Took Zaftig in for service yesterday - two recalls (chain tensioner and coolant temp sensor) and a side mirror unfolding problem. Everything went well - got a CM as a loaner. Repair was quick and they washed him. Did a walk around and checked things they usually err on. All was OK. Got in and drove to the end of the lot and got a warning - TPM disabled. Minor annoyance one. Looked down at the little window icon and noticed my dash buddies looked like the had had a fight. Minor annoyance two. TPM reset, buddies back to cuddling. This morning I get in the car and it is totally dark. Can't find nothing. It's been 2 years since I turned the lights on - just took a few secs to realize service had turned them off. Minor annoyance three.

Is there some reason that they just don't get that, save for correcting the problems it came in for, a vehicle should be returned to the owner exactly as it was turned in? I've had seats moved, recline changed, stations changed, mirrors readjusted. Just fix the vehicle and leave the buttons alone. Please.



Sealy - Who's caught his dash buds wrestling, but never fighting.

 

How do your dash buddies stay put Sealy? Glad they're back to cuddling and that Zaftig is in tip top shape again.

Why this stuff happens we might never know though.

 

Really strong little plastic butt cheeks. And strategically placed thumbtacks.

 

LL

 

Just wondering - which dealership?

 

No names - not a serious rant. Let's just say VA, DC area.

 

What's that music I hear playing...Y...M...C..A..!?

 

I can't play disco. Dash buddies get all kinds of frustrated that they can't get up and dance, take off their shirts, and get all hot and sweaty.

 

come on man. I'm due for one year service!

was it north, south or west?

 

Passport. Honestly, much better than my last visit. No real complaint.

 

anti-slip mat?

 

That, too.

 

I would like to see how many people love their dealerships AFTER the warranty wears out.
Mini Richmond in Vancouver is DEFINITELY not on an A list.

 

After warranty wears out there are a few options:
1. Find a good and honest independent shop
2. Do some of the work yourself
3. Go to dealer and just pay the eye popping bills
4. Get another car

I find that every time I have gone to the dealer after the warranty is out I get presented a laundry list of stuff found during the "courtesy safety inspection", usually to the tune of 3-4 grand. Happened when I went in once for a recall and a second time for an emission related part that was covered beyond the 4/50 warranty.
My partner freaked out when he saw the list of stuff they had found wrong with his R53. While one item was 100% valid and was replaced, the other stuff was all upsell on wear parts that were are still in service more than a year later, maybe two years now. It boils down to knowing what the items listed on the repair order are, how they function, and assessing if they are still serviceable.

 

Are those dash buds by chance named Ace and Gary?

 

If they update the software everything gets reset back to the defaults, and they won't know how you had it configured.

I understand that people don't want their stuff messed with, but the tech does sometimes have to move the odd seat adjustment or something to work on your car, I'd think you could cut them that tiny bit of slack.

What chain tensioner recall?

 

Never really thought about it. Maybe Dash Riprock and Bud Anderson?

If you noticed any seriosity in this post, you've been mis-lead. I even said it's not a serious rant and gave service a .

Don't know. They just called and said come in. I tend to give them a little bit of slack when they want to fix my CM.

 

I know - on both counts...

Only asking because I'm getting ready to move back to the area and was wondering if Passport is good or if I should head out to Sterling. When I lived out there the only option was Sterling, Annapolis or Towson - and of the three one was better than the other two...

 

Depending on where you are, you also have Montgomery County on Rockville Pike. Sterling is going through changes - new BMW building across the street and MINI is taking over the old building. Passport is the only one I've dealt with. First experiences were negative, but last one was very acceptable. Will Winston takes care of Zaftig.

 

I really do love my dealership and service department...
Brought up my concerns with my 2011 clutch and the continued need to pay more attention to the clutch that the enjoyment of the mini. After seeing a new driver, my daughter trying to negotiate the 2011 clutch...impossible.
So I wrote/emailed my concerns, had brought them up previously but not on a regular same seriousness basis....Here's my reply from this morning.

Good morning Fred,

Of course I know you by now sir, your loyalty to the brand and dealership, as well as your intentions would never be questioned here. J

Your clutch isn’t a matter of you qualifying for a new one or not, I just need a specific concern to diagnose in order to perform the swap. You had mentioned that you still feel a sputtering and jerkiness from your clutch, I will have our techs look at that as the concern and push for the clutch replacement as the remedy.

The difference with the new clutch is a thicker pad on the clutch disc itself that is also more heat resistant. I have noticed a significant change between your and the 2013 model year.

I will update your appointment.

Have a good day in the meantime!

Brandon

Keep It MINI!

I am Stoked
I'm scheduled for the 17th
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