I am having the center instrument display replaced under warranty. It developed a dime sized black dot on the screen that covers some of the words. Anyone else have this issue or know what it could be? The dealer can't tell me what it is and acted as if they were doing me a favor to replace this piece under warranty. My car is 2 year and 4 months. Thanks.

 

PS They claim they have to keep it for the entire day to reprogram everything after they replace.

 

Sounds like you had dead cells in your display, I've seen it on TVs and computer screens. They probably do need to keep it, based on threads in the entertainment section, they probably need to key it to your vehicle/vin so that everything works correctly.

 

Do you know what causes it? Cold temps? I see something similar on the gas station pumps here in CO. Thanks for the fast response.

 

I believe they are transistor failures... they can just happen, or it could be the result of damage.

 

Thanks so much! No damage on my part...so not sure. Glad it's covered but hoping it doesn't happen again. Wondering if a lot of 2017 owners have seen this.

 

I didnt have the dot but rather this line that appeared out of the left side and ran to the right. It was covered under warranty but yeah, 9 damn hours it too to "code" the new stereo in. I had to leave it overnight because it took so long.

Granted, I hate my dealership so it doesn't surprise me but all this Mini coding is just stupid

 

Experiencing a similar issue w/ my 2017 Countryman in that I have 4-5 small black spots that have developed in the bottom right-hand side of the screen. Currently waiting to hear back from the dealership regarding the plan. Got lucky to have noticed this now as I'm at 49,900 mileage-wise.

Hope they'll do the right thing and repair/replace without too much hassle or pushback.

 

I've just had the same thing appear since yesterday on my 2017 Countryman screen, sitting on the bottom left. Must admit, I'm starting to get irritated on the small things like these that I'd expect from BMW "quality". My car has only done 24k on the clock so will call my local Mini dealer and see if it's covered! Wish me luck.

 

Did you find out what the problem was. I have the same issue and the dealer is refusing to cover it. There is only 29k mileage on it m

 

Well, turns out they won't cover it. Very disappointed and frankly regret buying this car. The cost of replacing the screen will be upwards of $500.

 

That's actually not a bad price for parts & labor. Check eBay; the screens themselves are often over $500.

 

I think you shd ask them to submit your request to Mini Canada. Refuse to pay.

 

thanks, @bratling - I think it's more a principal thing - why should I have to spend on getting a new screen for such a low mileage car, I just expect these things to last a while for a brand of this perception.
I took the car to an independent Mini specialist and to my surprise he said, "this is why I don't own one. I have a Fiat 500 and it's been trouble-free. The number of mini issues I deal with and feel for customers who pay the cost. Mini is very tight on their warranties and really just want you to buy a new car instead"

Mini wants to charge me $170 for a diagnosis first and even then, there is no guarantee they will fix it.
Probably one of my big regrets in life!

 

Interesting! I have had nothing but positive experience with warranty issues on my MINIs (and they definitely have had issues). Fading external trim pieces? Replaced. Failing throw-out bearing in clutch? Replaced. Front bumper discoloration? Replaced. Crankshaft guide bearing? Proactively replaced. Fading red “S” paint in side scuttles? Replaced. AC condenser temperature sensor failed? Replaced the whole d*** radiator.

I’ll grant you that none of this stuff should be failing in a new car! But the handling of issues has been nothing less than outstanding. I suspect the difference here is the dealer. Some dealers suck. Mine, MINI of Peabody in Massachusetts, has always been great for me.

It 100% stinks that the dealer service department acted like they were doing you a favor for replacing the screen. That’s their g******* job. That’s what warranty is for. And they get reimbursed by BMW/MINI for that work, so they shouldn’t even be arguing it.

(Side note: This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone call the Fiat 500 reliable! I admit this is purely anecdotal, but as a long-time owner of Italian-designed and -built motorcycles, I wouldn’t trust any Italian company to make reliable vehicles. That’s just not the priority. Performance, style, and lunchtime are the top priorities.)

 

I am having a very similar issue. I have a 2017 Mini Cooper S with a black quarter-sized perfect circle in my center display. I asked the dealer about having it repaired and he quoted me over a grand to have it replaced and then said they would give me a deal and lower the price to around $800. So I have decided to just deal with it and not be able to fully read what is on the display. After a few months passed I noticed that the dot has slowly moved up my screen and grown in size from when I first noticed it. Strangely enough, though the pixels where the dot used to be towards the bottom right of the screen are in perfect working order. I'm curious to see what happens when the dot reaches the top of the display if it will just move off the screen or if it will just continue to grow but I am concerned.

Has this happened to anyone else and do they have any solutions other than replacing the screen? Thank you!

Best,
Jon

 

So, with my issue (amongst many) I ended up taking it to a Mini dealership and have them run a diagnostic, they waived the fee and sent the report to Mini head office. On top of that, I wrote to Mini about the issue (via the main website) and how I didn't expect this along with the cost of fixing. To my surprise, they offered to cover 95% of the cost including my screen replacement. I'd recommend to do the same, as Mini cars have some consistent issues (engine mount failing being one of them) and you may just get a response. I feel this screen issue hasn't been addressed enough by users so the more, the better! Good luck!

 

my 2017 cooper S has developed this black spot! How do I fix it???