I test drove a 2015 MINI cooper S, automatic yesterday and am quite interested. Is there a way to look up by vin# if this car is affected?

I tried using the MINI USA site but it only shows safety recalls.

Thank you

 

safercar.gov

 

Thank You - that site seems to only show safety recalls as well.

 

It's not a recall. It's a service enhancement or TSB. BMW goes through all sorts of convulsions to get around calling it a recall. If it's a 2015 S I would bet it's either had it or it needs it. The automatics weren't impacted quite as bad as the MT. The dealer can read the key and tell you. If it's not a Mini dealer get the VIN and call a Mini dealer service department and ask them to check.

 

I understand the TSB, only safety recalls were showing up in searches. Not a MINI dealer nor do we have one in town.
Thank You

 

PM me the VIN and I'll check it for you at work tomorrow.

 

 

Had mine in (2015 Cooper S) for a service the other day and I asked about any TSB's (There was a software update they had to do), but I asked specifically about the bearing, mentioning that the manual shift cars were impacted but asked about anything on the automatics.

I was told that while they have done plenty of replacements on the manual shift cars, they have not encountered any issues w/ the automatics. He mentioned that the manual shift cars put much more stress on that bearing area than the automatics, so the automatics are likely to have no issue.

My service guys are pretty good and honest. They have gone out of their way to do things for me above and beyond they normal and always do a great job. So, I have no reason to believe otherwise. I know there was one issue w/ an automatic and the bearing on this forum. Could have been just one odd-ball case. Dunno.

I'd not let the bearing issue dissuade me from considering a 2015 S automatic if the deal was right. Keep in mine there was an AC evaporator issue soaking the cabin filter causing a mildew smell. There was a TSB and fix...so ensure that was done on the car you are considering.

 

Thank you

 

Car is free and clear of any campaigns or recall notices. No red flags on the service history, either.

If you like the car, I say go for it.

Also - on any of the new F cars, the mildew smell can be caused by using the recirculate function too much.

 

I appreciate this. Thank you very much.

 

What bearing recall? I have a 2015 Justa, MT.

 

A number of cars have crankshaft thrust bearings that weren't spec'd properly - there's a recall that applies to VINs within a certain range.

 

Seattle MINI recently noted the TSB while mine was in for oil and filter. From what I understand, the process involved looking at the current state of the engine bearings and determining if any fragments/shavings may have come off (or look like they might) into the engine area. If so, the solution is to replace the entire engine. If not (as was the case with mine), they just put new bearings in with the new/proper spec and you're on your way. Great dealer for anyone near the Seattle area.

 

I was told it was the earlier manual F56S's primarily. Mine was recalled, and the day after receiving the letter, I received a call from my SA to come by ASAP regarding the recall.

I dropped it off that Saturday, and had the car back in a few hours. Engine swap wasn't needed for mine.