My 2007 Mini Cooper S wasn't purchased through a dealer, but from a BMW dealer. My question is this...what would void out the warranty? I know a lot of people are telling me to be careful of what I add on to the cooper because it may void the warranty and such. Can anyone tell me what I can and what I can't do to the Mini while it is under warranty?

I've also read that some of you have done away with the run flat tires. I've asked the garage locally if they dealt with run flats and they said they can order them for me, but it takes a certain certification to install one. ...So I'm thinking, maybe when it comes time, I should switch to regular tires...but then will that have any impact on my warranty?

I was offered an insurance plan by the BMW dealer that they offer all their customers when they purchase their vehicles. It's called Auto Perfect, which for 3 years ($699) covers full reimbursement for the run flats, wheels, mounting/balance, windshield repair and dent/ding. Do you think it would be to my benefit to get this insurance instead of getting regular tires or would I be a fool to pass up on this?

Any help from any of you would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

The way our service tech put it to me was "If your aftermarket item does damage or causes the failure, that is not a warranty repair. Otherwise, you're a-okay". Note that this is just MY service tech, and does not apply to all dealers. I've heard of some that get finicky about a cold air intake being on the car. Best to check with the service department where you'll be getting your work done.

Under any circumstance though, I don't believe tires and wheels are covered under warranty (absent some catastrophic failure due to defect), so changing them out wouldn't void anything.

 

I'd suggest reading the fine print. Do you pay for the repairs up front and then submit for a reimbursement? Do they pay the full amount, or a pre-set amount? Is there a deductible? Is there a maximum number of claims per year? Do you have to get replacements from the dealer and/or the dealer's choice of replacement? etc, etc.

Here's a scenario you can pose. You're driving in the middle of nowhere. You hit a pothole which kills the runflat and also damages the wheel. Your MINI Roadside assistance should tow you back to the closest dealer. What is the layout of costs under the program, and how much are you going to have to spend out of pocket (even if you are going to be reimbursed later) and how much of a reimbursement will you receive?

 

Thanks for all those good points. I'll be sure to question the dealer on the intricacies of this plan. All I was told was that it covers me for 3 years or 5..whichever I chose and I would get full reimbursement for expenses I incur on the run-flats. He told me that it was a popular plan that he sells to all his BMW customers. I'll be sure to call him tomorrow to ask more about it.