I have a few minor repairs that need to be done and I was wondering what the opinions are of each dealer's service dept. Mini of SF is very convenient for me while EB will require a Bart to and from the dealer to get back home.

Thanks for any comments.

P.S. the one thing I need to do is have the steering looked at. It's starting to click on left turns and I can feel it a little of it in the steering wheel.

 

I can't compare. I've never been in Mini of SF, but I bought my car at, and have had it serviced by East Bay Mini. So far, I've had only good experiences there.

Two warranty items so far, a 'clicking' noise from the transmission when the clutch was released in 'neutral', and a dead passenger side window motor. They didn't hem-and-haw on the transmission, just replaced the whole shebang. Also, replaced the window actuator. They've always made me a happy camper.

 

The roads are a bit too smooth at EB for my rattles to be heard. SF Mini will be good for that.

 

Go to SF if it is just right there. It is my closest but I hear that there is quite a wait. Any how you live in the city right? If so who cares if you have a wait, better than driving to pleasenton to wait.

 

Hi Meanboy,

I have the same issue. Mine happens on right turns. Padre is going in tomorrow to get it checked out. Gabe's Motoringfile has a story on the Steering click now. I'll let you know how my visit to the shop turns out.

Cheers,

 

Good luck! I hope it turns out well. I have been reading the owner's lounge and it seems that the clicking could indicate a problem with the steering column. Ours sorta knocks on left turns and occasion, I can feel it in the wheel. It only started last week. Oh, and I have the washer nozzle that sprays the cars behind and not the windshield!

Winechic, I think it might take longer so I probably won't wait around. I work close to Mini of SF but since I bought my car at EB thought I might give them a shot. But you are right, it is closer, much closer then Pleasanton.

 

Knock on wood, but MINI of Concord has been pretty good to us so far. They've shown interest in the various mods and have been pretty clear on what's covered and what isn't.

 

Meanboy,

I had my MINI (Padre) in to check on the steering click on Thursday. They Tightened the lower balljoints, struts, swaybar links & steering rack. They also raised the power steering pump a little in case it was coming into contact with part of the steering system. The good news: it seemed to work for about 24 hours. :smile: The bad news: The clunk was back after 24 hours. I take my car to Niello in Sacramento and they have been very responsive and want to fix the problem so I will be scheduling another appt. I gave them all the info on this that I printed out from Gabe's Motoringfile. They wanted to try some simpler potential fixes before tearing the steering column apart. It's pretty easy for me to drop the car off so I don't mind (in fact I prefer) the one step at a time approach. Let us know what happens with your MINI.

Cheers,

 

Got it scheduled for next week at eb mini. Hopefully, it can be fixed the first time but if not then I will bring it to mini of sf. They are much closer.

Researching the problem on the net leads me to believe its the steering column. Low speeds I can hear it more and most of the time it occurs while turning left. I put back on my runflats and the problem is still there so I have eliminated my rims/tires.