Hi everyone,

MINI newbie here! My fiance (11 days to go until he and I tie the knot!) and I just purchased a used 2014 Countryman S. It wasn't until after we bought the car did I realize that there is no "S" badging decals anywhere on the car. Is this usual for S models to not have any badging?

Now I have myself wondering, did we actually buy the non-turbocharged model? How can I verify this? Please forgive me as I couldn't find anything in searching the forum.

I entered the VIN number into a VIN decoder and it came back with this...Hopefully one day I'll understand it.

Type code: ZB33
Type: COOPER (USA)
E series: R60 ()
Series: M
Type: GEFZG
Steering: LL
Doors: 5
Engine: N16
Displacement: 1.60
Power: 90

Looking forward to learning and participating in these forums.

Thanks!

Patrick

 

My JCW CM is be-badaged, because I didn't want lettering on the car (it can be ordered this way.
A quick way is, do you have one exhaust pipe or two? If one is a non-s, two exhaust tips would make it an S

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

N16 is the non turbo, N18 is turbo.

 

What makes you think it is an S? If it was advertised as such, but only has one exhaust and therefore is not an S, you should demand that the seller take back the car. Check your paperwork closely.

 

It was advertised as a S from CarMax and the specs listed 181hp. The car does not have dual exhaust. Damn.

 

Take it back. If necessary call a lawyer.

 

I would absolutely NOT let this go! CarMax needs to make this right......and, as above, if necessary, call a lawyer.

 

If its and S it will have the badge on the boot ( hatch ) and if its an S All4 , it would have the ALL4 emblem on the front two doors also.

 

You can also call a MINI dealer and give them your vin and they can verify as well, but the vin decoder is usually reliable (not sure which one you used). You can also input the last 7 digits of your vin into real OEM to double check: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select. I would also agree that you should bring it back and discuss as it seems as if they did not know or it was not advertised correctly. Good luck.

 

Couldn't one just pop the hood and look at the engine to verify whether or not there is a turbo?

 

there is now a "no badges" option when ordering

 

Yes, a stealth option. Well noted bmwr606.
But the give away is the no dual rear exhaust pipes.

 

False advertising then, although they might claim ignorance. (Heck, they might *be* ignorant.)

The price difference between a Justa and an S, when new, is $3,350. I'd say you have some money coming back to you, or they'll have a car coming back to them. If they won't play ball, take it to your state's attorney general's office. They'll play ball.

Good luck!

 

An earlier post suggests that this car was purchased from Carmax. If so, I would expect a satisfactory resolution.

 

Not the first time I've seen Carmax idiocy. Had the sales manager argue with me whether or not a truck was 4WD, took walking him out and showing there was no transfer case or front drive axle for him to finally concede to it.

First hint was no 4WD ****, his first argument was that AWD has no ****. Anyway long story short, with 150+ locations, bound to be a few idiots.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses. I wanted to bang my head when I saw there was no dual exhaust. The other VIN website that noted also confirmed that it's the base model.

I've contacted CarMax to see what can be done. I don't want to say much more on here until we make some progress...

Once again - thanks!

 

Welcome, yea see what they can do. Allot of those CarMax and used car places dont know much about MINIs. Its like its a super rare car to them

 

Just closing the loop here. After realizing their mistake, CarMax gave us a few optioions: return the car and money back; keep the car and then switch it out when another S model with similar trim and price came in stock; cut a check for the price difference between the two models; or do a return then buy the car back at the correct price. Everything we wanted was in our car with the exception of the turbocharged engine. Long story short and 3 hours at the dealership, we kept the car and redid the loan paperwork. Saved about $3,400, got some service coupons, topped off tank and car wash.

Thanks to everyone for welcoming me offering their replies and insights!

 

If you're happy, then that's what matters. It sounds to me like carmax did a pretty good job trying to make it up to you.

 

I'd say thumbs up to CarMax for the way they handled it . . .

I've sold them a couple of cars - estate sales - I was always happy with them. May not have been the most I could have gotten for the car (their prices were 100% what Blue Book said) but it was quick and easy ... and they did not low ball Blue Book either . . .

 

As it turns out, you're probably better off. The non-S is more trouble free and a bit cheaper to repair..

 

Well, it sounds like the took care of you and you got the car you want and some cash, back in your pocket. I'm a power guy, so I would have taken the the other offer, even with a Stage 2 JCW CM, I feel it's slow. Can't wait to get it to Stage 4

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

$3400....
Now you know why the dealer plays dumb...
They figure you were happy when you left with what you paid....and THAT determines market price.
Do that a couple times a year a few few different cars....and you make a so-so year into a good one....
IMO if you are happy with your car, great, you got the car you wanted at a better price than you thought... And as noted, the non turbo cars TEND to be more reliable.