I had Zaftig in for the recall yesterday. Alexandria MINI did a bang up job - also changed the oil, put new wiper blades on, and tightened up the chrome trim that was coming off.

When I turned him in, the service rep told me that it would only be a couple of hours as they had gotten real good at swapping out the water pumps. I know I think different than most, so what I heard was "Jeeze, we've been getting theses things in here by the droves. It's gotten to the point that we've got a routine that we can pull them out and stick in a new one in no time flat." I would think that MINI and the service department would like to at least maintain the illusion that they have a quality prduct and only an occasional glitch. This, to me, gives the opposite impression. I'd really like to think it didn't take long because they are a skilled well trained shop.

Side Note: Rainy days in DC - new wipers are unbearably noisy - squeaking, chattering, and clunking at the ends of the sweep. They'll be going back.

 

Well in fairness to MINI it was a public recall so to me it isn't hurting the brand or their reputation by admitting they have done so many by now and gotten quick/good at it. Now when you have a timing chain rattle or HPFP issue and you come in and they do the repair really quick and don't really ask questions because they do these repairs all of the time and it has only been minorly(word?) or quietly acknowledged by MINI that to me is more discouraging.

Overall though, no worries.

 

My MCS hardtop is in today for water pump. Been there since 7, so I assume it's going to be all day.

 

witha recall the number of vehicles effected is of public record, so you can't really disguise a problem.

I get more PO'd that when I setup an online service appt and give the detailed problems (stumble issue) along with the TSB#, no one looks it up and has any idea about it. Theres only 5 models and most share the same parts. To not know what recalls and TSBs are out there is inexcusable.

 

I was in the shop today getting my iphone cable replaced and heard from the service guys over and over again explaining to customers that they're out the door with this recall service right now. On average they're backed up 15 cars a day just for this issue.
I'm due for my yearly service anyway, so I went ahead and scheduled that. Good thing I was ahead of the game on this one, it's a month before they could fit me in and get a loaner car for the day. Planning this ahead of time as recent reports have had some people waiting up to 3 days for everything to get finished.
Being the only dealer in Oregon is dual edged I guess.

 

Does this recall affect the '12 countryman too?

 

nope. Nor does it effect base model owners

 

Score one for the Justas!!! Woot....not rubbing it in....just that our Justas get such a bad rap sometimes.....DIY oil changes are easier too...am looking into the JCW Countryman though.....

 

I checked with my 'Service Consultant' today, since the words extending the previous recall would include Fenton's manufacture date. She said there is no recall requirement for Fenton at this time - they've only had a couple of second-group recalls at the dealership.

 

I had the same issue, they need to adjust the arm. I had to go back 3 times till they figured it out.