I posted this a few weeks ago, but not much response. So I am going to rephrase it to illicit more feedback.

Has anyone ever been denied warranty work because of a reputable aftermarket product on their Mini. (I am not talking about a 300 shot of nitrous on the car)?

There is always a lot of talk about not modifying the car or getting the JCW so it won't invalidate the warranty. But what I can see on this site and on Mini2 is that no one has ever posted that warranty work was denied by BMW because of an aftermarket product. There is a tremendous amount of people on both these sites and you would think that we would see at least one post relating to an issue if something did occur.

This gives a lot of power to the reputable aftermarket tuner, and really invalidates the argument that your warranty will be invalidated.

Anyone heard anything? Anyone?

 

The only time I have heard anything similar was a couple of weeks ago here on the site where someone said that their dealer had refused to resolve rattles in the car because they had made suspension modifications. To my knowledge that is the only time this has come up...so far.

Mark

 

>>I posted this a few weeks ago, but not much response. So I am going to rephrase it to illicit more feedback.
>>
>>Has anyone ever been denied warranty work because of a reputable aftermarket product on their Mini. (I am not talking about a 300 shot of nitrous on the car)?
>>
>>There is always a lot of talk about not modifying the car or getting the JCW so it won't invalidate the warranty. But what I can see on this site and on Mini2 is that no one has ever posted that warranty work was denied by BMW because of an aftermarket product. There is a tremendous amount of people on both these sites and you would think that we would see at least one post relating to an issue if something did occur.
>>
>>This gives a lot of power to the reputable aftermarket tuner, and really invalidates the argument that your warranty will be invalidated.
>>
>>Anyone heard anything? Anyone?

What "aftermarket product" are you taking about?

Remember that installing any non-MINI performance parts into the car always create the risk of invalidating warranty claims, no matter how reputable the manufacturer is or how perfectly it was installed. However, the burden is on the vehicle manufacturer and dealer to prove that an aftermarket part is responsible for a mechanical or other kind of failure.

When you install a new Pulley, you are risking your warranty. When you change the syspension, you then again risk warranty coverage. This is a trade-off most MINI owners seems to make day in and day out when deciding to mod out their cars with Non-MINI parts.

I am a "bone stock" kind of guy and plan not to mod the car with any aftermarket performance parts. I like the way the car drives and feels right out of the box and to me the 4 year bumper to bumper warranty is too valuable to lose over a few aftermarket enhancements. The JCW package is very nice but grossly overpriced, so for me is stock all the way.

 

Cooper4us,

You indicate the modifications introduce a risk, which I agree. I am trying to ascertain what real world risk it introduces, by seeing if anyone has had problems with BMW covering the warranty because of an aftermarket product. I am not trying to ascertain for a single product, but across all products. Everyone keeps saying the warranty is so precious that I can't modify my car. Except for the note that Mark made there have been thousands of modifications and 10's of thousands of posts on both northamerican and mini2 and none of them have mentioned that their warranty was denied by BMW. That is a strong statement and goes a long way in disproving BMW's alleged strong arm techniques at modifications and weakens the argument that the car has to be stock to maintain service from BMW.

 

I am the one he was refering to. BMW has refused to fix the door rattles saying that installing the H-Sport springs invalidates the warranty. They also denied covering the front brake rotors due to the EBC green pads. The pads were the first thing I changed, I have white wheels and wanted to reduce the brake dust. I talked to BMW yesterday and got no satisfaction. The BMW rep said my only recourse was to get a lawyer which at this point doesn't make sense financially. At this point I am reluctant to do any further mods to the car.
Dan

 

There have definitely been a handful of cases like Dan's where, unfortunately, the dealers have made a successful bet that someone won't actually go as far as seeking legal counsel. Certain dealers are much more likely than others to try to throw their weight around in this way based on ridiculous claims, and I'd say that the variation between dealers is probably far greater than the effect of a big name product like Borla vs. a lesser-known aftermarket supplier.

Overall, I don't think that people are having this problem very often.

 

dgszweda1,

you seem to have overlooked one very important fact in your search for owners being refused service: the car is still a VERY new brand, and as such most people haven't had one long enough for the engine and other parts to have incurred much damage from wear and/or mods. Some folks with early builds had some serious quality issues, but that's not related to normal wear and tear. The warranty covers a full 4-years bumper to bumper. Come back in a year or two and ask again. You might get a different response. But then again, you might not. Just my 2 cents...

 

Its in the dealerships best interest to enforce because they don't get paid for warranty work. The validity of the infraction can be taken to court. But dealer stiff arms usually turn most claims into paid servicing. Sneaky little guys them.

There was/is a thread around that explained the burden of proof. If I recall, mods only legally affect the immediate attached components and errors associated with incorrect installation of mods. EX: Aftermarket brake pads affect the rotor and pad warranty because non-stock compounds may be more aggressive causing more wear than their stock counterparts. I can see how AF springs would affect the servicing of rattles (stiffer spring rates make for more vibrations). If I installed a AF intake that rubs the hood, the dealer has no responsiblity to fix the rubbing issues, or anything else that can be proven to be caused by the intake and its installation.



_________________
-goin440 IB/IB MC

 

My service manger put it this way, anything you change, and everything that comes in contact with it, is out of waranty.
Now the Magnusin Moss act was written to protect the consumer from bogus claims of user error and to keep the dealer from just billing you because it is easier and possibly more profitable. You will most likely need a lawyer to make them stick to it.

My waranty is toast for my blower, and most likely for my motor and tranny. Few blowers have failed that I know of, so it is a calcualated risk. I keep a close eye on my temp gauge and my oil level. I use Mobil 1 and change it myself regulary, so again a calcualated risk. My dealer and I have not had to cross that bridge and hopefully, we won't have too.

Non blower related waranty repairs have been done by my dealer without question and I enjoy a good relationship with them.

Procceed at your own risk.

I was looking forward to doing the brake light mod. It is most likely a safety enhancement, and very easy to do.
I recently read a thread were a dealer told a customer that the brake light mod, would void the entire electrical warranty. Not a risk I am willing to take at this time, not worth doing battle over, but as soon as the waranty expires, I will do it.

 

The dealer is blaming BMW for refusing to cover the claims. My car is the first to get the rattle fix denied at this dealer. A service rep happened to be at the dealer the day my car was in for service and he started the whole thing. My Mini is also an early build car that they did several upgrades on no questions asked. This dealer also installs many aftermarket parts.
Dan

 

Sanddan, are you referring to the dealer in Portland?

I'm currently considering modding air intake, cross-drilled rotors, and short shift. But after reading about your issue, I'm reconsidering it. I figured I'll probably modify aftermarket items that are easily reversable. In any case if there's something wrong with the car, I can re-install the original parts before taking the car to the dealer.

Air intake and rotors are fairly easy to install. I'm not sure about short shift kit though.

 

Records, records, records.

If you are doing work on your MINI, such as changing the oil, keep dated written records and if possible receipts too of exactly what you bought and did plus note the mileage.

If you have kept written records with dated receipts of oil, filter, etc, you will have a much better case to fight warranty claims. Use ink (even different colors so that it doesn't look like you just made it up the day before trying to get a claim filed).

Courts have ruled that it is not a requirement (but check in your state) that the selling dealership must do ALL maintenance in order to have a vaild warranty.

Additional note - I don't play an attorney on the Internet, so seek legal advice from someone else.

 

>>My service manger put it this way, anything you change, and everything that comes in contact with it, is out of waranty.<<

Well, that's crap. Quality aftermarket parts don't automatically harm any part that they come into contact with. Perfect example of what I'm talking about.

>>I recently read a thread were a dealer told a customer that the brake light mod, would void the entire electrical warranty. Not a risk I am willing to take at this time, not worth doing battle over, but as soon as the waranty expires, I will do it.<<

Another huge, stinking pile of crap. Come on, properly hooking up one extra bulb (which the car is obviously designed to use) is going to compromise the electrical system? I would blow my top if my dealer told me this! The car is safer with the brake light mod, period. Any dealer that has a problem with it is just being irresponsible and arrogant.

Please, people, use the dealer rating system here when dealers pull this stuff!
_________________

 

i don't know why the dealers are making the big deal on repairing work under warranty or not. they are getting paid either from mini or us. by denying warranty work because of modification, they are risked losing my business in a long run.

 

>>Its in the dealerships best interest to enforce because they don't get paid for warranty work. The validity of the infraction can be taken to court. But dealer stiff arms usually turn most claims into paid servicing. Sneaky little guys them.
>>
>>-goin440 IB/IB MC

Hold up a sec... Goin440 while I am right with you on the sleazy tactics (why do they do it? because they CAN!), I THINK it's incorrect to say the dealership doesn't get paid for warranty work.

On a recent visit to a Chrysler dealership (I'm researching hitches and bike racks for my Caravan - do NOT worry, I won't be purchasing the expensive OEM hitch/rack/installation deal), I also inquired about extending my 3/36 Bumper to Bumper warranty, to possibly match it up with the 7/70 powertrain warranty.

I was curious what was in it for the dealers, figuring they gotta be getting SOME kind of cookies (from Chrysler, I was guessing), for selling those expensive Extended Warranties. Found out that the dealership gets paid by Chrysler, for 'warranty work' performed by their service department. So, warranty or not, they apparently still get paid. With regard to dealership profitability, The manufacturer giveth, and the manufacturer taketh away, it seems...

With regard to the wisdom of buying extended warranties, I wish it wasn't so easy to hang on to my money and NOT get one. How many "niggles" (and we have had but a few) would it take to add up to the $1600 cost for 4 more years of bumper to bumper?? I'm perplexed, to say the least... I should go see if there's a dollar amount on the "invoices" I received after twice having a malfunctioning airbag light serviced...

Long-winded & drifting off-topic,
Tatt

 

Davecsumini, yes it is the dealer in Portland. Up until now I had nothing but good things to say about them but not anymore. BMW denied the claim but Rasumussen brought the mods to their attention.
Dan

 

Auto dealers ARE paid by the manufacter for warranty work.

They LOVE re-calls because that 'forces' car owners back to the dealership's servce area.
And have you ever seen a car get out of the dealership without having someting else done
that generates more $$$s for the dealer.

That's not necessary bad, as they are running a business and want a return on their
investment of people and buildings and stuff.

 

>>Davecsumini, yes it is the dealer in Portland. Up until now I had nothing but good things to say about them but not anymore. BMW denied the claim but Rasumussen brought the mods to their attention.
>>Dan

Dan, sorry to hear that! I wonder why Rasmussen did that. I thought they're quite understanding when it comes to aftermarket mods, especially when they provide installation service of aftermarket parts for customers.

I guess I have to be careful of what I mod since I'll be servicing my MINI at the same dealership.


_________________
04 IB/W JCW MCS

 

good things to say about them but not anymore. BMW denied the claim but Rasumussen brought the mods to their attention.
>>>>Dan

Hey Dan, did you mean "BMW approved the claim"? I'll have to work with this dealer as well when we get our car...

Mike


_________________
At the dock in NY (I think). Could be pulling up to the dealer right now for all I know - Blk/Blk/Anthraccite MCS, 3 packages, H/K, Wipers/Mirror, Rear Fogs

 

>>I THINK it's incorrect to say the dealership doesn't get paid for warranty work.
>>Taff

Yeah, but the manufacturer reimburses at a serverly discounted rate. So it is still in the dealers best interest to deny claims.

 

I had a long talk with the service manager at Rasumussen and it ended with BMW refusing to cover the rattles or the warped front rotors on warranty I don't mind the rotors as I would rather step up to a better than stock set but not fixing the rattles, which is a well documented (on this site) problem with Mini's, bothers me. I can take the doors apart and add sound deadening myself but I am worried about what they will deny next.
Dan

 

>>I had a long talk with the service manager at Rasumussen and it ended with BMW refusing to cover the rattles or the warped front rotors on warranty I don't mind the rotors as I would rather step up to a better than stock set but not fixing the rattles, which is a well documented (on this site) problem with Mini's, bothers me. I can take the doors apart and add sound deadening myself but I am worried about what they will deny next.
Davecsumini, yes it is the dealer in Portland. Up until now I had nothing but good things to say about them but not anymore. BMW denied the claim but Rasumussen brought the mods to their attention.
>>Dan

Sorry to hear about this, Dan. I, too, have been very happy w/ Rasmussen, and I understand that they'll do anything to your MINI in their service dept. Too bad they've gotten sticky when they install after-market stuff, though some of this might have been forced on them by the presence of the BMW service rep. At any rate, I sort of understand taking a strict line on after-market fixes, it's no doubt cheaper for them. Re: rattles: I've been told that after 12k Rasmussen will cease fixing rattles free on cars w/ sports suspensions, while they'll go well beyond 12 k on normal stock MC suspensions (on a case-by-case basis). As far as *****-out performance mods: looks like I'll be waiting until after the warranty is up to do anything really crazy. Wish I lived in BBR's neck of the woods.

 

Thanks for the info on Rasmussen. I have my MC (with standard suspension) on order there. I usually don't do any after-market mods to cars and this one probably won't be an exception after reading this.

 

>>I had a long talk with the service manager at Rasumussen ....................

I spoke with Ann at the service department. Her attitude towards aftermarket parts is the same as before, which isn't strict at all. Now I'm confused.

I'm doing Air Intake next and she seems ok with it. I think in the future I'll speak to her before I do any mod.

 

>>>>I had a long talk with the service manager at Rasumussen ....................
>>
>>I spoke with Ann at the service department. Her attitude towards aftermarket parts is the same as before, which isn't strict at all. Now I'm confused.
>>
>>I'm doing Air Intake next and she seems ok with it. I think in the future I'll speak to her before I do any mod.

Ann is a wonderful person to deal w/, she'll go out of her way to make sure things are cool. My guess is that if it were just up to her, most after-market changes would be fine. I've talked w/ her about putting on an intake, and she's reassurred me that she sees no warranty issue there. That being said, the issues w/ rattle fixes on beefed up suspensions or warped rotors and non-stock brake pads are not clear cut. The case could be made that the mods helped cause the problems, so she'll probably being erring on the side BMW would prefer her to, which is in the dealer's favor. Yes, I'd ask her before messing w/ warranty coverage, if that matters to you. I'd like a sway bar on my ordered JCW MCS, but I've had 3 free rattle fixes on my current lowly stock suspensioned MC, so an S w/ sports suspension AND a sway bar would probably not get much mercy when parts start coming loose. FORGET about stiffer springs!