On September 29th we were involved in a accident with a tractor trailer rig on the interstate. I had set the cruise at 80 and was coming up on this truck just as it was entering the interstate from the on ramp. Just as I passed the mid point of the trailer, it looked as if the driver tossed out a huge bucket of ice. It wasn't ice! It was the drive side window blowing out. I pretty much hit this huge amount of glass doing 80.

The result was $4,600 in damages! Below is the list of parts replaced or repaired
2 new headlamp assemblies
2 new driving lamp assemblies
2 new chrome trim surrounds for headlamps
New grille
New fender trim
New fender clearance-signal lamps
2 new a-pillar trim pieces
Windshield
Hood badge
2 new mirrors
Chin spoiler
Hood and fender chrome strips
Wiper arms and blades
Complete hood, roof, bumper repaint.

While it was there, we had the service issues remedied also. The ABS, BRAKE, and TRACTION warning lamps would constantly illuminate every couple of minutes. Turns out it was low on brake fluid. Sounds a bit strange, but I guess the fluid evaporated just enough to cause a problem. Keep in mind the outside temps in West Texas were well above 105+ for most of the summer and even in to fall. We also had the low tone horn replaced and the driver vanity cover on the sunvisor replaced.

So far, we have just passed the 36K mark with very little issues. The only issues we've had we're the typical chrome trim peeling, steering wheel and shifter trim peeling, and the issue with the key becoming stuck. The key issue was obviously poorly designed cup holder and shifter assembly that allowed spilled beverages to leak down into the shifter assembly. Some well placed foam pads and rubber washer type seals in the effected areas took care of that.

So, while the CM was at the body shop being repaired, we did what any MINI driver would do. We scoped out a new CM! Looks like we'll be trading in or possibly selling our 2011 for a 2013 CM S Automatic non ALL4. I've read about all the horror stories of how people will never own another MINI Countryman. I guess we were spared the issues that seem to overrun other CM owners. I for one will keep driving them. I'm 6'9" tall, 315 pounds, with a size 16 shoe and actually fit comfortably along with my 6'1" wife and two kids. I won't being buying the Coupe though.

 

When I had a (rather more expensive) encounter with an Odyssey, there was the possibility the CM4 would be totaled, but they repaired it instead. I thought about whether I'd get a similar replacement if that's what it came to. I decided that my reasons for selecting the CM4 hadn't changed, and I'd probably replace it with another ALL4...that having been said, I would have more seriously considered the automatic rather than the manual based on the clutch/engine/ALL4 interaction discussed elsewhere on NAM. Best of luck with your new selection!