Hello there!
I own a 2003 Mini Cooper. Lately I have been having issues with the glove compartment. It opens up every time the road is a little uneven... very annoying if you're driving on your own and have to reach all the way over to close it..
A while ago i found something on the internet that showed you how to fix the problem. Can't find it anymore...Anyone have the same issue?

My other issue is my leather steering wheel. The leather started bubbling and eventually peeling. Very ugly.
It also happened when i first got the car and had it replaced when it was still under warranty.
Now that it's happening again.... are they going to fix it for free? What were your experiences? This seems to be a Mini-only problem, right?
Does this only happen with the "older" models or are all Mini steering wheels like this?


Annette

 

We had both of those problems with our '03. Our dealer corrected both problems under warranty with no fuss whatsoever.

 

Oh wow. So they seem to be common issues...
My car is not under warranty anymore....should they pay for it anyways?

 

I have a 03 MC that has the same leather steering wheel issue. I guess it's pretty common problem. My dealer took care of the issue and they just got the new wheel for me, but mine is still under warranty.
It may take a lot of talk & yelling to make dealer pay for the new one, my MA told me it's pretty expensive.
If someone have good luck making dealer repair out-of-warranty problem for free, please speak up, we all wanna know how you handle it.

 

I suggest buying a steering wheel cover from Minspeed (formerly known as MyMini). Their steering wheel glove wraps completely around and looks basically like an OEM piece, although you'll need a few hours since you have to stitch by hand, but the results are amazing as the steering wheel will feel so much more substantial. Here's a link: http://www.minspeed.net/SWG.htm

GotMINI

 

Dealer replaced my peeling steering wheel for a new one...YEs it is a known issue as is the glove compartment issue (mine was still under warranty though)
May be worth asking if they will replace it, (never hurts to ask)
Are you sure you out of warranty...it is 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)

 

03 MCS had the latch replaced at 2k, then the whole assembly right after.
No problems again. Warranty covered at the time.

Good luck!

regards,
Red

 

Yep, I have the same glove box problem. Seems an 03 thing. Of course I'm out of warranty (55K). Will put up with it until I can fix it. I started a thread about this a week or two ago "Hit bump, glove box opens". Someone gave instructions for the fix.

 

Yes, I'm already at 70k....I drive a whole lot....so there's no warranty anymore.
I will update you on what my dealer will say.
If they won't pay then i'll look into Alerious' suggestion....and i'll try to fix my own glove compartment.

 

My dealer replaced the steering wheel, controls, and the center airbag with badge. They are awesome at Moritz Mini in Arlington Texas