After my initial excitement over this car, I have finally given up. Towed in one too many times for one too many problems.

Thanks to all on this list. May you have many thousands of hassle free enjoyable miles from your mini.

To all those considering a mini; I'm sure BMW will make everything right. They will eventually solve the "minor" problems as well as the "larger" ones. I'm just not the patient type and need a reliable car NOW.

Thanks again for such a great site - I'll miss motoring but won't miss the too often used roadside assistance!

 

Tell us your troubles....
before you leave....

 

What was the history of your problems?

 

Minor:
1) back latch rattle, fixed, rattle again, fixed again, told a new latch is being designed
2) passenger seat won't return to original position if moved forward to access back seat
3)sunroof rattle, still unfixed
4) cold start problem - fixed easily with new software upgrade
Major:
5) cracked O-ring on water pump-lost most coolant - towed:in the shop 5 days at my rental car expense
6)linkage - towed again, rental car on me again

If I was younger and more patient I might wait through this but I am by myself and can't keep breaking down. I know I probably just got a "bad" car but I was on edge every time I went out on the road.

Total miles 5,100

I've had this car in the shop more than my last 2 cars combined over 8 years. I just didn't have a good feeling so sadly, I gave up....

But I LOVED that car!

 

I may do the same thing...

Gotta get an Aztec They are sweeeeeeet !

J/K of course.

 

Shame :smile: :smile: :smile: No problems what so ever

 

Sorry to hear that you're parting with your MCS due to problems with it. I know that I'd be sad if I parted with mine!

Trade in your MINI on a 2003. I haven't had any of the problems that seem to have plagued some of the early 2002 cars.

 

Sorry about your car. There are bound to be lemons in every batch. My 2002 is running great, no major or minor problems, yet. (4800 miles.)

 

nashrunner,
You had an S and you had a linkage problem?
What happened?

 

 

What state are you in? What about "lemon law"? Depending on days out of service you may force the dealer to upgrade you with a new car. You have very common first year production problems. All are fixable. (They need to replace the track on the sunroof, upgrade the seat controls) But you also don't have to put up with it. If you like the MINI go for an '03. You also should've insisted on a loaner! The last thing your dealer & MINIUSA needs are unhappy & vocal customers!

 

they didn't cover the rental car?

 

:???:
motor on...

 

Hey Nash,
Sounds like you already traded or sold your S. Which (BMW of Nashville)?

Jim

 

>>>If you like the MINI go for an '03. You also should've insisted on a loaner! The last thing your dealer & MINIUSA needs are unhappy & vocal customers!

Too true! The coolant leak has been listed quite often on MCO among 2002 owners (as have many of the minor complaints). In this instance, both BMW and the dealers are at fault. The dealer should be supplying rentals, and BMW should be reimbursing the dealers for a pretty common build problem.

I hope Nashrunner did not fill out his review before coming to this decision.

 

Sounds like you made a calm and rational decision based on your needs. Sorry you had such trouble and major inconveniences. Its nice to see you have such a positive attitude in spite of it all. Best of luck to you.

 

I'm with you. My 02/02 build Cooper has had:

1. rattling boot latch at 1000 miles
2. replaced alternator due to pulley bearings at 3000mi (3 trips to dealer to get fixed)
3. faulty running lights switch installed by dealer
4. shift linkage recall
5. new transmission and clutch assembly after failure and towed in at 9500mi (9 days at dealer)
6. towed in again 2 days ago to replace throttle potentiometer

I raised a fuss at the dealer over the transmission and they paid for a rental for the 9 days. If you push they will back down but they will resist at first.

Not a very good record. Service advisor at dealer actually told me I might "be happier" with a 2003

_________________
Mr. Bridger

BRG Cooper