Hi,

Happy 2 weeks old to my MINI! Here's how I celebrated:

I drove to a meeting for work and took a couple of coworkers who wanted a ride in the MINI, top down on this nice spring day. I went over almost all the features on the way there, we have the meeting, and now we're headed back to our office. I'm backing up, telling them about the distance sensor in reverse, when out of nowhere comes a couple of long beeps followed by a *smack*!

Uh oh, that's not good. I was at the end of the row along a curb. The row behind me was pretty far away. What I hit was a small, portable sign reading "reserved", placed in the gutter along the curb. I guess it's there so people don't park along the curb. I saw the sign on the way in but forgot about it, and it's pretty short so I didn't see it backing up.

The result is a small dent and a scrape (down to metal it looks like) about 1 1/2" long. I did not intend to demonstrate the rear sensor in this way. I guess the sign was so thin (it was facing 90 degrees from me) the sensors didn't pick it up until I was right on top of it.

What do I do now? Call one of those magnetic dent repair places? Can the dealer fix it? I have an appointment on Monday to get the flaky boot switch looked at so if they can do it all the better?

I'm quite unhappy now...I haven't even had a chance to wash her, wax her, and take pictures for my sig!

Paul

 

Too bad Paul ...

If the scratch is down to the metal, it doesn't sound like something that can be fixed on the spot. Especially if there is a dent as well. Most likely its a job for the body shop. (May have to replace the bumper.) I had seemingly-minor scratches and dents repaired at body shops (on other cars) and I hate to tell you this but be prepared for a pricy transaction.

 

I thought the word "expensive" might show up...

The dent/scratch is on the boot door...don't know if that makes any difference. I wonder if I can just drop the door off at the shop and pick it up when it's done

Thanks

Paul

 

Sorry Paul. Check around...take your time...find a very good body repair shop (you may need them again someday) and get it fixed. You'll feel much better once repairs are done.

I had a really bad door ding once...required repainting. Total cost = $250. It hurts writing the check, but afterwards I was so glad I did.

 

Maybe it's inflation (or over-priced MINI dealerships) but I just paid $520 to have a shopping cart "ding" repaired on my wife's MCS even though there was no obvious paint damage, just horrible impact creases .

The "Dent Wizard" guys couldn't pop it out and because of the "unique" colour (Purple Haze) I thought it was better to let the MINI-approved bodyshop do the repairs.

 

Take some memory enhancing drugs?

 

I'm sorry, what were we talking about again?

Paul

 

Sorry to hear about your "accident". I just got my MINI repaired this week after getting bumped. Fortunately only the bumper was damaged, not the boot door. Total to fix was $400. I went back to the dealership and they had their own bodyshop. You might want to try that route first. Good luck.

 

Just curious what is up with your boot switch. My Cabrio boot latch had problems too & was needlessly replaced once we figured out what was causing it. If yours will not open sometimes I might have a helpful hint for you.

 

Thanks, but my problem is with the switch that detects if the boot is open or closed. When shut I still get the warning light. The latch works fine, even after backing into a sign...

Paul