I discovered some rust on my CM today, on the screws on the folding mirrors...
After just 5 months! Is this normal?

 

Looks like their screw supplier cut a corner..

 

Screw head looks "striped" in the photo. If someone striped it, that would take the "finish" off...just add moisture and you've got rust.
Has anyone messed with that screw?

 

No, not that I know of...

They are all the same btw, all four...

 

Unrelated/related? I had a 2007 Jeep, bought new, and right away the bolts on the A pillars started rusting and streaking the paint. Then, not too much after that, I noticed that the seatbelt mechanism attached to the seat was rusting as well--even though we had only had the top off twice. Then the undercarriage started rusting really fast--faster than I would expect a vehicle I had never taken off road and was babied.

I looked at other same year group jeeps and they didn't seem to have the same problem. It looks like the paint/rust guys took a golf day when my jeep came through.

I guess what my long drawn out saga boils down to is: check the rest of your car for rust where you don't expect it. (like anywhere for a brand new car) I am going to check my car as well.

 

Although MINIs are pretty good with rust resistance, if they have a weak link, it's in the fasteners. They're the first to go.

 

Whatever is going on with your rusted fasteners, I'd certainly show it to the dealer at your next service.

 

According to the mini brochure (page 17 under the "WARRANTY" paragraph), "all mini owners get a 12-year/unlimited-mileage limited warranty against rust and corrosion performance." hopefully, they cover it

 

+1

 

I'm pretty sure the rust and corrosion only applies to the body and chassis, but it won't hurt to check.