You can be 2 qts low in the R56 and you'll get no warning. At least the F56 will warn you when your oil is low.

 

I guess I am confused here. Are you saying that you bought a car that you thought had these features or you wanted to buy a car with these features? If its the first then shame on you for not reading what your car had as options. If its the latter then what did Mini say? The only ground you have to stand on here is based on the fact that you came to see the car only for the options that aren't available. Advertising in the United States has never been honest. The fact that they stated that it was a European spec car does tell you that some of what you may see may not be available. You can thank the politicians for many of these things due to the strict guidelines in which U.S. automakers have to work within. You should be glad we get the Mini at all really. I mean it comes down to this: Did you go and look at the car and like it based off of what you experienced? Did you order and sign the agreement to take possession of the car without these features? If you did then complaining about these things after the fact doesn't do anything for you. You already bought their vehicle, its a win for them. If you really weren't happy with the car then you should not have bought it. OK, I will leave it at that. Just trying some tough love here but seriously there are more important things you could be doing with your time than this, like driving that awesome Mini you just bought.(if its not hung up in production, which I will join in on the rant for that)

 

I agree the Customer Service folks responses are basically annoying, although pleasantly so. How annoyed are you? I'm not currently annoyed about anything in particular, but if I was, I'd start by calling USA HQ, asking for Customer Relations. Social Engineering techniques will get you inside. Press 0, get to a person, explain you're an owner and express your frustration calmly, maybe you get lucky and are routed to someone that can help. If not, try calling again the next day, different time of day. If you get someone to listen ask for a commitment of action. If we get enough of us doing this, at least we tried and didn't give up at their Customer Service line of defense. Push hard and long enough and someone will respond. I have done this, it works, although some things really are beyond the control of the person that answers the phone. In that case, sweet talk them into giving up the name of someone else.

My personal observation is that MINI has serious communications issues between what the company thinks and what the dealers understand. This is typical in the automobile industry. I also know that MINI is very sensitive to what the press thinks and I believe what it's customers think. Look at the redesign of the Hardtop, major things the press complained about, location of window controls, the large center speedo, etc. were changed. Reliability complains from owners, well, only time will tell, but I believe the 100% BMW engine and other BMW derived stuff is a step in the right direction. One can always dispute the reasoning for changes, but companies never change unless forced to or unless more money can be made by changing.

Sorry for the rant, imagine what happens when I'm annoyed.

Call and ask for customer relations.
MINI USA Corporate Office Headquarters HQ
BMW of North America
300 Chestnut Ridge Rd.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey USA
Corporate Phone Number: 1-201-307-4000

 

I agree with totally Nochaz, and don't mistake my post for me regretting my purchase, I do not. I love the car very much so (and am about to drive it shortly ).

My point is my disappointment in Mini for the pretty shady marketing, its not really about what was or was not included in the US version. As you mentioned, unfortunately the laws governing this stuff in the US are not what they should be. I do stand by my point though (and maybe I could have explained this better in my original post), it is up to us as the consumer to voice our opinions on any facet of a company's business we are not pleased with (and yes, this means doing it through their systems such as the toll free line that has mixed reviews). This is the only way we may see change in the years to come. It certainly won't happen because of legislature. I also like your statement on we should be glad to have the Mini at all in the US, this rings true as well when anyone criticizes what "BMW has done with the brand". If it hadn't been for BMW the brand would likely not exist at all.

 

Understood Motor. I don't take anything personally and try not to send messages that attack anyone personally. You make very valid points in your post. I say make the calls, voice the complaints and then just go motor. You'll be happier in the drivers seat anyway.

 

I feel like the only people that would ever notice the differences are probably participating in this thread right now.

 

touche'

 

Thanks Nochaz and good point indeed Vic

 

You sir have won this thread.

 

I asked the same question. Guess I'll try and wait until it's added.