So I am within a few thousand miles of my warranty running out on my 2003 MCS, and since I live 2+ hours from the nearest dealer, I have not had any of the little annoying things fixed yet. What freebie fixes can i ask for?

I have an appointment and am having the following done:

1) Replace degraded foam vents underneath the windshield wipers

2) Fix rattling boot latch

3) free rear windshield wiper

Can anyone think of any other little things I should get done before I have to start paying.

 

MINI will only fix problems that already exist. I don't think they approach every single possible troublearea on a preventive basis. Since you drive the car, you are the only one that knows exactly what things need to be looked at.

Suppose your transmission dies the day after the warranty expires. Should they have replaced the transmission just because you were about to exit the warranty period? Of course not! The tranny was good the last day of the warranty, but it died the following day... Tough luck.

I am not wishing for major powertrain problems, but I am just illustrating my point that no matter how well the dealer covers the "bases" during the last warranty visit, there is the likehood that something else may break unexpectedly after the warranty ends.

This is the gamble you take when you decide to keep a car with no warranty coverage.

If I decide to keep my MCS past its 4 year warranty, I will definetely spring for an extended warranty contract. These cars are too expensive and complicated to repair like any other BMW product.

Good luck.

 

You can get that??? Ah wait, never mind, I was past warranty when I replaced mine anyway


Boot latch, coolant tank, and recalled rear suspension bolt is all I ever had replaced.

Nik

 

I had my coolant tank replaced as soon as the new ones became available. The new one doesn't leak, but there is absolutely no way to see through it to view the coolant level. . . . .

 

For about $10 each you can get the newer style of vent that has tighter baffles and no foam to degrade in the future. It's an easy snap out and snap in fix.

 

Tell the service folks there is a slight brake noise. They'll check the brakes and if worn enough - they should replace rotors and pads. Worth a shot!

 

I’ll tell you what not to do Andrew. If you like the way your MCS drives as far as performance, do not let them program the ECU with the latest software.

Don’t get just the rear, but have them change all the wiper blades. Also make sure they flush the brake fluid.


I had a load of things done right before I went out of warranty and my total bill came to $52.00 because some things I had to pay for. All my fault because I change some things like wiper blades myself, but I thought a fair price for about $1000 plus parts and labor they did.

 

In our '02 MC CVT, our brake pads and rotors were replaced absolutely for free under warranty. MINI will replace these as long as the pads and rotors exhibit wear within "acceptable" patterns. The free maintenance expires next month on that car, but it will still have 1 year left on the factory warranty.

 

Johnna, us with 02's and early 03's like YuccaPatrols get them changed for free so he'll save the money. They did mine for free.

 

I asked about brake pads and rotors and was told that, as a maintenance/wear item, they were only covered up until 30K (like the oil changes).

Try it, you may have better luck.

 

Argh! I should have asked!!!!

 

The covered maintenance plan runs for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

 

And that's why I paid $380 for the extra 1 year/14,000 miles on the Maintenance plan - now that last service is paid for too!

 

That is pretty cheap. My dealer quoted me $425 for the 4th year maintenance extension.

 

Whatever you do, don't let them load the latest like SNDWAVE advises, even if you have to stand guard over the port! My '02 was killer until they loaded the latest for a emissions recall. Now it's killer whilst it's cold, but when it warms up it looses some of it's fire. I'm still trying to figure out a way to get the old sfw.

....Les

 

A word of warning. MINI of Nashville said they were required to update my software on my MINI because of the emission recall. This was during my last scheduled maintanance. Ask them as soon as you walk in if they are going to mess with that. If so, run like heck out of the place. On your way back home, pick up some wipers.

 

The rattling boot is covered under a MINI service bulletin. They did mine without me even asking. Also, if your door handles freeze up in the winter, that is covered by a MINI service bulletin also. You have to request it. (I found out about that one on motoringfile.com Good luck!

 

Do you guys have 4years warranty?!

We only have 2, and the cars are more expensive over here then they are in the US.