Took my 2010 Clubman S to dealer yesterday and SURPRISE!!! I've been driving for 11.000 miles with the SHIPPING BLOCKS IN THE STRUTS!!!! It rides like a completely different car now. The dealership was mortified and said that the technician that neglected to remove them last June doesn't work there anymore. I expressed concern that there may be potential damage or wear because of this. They said no but the only 'up' side to this saga is that the springs are like brand new since I haven't been using them! The paperwork describes the problem if it should cause any unforeseen future problems. Thanks to all of you for the hints and suggestions!

 

If that was my car I would demand that another Pre-delivery inspection be done. Wonder what else the unknow tech missed. Yikes!

 

I think the least they can do is to give you a coupon for $200 off anything you want.

 

Not the first time I have heard of this happening here on NAM.

How about contacting MINI directly - I am sure they would like to hear about this dealer. Ask MINI for their 6 year 100,000 mile maintenance FREE for your stress over 11,000 miles!

 

Incredible! Glad we were able to help point you in the right direction.

I can't imagine how bad the ride would be with effectively NO SUSPENSION!

No wonder no one wanted to ride with you!

 

Well, glad to hear it was something that could be remedied. Must feel like heaven in comparison .

Annette

 

When you had the blocks in the suspension, did your mini flex at all? I'm looking for something to keep it from rubbing on my tires, lol. Where do I get those blocks from?

 

Does no one at that dealer test drive the cars before turnover to customer ?????

 

 

I think I am doing the 'slow burn' on this situation. I already have the extended warranty but the more I think about it, the more I think they should compensate me in some way. On top of everything else, my car now gets 6 miles more per gallon of gas!! Go figure!

 

I remember you and I think I posted on your thread. This is actually something that happens quite a bit believe it or not. I don't think there's really any harm done to your car. I wouldn't get too carried away on asking for "compensation" but certainly have it on file in the event that something does fail, you can bring up that it may have been attributed by the shipping block.

 

I would really check for mushrooming and check your strut tops for cracks and general bustedness. Those things took a pounding with the blocks in.

- drew

 

+1.

Look at your strut mounts and towers to be sure neither the mounts are bent nor the plates are cracked.

 

Noob question, where would one see these and what do they look like?

 

They never actually showed the shipping blocks to me but I guess they are pretty obvious....they are stuck in the springs of the struts. By the way, my dealership gave me lifetime Sirius radio to compensate me. I was pleased about that.

 

Pics linked in my post #4 above..........

 

That's nice, but as others have said, you should have the car completely re-inspected AFTER you talk to MINI corporate. The dealership won't talk to them, you can be sure of that. Considering that you have wasted all that extra gas (you should add that all up), and the damage likely done and the total lack of enjoyment over 11,000 miles (amazing you went that long), you have some reassurances coming.

Doing "a slow burn" doesn't help you or your car or your future safety.

 

I would absolutely have my car inspected....I know the 2nd gen mini is less likely to have mushrooming problems but for ANY car I'd be surprised if it could go 11k miles without the strut towers deforming.

- Andrew