Here is a quick overview of my circumstance

Bought Cooper S with JCW Suspension and Body Kit 5 weeks ago

Has been into the dealer for a total of 3 weeks for a strange crackling sound coming from firewall.

They have heard the sound from day 1 and have taken my dash apart 5 times including the airbags in and out. They had to disconnect the firewall from the frame.

After having the car three weeks straight they said they found the problem.

When I went to pick up my car they admittedly dented the rear side quarter panel
(about the size of a tennis ball) and the dent is just below the rear side window below the window on the body line curve.

My car has 2000 miles and cost 30000 dollars and I have a car that has had the dash in and out 5 times documented by their own techs including airbags and a car that needs to be repainted.

Realistically what compensation should I be seeking from Mini and or the dealer and is it safe to own a car that has had the airbags put in and out so many times? I guess I will not know if it works properly until it may be to late. I usually sell my cars every 3 years and sell them privately. I plan to finish the car with JCW Motor Kit when it becomes available for the automatic. If I were selling this Mini in 3 years assuming I would have kept it in good condition how would this effect my resale value if I was honest about everything.?

 

A paintless dent repair guy should be able to repair the dent without having to paint it. Given the relatively minor nature of this, I would just let the dealer fix it, take the car only after a thorough inspection of the repair. Something this small will not necessarily need to be disclosed to the next owner as long as its done right and should have little to no affect on the cars value.
The dash comes out pretty easily and will go back together without fuss, I would not be concerned about that. As far as the airbags, there would also be no reason or concern, they are very sturdy devices. If any of these things do come up as a problem later, you will still be covered under warranty, and have the documentation showing all that was done now. I hope the dealer does nice work and the right thing for you, but I urge you to enjoy the car
--Dan

 

I agree, as long as the car is repaired to your satisfaction, that's all they can and will do I'm sure.

 

....brand new car?......that's BS.....I'd tell them I want a full value trade on another new one.....they can call this one a demo and resell it.....if not, bring a letter from your attorney to the dealership manager and make special note of the courtesy copy going to Mini-NA.....

 

As long as they fixed the crackling and the dent, as well as giving you something to drive in the interim, I think they have done what they should. Enjoy your new ride!

 

Warranty is there to protect the consumer in the event of a defect, unfortunately today many folks think that if a warranty claim occurs they are due additional compensation for some reason.

Trade outs and buy backs do not happen unless there are extreme circumstances involved, getting an atty involved or making threats of doing so will just sour your relationship with you dealer. This will not "scare" or prompt them or Mini toward doing a trade out/buyback, it will just make the situation worse, and you will be labeled "one of those customers".

If you want any sort of goodwill for any inconvenience from a dealer/mfg your best course of action is be nice.

 

The number of repair attempts and body work might be documented and associated with your VIN; when a potential buyer looks at it, they will show up.
In many states you are entitled to a diminished value claim and compensation --- that isn't from the dealer but from insurance.

I would begin by addressing this very real situation with the management at your dealership. Was the initial problem caused by the factory or their JCW installation? Whatever.
They had your car longer than you did. If they have it for a total of 4 weeks in the first year, most states call it a lemon.
Barter with the dealer. Make them understand that you feel that your car has lost value --- largely because of them.
I'd try to get the JCW tuning kit installed for free or at least half price to compensate.
Your time, trust, and aggravation should be worth something.

 

What did they say the crackling problem was caused by? They had it 3 weeks and took it apart numerous times to find it you said. I'd listen carefully and if I heard anything like that again I'd push for the lemon law and get a different car. I say that because if they couldn't find the problem after taking stuff apart 5 times chances are good they really don't know what caused it, and it finally quieted down and they're happy. I'd want it documented in my service records the cause of the original problem and what they did to fix it.

 

I appreciate the input. I will be speaking to the dealer's manager on Monday. the dent has paint damage and can't be removed paint less they will have to repaint. I have not driven the car but they say the sound is gone they just tightened everything up again and put padding and felt everywhere. They do not know what the problem was but think just removing the fire wall from the frame and putting it back together solved it.

My thoughts are they should paint my car and pay me the difference in value between a 30000 dollar car in outstanding condition and one in fair condition as judged by Edmonds TMV and Blue Book. It clearly states repainted cars do not meet outstanding requirements. I paid MSRP for everything and I figure the dealership would still be ahead 500.00 dollars if they gave me say 1500.00 for depreciation. With the new car experience dead, my car depreciated, and the possibility of an unexplained sound (This is not a minor sound it can be heard clearly 100% of the time at any speed) the least they could do is only make a little profit on this bad of a transaction. That is the angle I'll try first and I hope my rear quarter panel matches my door.

 

Did they say how the accident happened? I might be a little suspicious here but I wouldn't want the same people repairing the damage that caused it without perhaps a third party inspection (I'd actually probably have the car done at my body shop of choice). If it happened while the car was being driven there could be other damage, in any case diminished value is a real concern and not something it seems they should be able to determine by themselves considering they are not exactly impartial or representing your best interests.

Another thing to consider is any payments you are making on the car during this time you are not able to use it for no fault of your own... Have they provided a loaner?

 

I beleive that if there's more than (?$300) damage repaired (and yours would certainly be more than that) there must be a record tied to your VIN, so your car will be worth less. Personally I'd be really ready to keep my ears way open for a return of "the sound" like I said above. And if it returns I'd follow with "the return of the Mini".