2,200 installed. Damn, I feel your pain, this really sucks.

 

smashed the front end of my Mazda3...now thinking of potentially getting a Cooper Countryman...dreaming now...dreaming...I need a raise...

 

Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Is there a story to be told?? Yes, you DO need a Countryman!

 

Story is "people suck." Someone slammed their brakes on in front of me incredibly hard and fast and I ended up nailing them. :( Nearly $5k in damages at 35mph..not cool..not to mention the damage I did to the van I hit. Which didnt look too bad.

In any case, car will be fixed I think and probably later this year I'll heavily investigate the Countryman.

 

I am glad you aren't hurt! And equally glad you weren't driving Willie

 

We all know this, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that Gil-galad does us all very proud with the extraordinary way he handles all EIM public relations communications. He’s top-notch

 

Absolutely!!! I don't think we would have such an active group without him Thanks for all your work Gil-galad!

 

Shucks folks...I'm speechless. You're most welcome; and as I always say, "it's a labor of love."

+1 from me on both thoughts... ...and looking forward to the day that NAM handle becomes R56&R60MINICooper.

 

You only live once so go for the gusto ( ok Countryman )

 

Yeah I suppose at that point I would have to change the NAM Handle haha. We'll see. I think the Countryman would be a nice edition to the household. The dogs would enjoy the extra leg room I think. And Id enjoy the extra fun driving.


I am very glad I wasn't driving Willie.

 

Got my MINI back last Monday.
All is well, runs great.
Parts/labor are warranteed for 2yrs.
Got a free INT/EXT detailing.