Help! Mini can't fix my car!
 

I own a 2003 Mini Cooper S. Second owner, bought it about 20 months ago with 15,000 miles on it, now has 50,000. Have had a lot of fun with it, and, it was a fantastic value, considering what I paid. Now, it's time to sell.

Here's the problem. About 2500 miles ago, the check engine, specifically, emissions light came on. Since then, it has been back to the dealer four times. Three times to one dealer, Mini of Fairfield County, CT., and once, just Friday, to Mini of Baltimore. (I spend a lot of time in Baltimore) The light is still on. I think it's quite obvious that these guys have no clue as to what the problem is, but, it has cost me over 600 dollars to find this out. The first time they reset some sort of computer software that was a recall issue, so, no charge. That lasted about 600 miles, and light back on. Second time, a pump of some sort was replaced (sorry I can't be more specific - tomorrow I will demand a detailed history of what was done). That cost me 400 dollars, and the light was on in 48 hours. Third time, some sort of escape valve was replaced, free of charge (out of embarrassment, by now). Light on in 24 hours. Fourth time, in Baltimore, gas cap replaced (duh, I could of done that) for about 175 dollars, and, not only light back on, but intermittent check gas cap light on. The dude in Baltimore, who wouldn't even let his manhood allow himself to call CT., because, of course, he knew better, also told me I needed 800 dollars of front suspension work, or I would crash and burn if I drove the thing any further. I calmly told him to concentrate on one thing at a time, please, before thinking of ways to rape my credit card. I don't think I will be calm with him tomorrow on the phone, because he was so confident he fixed this problem.

Here's why this is such a problem. I want to sell this car now. Not because of this issue, I just want a new car. But, this car is worthless with that light on. I just got it inspected, so, it's worthless to me, even, in ten months, unless this is fixed. Absolutely worthless. Zero, Zip.

So, what do you think is my next step? If you think of it, Mini can just throw up their hands and say, sorry, you're screwed, because this is a ten year old car, and they have no real legal obligation to fix it. But, they do have a reputation to preserve, right? I can at least do my word of mouth best to mess with them anywhere I can. But, that's getting ahead of the problem. I just want this car repaired. Who do I contact? Somebody high in Mini USA? BMW of America? Who? Could there be private mechanics out there specializing in Minis who may know better? How do I find that mechanic?

I don't know where else to turn.

Thanks

Wow. Artoo has 130,000. ...

On your way from CT to MD, stop in Philly and see the people at Helix. I am sure they can fix it. Needless to say they know what they are doing.

///Rich

175 dollars for a gas cap?! Damn, if they'd told me that I'd have called BS right there.

CEL faults usually generate very specific codes that indicate which part of the emission system is malfunctioning. You need to find out what that code is and its meaning and go from there.

I'd contact MINI of NA, explain your situation and how much you've already paid out of pocket for fixes that didn't work and they may help.

if anything you have warned us about Mini of Fairfield and Baltimore, I wish you luck but it sounds like that Helix place is the answer.

Yea I would have thrown the BS flag at the gas cap too. Ask them to give you the code number the computor is throwing. It could be that emission pump issue some have been had. You could even take it to AutoZone and they'll scan the computor and give you the code. My guess it the dreded P0442 code, some will condem the fuel cap for that but its likely the emmission fuel leak pump. Good advise to see Helix in Philly, he'll sort it out and not over sell you with a bunch of stuff you dont need. Good luck...

If your back in CT look up Helmuts in Milford CT. He is an honest and knowledgable guy.

What is the repeated code according to your repair orders from these dealers ?