Saludos Minis Mexicanos.

Ayer me llegó una carta de la agencia en donde me dicen que le tienen que cambiar unos tornillos de la suspension trasera a mi coche. No se si sea un recall generalizado a todos los Minis.

El problema según esto es que los tornillos se pueden romper con los baches desprendiendo el brazo de la suspensión y haciendo que la llanta pegue contra la tolva.

Mi coche tiene la suspensión normal por lo que no se si afecte a los coches con la suspensión Plus. De todas formas les aviso para que estén al tanto.

English version: Yesterday I received a letter from my dealer about a recall for my Mini. It involves replacing some screws on the rear suspension, that could cause the arms to loosen up and the wheel to rub against the car, loosing control.

I don´t know if this is a general recall for all Minis, or whether it affects only cars in certain territories with terrible roads. My car has the regular suspension (not sport plus). Just want to let people know and be aware.

 

just had the recall taken care of, on mine (make sure you get the free tank of gas)
the recall only involed cars built between certain dates sep 02 to nov 02....i think
there's a thread on this, i think the topic is "recall"

 

I hope this clears it out:

The BMW Group has informed the NHTSA that it will be proceeding with a customer notification to recall certain Cooper and Cooper S vehicles. The recall affects approximately 5100 vehicles which were produced between 9/25/2002 and 11/14/2002. The implementation of the recall will be conducted as soon as the repair procedures are finalized (approximately 2 weeks). At that time, a Service Information bulletin will be published and official customer notification letters will be mailed. The repair will consist of replacing both rear lower strut mounting bolts.

In the meantime, we have prepared the following Q&A to help address any customer concerns:

Q1. Which models are affected by this recall?

Affected models are 2003 Model Year MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles produced between September 25th, 2002 and November 14th, 2002. (The production date can be read on the certification label which is located on the inside of the door pillar on the driver’s side.)

Q2. Why are other vehicles not affected?

The vehicle production date range was established to be between September 25th, 2002 and November 14th, 2002. Therefore, vehicles produced outside of this date range are not affected.

Q3. How many vehicles are affected?

Approximately 5,100 vehicles in the US are affected.

Q4. What failure might possibly occur?

In very rare occasions due to a production problem with the screw that connects the rear struts to the chassis, the head (top) of the screw securing this connection may break. The remaining portion of the screw (stud, or shaft) will still hold the strut in place. However, if left unattended over a longer period of time, and depending on driving conditions, the stud/shaft may break.

Q5. What can happen?

If the screw stud/shaft also broke, the chassis would lean directly on the tire, diminishing the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Depending upon traffic conditions and the driver’s reactions, this could lead to a crash.

Q6. How does the driver become aware of the problem?

The driver’s ability to control the vehicle will be reduced.

Q7. What corrective measures will be taken?

The lower screw connection of the rear struts will be replaced.

Q8. How did MINI become aware of the problem?

MINI became aware of the problem through its own quality control processes.

Q9. Is MINI aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the recall?

No.

Q10. Can customers continue to drive their vehicles?

Yes, but we recommend that affected customers, who will receive a letter asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized MINI dealer, do so as soon as possible.

If you experience this problem on the road, you should pull over carefully as soon as possible to a safe location and away from traffic. Do not continue to drive your vehicle. Contact MINI Roadside Assistance at 1-866-646-4772 immediately to have your vehicle brought to the nearest MINI dealer.

Q11. How will customers be informed of the recall?

Affected customers will receive a letter asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized MINI dealer.

Q12. How will the recall be performed?

Affected customers who make an appointment will have the rear strut connection replaced.

Q13. How long will the repair take?

The replacement of the rear strut connection should take about ½ hour. However, additional time may be required depending upon your MINI dealer’s scheduling and processing.

Q14. How many vehicles have experienced this problem?

We have not received any reports pertaining to this issue.

Q15. When will I receive my owner notification letter?

Mailings will be conducted in March 2003.

Q16. Do I have to wait for my recall letter in order to have my recall performed?

Yes. MINI is in the process of implementing the recall campaign to ensure that the necessary parts are at the MINI dealers prior to sending out the owner notification letters.

 

It seems to be an easy procedure and they probably exagerated it. I took the car to get it "fixed" on friday. For the 1st time my BMW dealer was good and delivered the car on time.

I was just a "screw off - screw on" thing, the car didn´t even need realignment afterwards

 

mexmini
Cuando recibiste tu coche, para ver la fecha y asi sabes si mi coche tambien entra en el recall

 

Mi coche llegó a México el 16 de Diciembre. Lo autos afectados son los que se armaron entre Septiembre y Noviembre (u Octubre creo en vez de Septiembre).

No parece ser nada grave.