I have a 2006 MCS. You know how when you push the button, the sunroof opens first, then you release the button and press again for the all-the-way-down mechanism to kick in? Well, when I first press the button, the slide back portion doesn't reach the normal limit. It will only slide back about 75% of the way. I'm taking it down to Global Imports MINI service center today in Atlanta and I'm terrified.
As a woman, going to service centers terrifies me b/c I know I'm very vulnerable to believing whatever that Service Agent tells me. If I pay for too much, my husband will kill me! And he's already "over" me driving this MINI anyway. Any tips or advice? My appt is at 10:00 a.m. today. I will check this thread when I arrive to see if anyone has replied.
THANK YOU!!!!
As a woman, going to service centers terrifies me b/c I know I'm very vulnerable to believing whatever that Service Agent tells me. If I pay for too much, my husband will kill me! And he's already "over" me driving this MINI anyway. Any tips or advice? My appt is at 10:00 a.m. today. I will check this thread when I arrive to see if anyone has replied.
THANK YOU!!!!
In the first place, take a deep breath and walk in like you own the place. They are like wolves, they can smell fear. Just ask simple questions and listen carefully. Don't prattle either. Clear concise communications consists of brevity. There are very good independent shops available so keep in mind that you want a second opinion before turning your motor over to the first bidder. Your problem could be something as simple as an obstruction or a programming glitch.
Here's a list of independents in your area. Hold out doing anything until you get some feedback about which one of these will serve you best.
http://braxtonautogroup.com/
http://germancarrepair.com/
http://www.bavarianimports.net/
http://www.importrepairatlanta.com/bmw-mini.html
http://www.rwlgermanimports.com/index.html
http://www.freedperformance.com/
http://www.harrisonmotorsports.com/hmsLocation.php
Here's a list of independents in your area. Hold out doing anything until you get some feedback about which one of these will serve you best.
http://braxtonautogroup.com/
http://germancarrepair.com/
http://www.bavarianimports.net/
http://www.importrepairatlanta.com/bmw-mini.html
http://www.rwlgermanimports.com/index.html
http://www.freedperformance.com/
http://www.harrisonmotorsports.com/hmsLocation.php
I'm checked in now. So far, I'm in for $200 for 2 separate diagnostic tests (I had a few other issues that needed diagnosing). They are under strict instructions to do no work until I approve.
Thank you for these links... I wasn't sure who else specialized in MINIs. My old trusty tire and alignment guy has not yet been able to properly align the front and back, so that's been confusing.
I'll let you know how it goes, I'm waiting for a loaner car.
Thank you for these links... I wasn't sure who else specialized in MINIs. My old trusty tire and alignment guy has not yet been able to properly align the front and back, so that's been confusing.
I'll let you know how it goes, I'm waiting for a loaner car.
1st Gear
Sorry for your trouble. I agree with Fly'n Brick's advice. Keep the conversation short and don't feel vulnerable. The folks in this forum will advise as we are able, and you have multiple sources for diagnosis confirmation and repair options. I don't have much experience, but I suggest that you ask for written detail of diagnosis output (get what you paid for), so that their specific finding can be shared with others during re-evaluation.
I may have the same problem as you, but no solution as of yet. Please clarify your statement of your problem. You describe the opening sequence: push button once to open sunroof, release, push button again to go to full top down. When you write, "when I first press the button, the slide back portion doesn't reach the normal limit." do you mean when you press the button the first time for sunroof, or when you first press the button for the second time for top down? On my 05 MCS, on first button the sunroof moves to what I think is the full open sunroof position (hook latches about to release). On second button push, sunroof moves further back and latches open, but I don't think the sunroof goes back as far as it should. Primary evidence is that if I manually assist the top down, the front of the sunroof clips the roll bar as it passes. My best guess for this problem is either mis-alignment of the cables (I've tried this), lack of lubrication, or an obstruction. Please let us know whether your problem occurs during step 1 or 2, and know what you find out today at the dealer. You are not alone in your problems and any solutions shared will benefit all. Best of luck toward a good outcome.
I may have the same problem as you, but no solution as of yet. Please clarify your statement of your problem. You describe the opening sequence: push button once to open sunroof, release, push button again to go to full top down. When you write, "when I first press the button, the slide back portion doesn't reach the normal limit." do you mean when you press the button the first time for sunroof, or when you first press the button for the second time for top down? On my 05 MCS, on first button the sunroof moves to what I think is the full open sunroof position (hook latches about to release). On second button push, sunroof moves further back and latches open, but I don't think the sunroof goes back as far as it should. Primary evidence is that if I manually assist the top down, the front of the sunroof clips the roll bar as it passes. My best guess for this problem is either mis-alignment of the cables (I've tried this), lack of lubrication, or an obstruction. Please let us know whether your problem occurs during step 1 or 2, and know what you find out today at the dealer. You are not alone in your problems and any solutions shared will benefit all. Best of luck toward a good outcome.
Ok, I'm home now with a loaner MCS Clubman (I like it, lots of power!).
The Service Agent just called and said they were able to fix my sunroof without even running a diagnostic test on it (saved me $100). Must've been an obstruction or something, but I will post more when I know.
To answer the doc, my issue is that the sunroof will not fully retract in step 1. It would only slide back about 75% of the way. Therefore, I was never able to get to step 2, wherein you release the button and press again for the top to go down. Hope this helps. I'll know more soon.
Your advice to get a full printout of the diagnostic test I paid for is excellent. I would never have thought of it. One of my problems (I have about 10) is the passenger seat airbag light. The diagnostic test revealed the "seat mat" is defective and needs to be replaced. That charge, labor included, is quoted at $996. Yes, I will be shopping around.
One of my other issues is with the suspension and rapid tire-wearing, even after repeated front and rear alignments at my local yocal alignment center. The MINI Service Agent told me oftentimes the locals think they know what they're doing, but they don't. He also said I need a higher quality brand of tire (Currently have Cooper Tires). He encouraged me NOT to use MINI for those, but to definitely find some better tires. That made me feel better about his honesty.
I will post more info as I get it. If anyone is interested in seeing my estimate, the MINI S.A. just faxed it to me. I can post it here.
One more thing... I would feel much better if I had a total MINI Inspection, which is long overdue. I'm due now for the "MINI Inspection 2 Major", which is the factory minimum requirement for 100k miles. Cost = $1319 + tax. What do y'all think about that inspection and price?
The Service Agent just called and said they were able to fix my sunroof without even running a diagnostic test on it (saved me $100). Must've been an obstruction or something, but I will post more when I know.
To answer the doc, my issue is that the sunroof will not fully retract in step 1. It would only slide back about 75% of the way. Therefore, I was never able to get to step 2, wherein you release the button and press again for the top to go down. Hope this helps. I'll know more soon.
Your advice to get a full printout of the diagnostic test I paid for is excellent. I would never have thought of it. One of my problems (I have about 10) is the passenger seat airbag light. The diagnostic test revealed the "seat mat" is defective and needs to be replaced. That charge, labor included, is quoted at $996. Yes, I will be shopping around.
One of my other issues is with the suspension and rapid tire-wearing, even after repeated front and rear alignments at my local yocal alignment center. The MINI Service Agent told me oftentimes the locals think they know what they're doing, but they don't. He also said I need a higher quality brand of tire (Currently have Cooper Tires). He encouraged me NOT to use MINI for those, but to definitely find some better tires. That made me feel better about his honesty.
I will post more info as I get it. If anyone is interested in seeing my estimate, the MINI S.A. just faxed it to me. I can post it here.
One more thing... I would feel much better if I had a total MINI Inspection, which is long overdue. I'm due now for the "MINI Inspection 2 Major", which is the factory minimum requirement for 100k miles. Cost = $1319 + tax. What do y'all think about that inspection and price?
My passenger seat light has gone schizophrenic for the last couple of years. The shop's estimate is not far off for a seat replacement. It is the connector on ours as far as I can tell. I fiddle with it once in a while and things are just fine 'till my co-pilot moves the seat or I move it to vacuum. A passenger will often ask about it and I tell them they are near death but if they die so do I so they have nothing to worry about.
There are two schools of thought on tires. Rotate regularly or don't. I rotate about every 5K, first front to back then back crossed to front then f to B again. You can only cross if your tires are not directional. High performance tires give lower mileage than standard all seasons. I like a more sticky tire because we enjoy challenging the curvy bits of highway so some mileage is sacrificed. By not rotating, you will notice excessive wear on the inner treads of the rear tires as there is a built in negative camber to the suspension. That camber is one of the features that gives MINI it's cornering stability. A stiffer rear sway bar will increase that exponentially.
The cost of that inspection is more than I would would want to spend. I take ours to a stirling independent semi-annually for it's regular 'turn your head and cough' check up and fluid exchange and we deal with whatever shows up at that time. Next visit next month will more than likely be fresh plugs and front suspension inspection for bushings, ball joints and the lot in anticipation of a lengthy road trip in Oct. We are on the cusp of 65K.
In dealing with a snarky husband I have found that when I get that way, my wife turns very quiet, gives me a solid cold stare and in a chilling voice says: "Well, FINE!", a response to freeze a husband's feet to the ground. Try it.
There are two schools of thought on tires. Rotate regularly or don't. I rotate about every 5K, first front to back then back crossed to front then f to B again. You can only cross if your tires are not directional. High performance tires give lower mileage than standard all seasons. I like a more sticky tire because we enjoy challenging the curvy bits of highway so some mileage is sacrificed. By not rotating, you will notice excessive wear on the inner treads of the rear tires as there is a built in negative camber to the suspension. That camber is one of the features that gives MINI it's cornering stability. A stiffer rear sway bar will increase that exponentially.
The cost of that inspection is more than I would would want to spend. I take ours to a stirling independent semi-annually for it's regular 'turn your head and cough' check up and fluid exchange and we deal with whatever shows up at that time. Next visit next month will more than likely be fresh plugs and front suspension inspection for bushings, ball joints and the lot in anticipation of a lengthy road trip in Oct. We are on the cusp of 65K.
In dealing with a snarky husband I have found that when I get that way, my wife turns very quiet, gives me a solid cold stare and in a chilling voice says: "Well, FINE!", a response to freeze a husband's feet to the ground. Try it.
Final bill today = $210.00. $89 for the diagnostic test on my airbag, $99 for a 4-wheel alignment, $19.00 for a "shop charge".
I could not have been more happy with my service advisor, Chris Margetts!!!
I will take my car to a local guy for my 100k service, but I will begin using only Global Imports MINI service center for all alignments. I just had my wheels aligned a couple of months ago, but the MINI guys only charge $89 and I think they did a better job. I got a printout diagram of the alignment, which showed how badly out of alignment my car was.
By the way, they either could not or would not give me a copy of the diagnostic test they ran for my airbag issue.
I plan to look for the best parts company on this forum, but if you guys have a preference, let me know. I need a new "scuttle" light assembly, new side marker light (the red one in the wheel hub), day running lamp and a few other minors.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME!!!!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
Stephanie
I could not have been more happy with my service advisor, Chris Margetts!!!
I will take my car to a local guy for my 100k service, but I will begin using only Global Imports MINI service center for all alignments. I just had my wheels aligned a couple of months ago, but the MINI guys only charge $89 and I think they did a better job. I got a printout diagram of the alignment, which showed how badly out of alignment my car was.
By the way, they either could not or would not give me a copy of the diagnostic test they ran for my airbag issue.
I plan to look for the best parts company on this forum, but if you guys have a preference, let me know. I need a new "scuttle" light assembly, new side marker light (the red one in the wheel hub), day running lamp and a few other minors.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME!!!!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
Stephanie