I have a 2002. I am the original owner and don't live near saltwater or live in a state where salt is used to melt ice.
My airbag light came on and I took it to the dealer to find out what the problem was. They told me that there is corrosion throughout the wiring harness and it would need to be replaced. $5500 for the harness and who knows how much more. They said it was more than the car is worth.
I LOVE MY MINI. I can't just let it go to the junk yard! I can see corrosion on the thick red wire attached to the battery, but the DSC is near the firewall and that's where my issue is supposed to be happening.
What do I do? Am I F%@*$d?!!!

 

You took it to the dealership, that's the problem. They'll break your pockets!

 

What ^^^he^^^ said. Find a reputable independent Mini shop in your area. NAM is the place to start your search. Good luck!

 

 

I would support getting a second opinion from a reputable independent shop.

 

+1 on a second or even third opinion.

Here's a listing of all (so far) of the independent MINI shops in the Sea-Tac area. Sorry, but WA is clear at the bottom.
http://soopercooperinfo.com/lindaminiinfo.html

All you other browsers take note and add this website to your MINI resource kit for future reference.

 

Attached is a section from Puget Sound MINI where they discuss repair shops in the Seattle area. Good luck. http://psmini.org/forum/service-disc...m10_page1.html

 

Sell it, get an S!

 

Thanks all.... I'll look for another opinion. I was crushed when they said I was pretty much SOL. As far as getting an S? I was the first kid on my block to have a MINI. The S was still a pipe dream to when they would be available, if at all in the US. I would have loved an S, but I've put blood sweat and tears into this one and I want to pass it down to my son someday.

Thanks again...
Spencer

BTW: I need to re-connect with PSMINI.org

 

Hold on one minute. Corrosion? Like rust? If so check your rust warranty. Depending on the year you could as much as 12 years of protection. If that caused the wiring to fail than you might be able to get it fixed no money out of pocket.

 

Where do I find the warranty? I might be in my paperwork but is it online? Its a July build 2002. I'm not sure if the 2 are the same animal but it could be worth a try.

 

Yeah begin there and check the vin # with another dealership.

 

The 12 year warranty started on 2004 MINI's. Older then that are only covered for 6 years.

 

Well it was worth a try.