Probable cause of rust:

A few days ago I posted that I believe these points on the car where there is potential for rust are probably contact points for painting using electrostatic paint processes.

For some bizarre reason BMW engineers thought it would be ok to cover these post paint with clear plastic sealers (on my 03). This appears to be an inadequate method to prevent rust in an area that naturally retains moisture.

Potential solutions:
1. retrofit door strip with venting (would require MINI to issue a new part at considerable expense so substantial pressure would need to be brought to bear on MINI)
and/or
2. remove plastic “sealer” over offending areas. Remove all rust. Paint with appropriate rust inhibiting primer and top coat.
Clearly the best solution is to effect both of these solutions.
I strongly believe that this IS a design defect. Restrictions contained within the warrantee not withstanding MINI should be held accountable for a fix.

An effective way of getting MINI to do something about this is to start filing complaints with the nhtsa
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/defectsearch.cfm

I have just submitted such a complaint and urge others to do likewise

 

Are you serious? Why in Gods name would the NHTSA care about a rust spot on a MINI? Now don't get me wrong I'm anti rust, but it isn't even close to being a safety issue. Seems like a little work with some POR 15 & the rust is fixed.

 

amen

btw - pulled up the rubber on the driver side of my 02 (Sept build) - is it wet ... yes. Is there some rust...it wiped up with a rag. Will I treat it? Well, it goes on the do list since I have POR in the fridge...but there's worse on my '79

Am I worried or feel this is cause for a Class Action Suit ...... duh :impatient

oh ya ... I'm out of 'basic' warranty.

 

I agree with the others. This isn't a safety issue.

The NHTSA site pretty clearly says "safety" in several locations. For example, "consumer complaints regarding safety".

I'm not sayint that the rust issue shouldn't be of some concern, but it is hardly a safety issue.

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce

 

the car could snap in half...

 

I do agree that NHSTA is chartered to investigate safety issues. Notwithstanding kenchan's post about the car breaking in half from rust (haven't actually seen that happening within the 6 or 12 year warranty period), I just don't see the NHSTA taking this on.

 

NHSTA MAY i will say again MAY, take this as a way to let dealers know of a potential problem in the future. But, as a means of getting the dealer to fix this, I sincerely doubt it. NHSTA deals with 99.99% of safety issues regarding crash testing, air bag deployment and fire hazards. Just my 0.2

 

Gee Dave do you think it's too late for my 914?
Maybe we should be waking Ralph Nader up about now.
Seriously though, I looked and found what you guys are talking about and a little PM will take care of it. This INMHO has been blown way out of proportion.

Edit, I guess I better explain PM in this instance it means, Preventative Maintenance
This message not intended for those of us who were getting along fine in adult life
before the internet came along not that I would want to do without it now.

 

Or brakes seizing up; or fuel pumps failing (which could lead to a sudden loss of power that results in an accident); and, and, and - all of which are SAFETY issues. Apart from the car breaking in half, I don't see how a bit of rust on the door opening gets to a safety defect.

 

Definitely a PM item.

 

My feeling right now is that this is annoying, but I am unlikely to own this MINI 15 years down the road when it might begin to make any real difference.

Sure I would like a fix and am a little bothered by it, but it isn't affecting my motoring pleasure right now or in the near or distant future. . .

 

Wouldn't this be covered by the EXTENDED RUST WARRANTY that MINI sent to all owners of pre 05 cars. As I recall they went to something like 6 years on rust (?) I will have to go dig my letter out and see what it said.

John

 

This question is answered at least 3 or 4 times in the other thread. The warranty is for rust perforation, and has so many qualifiers that MINI will probably never honor it for anyone. In other words, it might as well not exist.

 

TUV does not like RUST.. they will stick screw drivers in places they think there might be rust & wreck your paint. BMW must know very well what these inspections are like.... Yes? Now I think I'll take a look at my car & look for rust. The chrome is starting to pit, I'm not liking that much. It's worse that my 68 TR6C. If there is a design flaw that allows water to get in the car under normal conditions BMW, is, most definately responsible.