What are your warranty nightmare stories? Here's mine:

Avoid Mini of Concord in CA like the plague! They seriously lowballed me on my trade-in, to the point it was insulting, and their service has been terrible.

I've had a couple of brake issues in the year I've had my R56 S, replaced the JCW rotors once already, and now I've committed the unforgivable sin of replacing the brake pads with aftermarket items and putting different brake fluid in while I was on a road trip and nowhere near a dealer. Now there seems to be a leak in the master cylinder and they won't even do a full diagnosis. They say the soft pedal is the pads, even when the car isn't moving and the pedal continues to go for the floor. They basically are trying to get out of the warranty service, at least that's how it feels to me.

I asked if they would cover the master cylinder if I changed out the brake fluid with OEM and replaced the brake pads and they said no because now they have a note about it. That's just ridiculous. This is incredibly frustrating and really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be going there again and I suggest you stay away too. Their service has been so bad I'd that at this point I'd rather pay to have service done at an independent specialist rather than fight with them every time I go in there.

I went to East Bay Mini in Pleasanton for an oil change and service check a couple of months ago and the service was great. They checked for any recall items, changed out my wipers, etc. Friendly, clean and Wifi access.

 

Use of aftermarket brake fluid does not invalidate your warranty, provided it's the correct type and grade specified by MINI. I would contact the MINI hotline to complain, and also mention you earlier brake issues that were covered under warranty. Maybe MINI can arrange for you to use the dealer you prefer.

 

Yeah, that's what I've been trying to tell them. I put Superblue in which is DOT4 (higher grade than the OEM). Besides, I just want them to look at the master cylinder. I could be using water for all it matters to the system as long as there isn't any air in there. The important thing is that it seems to be leaking internally and they won't even look at it. I'll call the hotline. Thanks for the tip.

 

haha mini of concord, home of the $3500 clutch. search some of my old posts for my horror story, i don't have the energy to write it again. but yeah, avoid them at all costs, unless you like being taken advantage of, lied to, and robbed.

 

The only "nightmare" I've had is the total inability to complain about Mini of Pittsburgh... they've really done a good, and honest, job for me.

Sorry all dealers can't be like them.