Kind of last minute for my first post, but it's 11, and I have until about noon tomorrow to get this all together.

I have a 2005 blue mini manual, and I'm right around 35K miles.

(also, this is a repost from the 1st gear forum, and I know that's rude, but this is a more appropriate forum, and I found it later)

I just had the clutch wheel and oil pan gasket replaced, and I'm getting some weird electrical short circuits (my passenger air bag "off" light flashes while driving, and sometimes my windows open when I lock or unlock my car w/ keyless entry.

Since it's my last day of warranty, can any of you experienced mini owners give me some advice about things to fix/ complain about?

I know there are some parts that will be replaced by warranty on a customer complaint basis only (the clutch plat was one of them).

So, with your well of experience, what are some things I can ask to have looked at, before my golden ticket of free service runs out?

(I just bought the car used, and I don't have any service records)

I appreciate all feedback. I will have to talk to the dealer 1/27/09 at noon, PST. Thanks.

 

Dang, I woulda maybe done this two weeks ago

Motor mounts, strut towers, exhaust hangers (if you live in an area with salted roads)...I'm sure I'm missing something!

 

I put a redirect from your last thread to hear and put this one where it would receive more attention...

At 98,6xx miles...

Anything that seems wrong not working speak up about no matter how small they'll work with you and you'll have a record.

Warranty lasts til 50k, ask them to explain the difference because yes at 36k the service is up and somethings change a little.

Remind them to check for and ask for a copy of any outstanding TSBs for your build date and request the newest software.

And Welcome to NAM!!!

 

My MINI went in recently at 36K for broken glovebox latch and new brake pads. My dealer examined the car and discovered these problems (repaired under warranty):

• leaking oil pan gasket
• leaking power steering hose
• torn thrust rod bushings

 

Thank you all, I will consider how these problems might be affecting my car in ways I haven't noticed. Since I bought it less than a thousand miles ago, worn out suspension isn't something I would notice, since it has always handled as it does.

I experience some shuddering in the transmission when in low gears, My steering wheel is wobbley in moderate to high gears...

Any other symptoms I should describe to get the car looked at closely?

 

Tell them to check the crappy soft OEM rubber suspension bushings. At 35K miles they are likely to be in less than desirable condition. Also tell them to check the bushing and lower engine support arm, another known trouble spot in these cars.

This is a $1,100 fix at dealer's prices, post-warranty. If they are bad, see if you can get MINI to foot the bill for replacements.

If they are bad and they refuse to replace under warranty, go aftermarket and get Powerflex poly bushings that last 10 times more than the soft rubber garbage.

 

Poor handling, loss of steering response, poor tire wear and brake instability are often caused by worn out rubber bushings. The bushings in these cars are the biggest crap I have ever seen. Mine were GONE at 51K miles. When they took them out, they looked like a dog had chewed and eaten the rubber around them.

I had clunks, imprecise steering, lots of engine movement, etc. Once the poly bushings went in, the car was transformed...better than new!

 

I'd fix your driving habits... if you're not wearing out your warranty with mileage, you're doing it wrong!