R56 Help! Brand new, engine problems!
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I had a BMW engine lose coolant from a broken radiator hose. It was toast in seconds, albeit at highway speed, sinice there was no visible smoke (steam). I sure wouldn't want to trust a "fixed up" engine with oil OR water loss or both. Fight for your rights!
Years ago my boss bought a brand new XK-E (yeah, I'm dating myself). Pretty much the same thing happened. They wanted to "rebuild" his engine. He had to fight the dealer, but he won--brand new engine. It would be the very least I'd "settle" for.
FWIW, if you run into trouble, you might mention that it's already the topic of a national forum's thread and all are awaiting MINI's decision.
Years ago my boss bought a brand new XK-E (yeah, I'm dating myself). Pretty much the same thing happened. They wanted to "rebuild" his engine. He had to fight the dealer, but he won--brand new engine. It would be the very least I'd "settle" for.
FWIW, if you run into trouble, you might mention that it's already the topic of a national forum's thread and all are awaiting MINI's decision.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
You say, "there's no way the engine was damaged in that short a time (as I figure)". If it were your car would you feel comfortable keeping it? Would you feel absolutely certain the engine is alright - no doubts in your mind whatsoever?
I wouldn't want to live with the question in my mind: Was the engine's life shortened as a result of this incident? .. or .. Will I have frequent problems down the line because of this?
But then again, I have to remember that there are lots of people who are considerably more trusting and tolerant than I.
I wouldn't want to live with the question in my mind: Was the engine's life shortened as a result of this incident? .. or .. Will I have frequent problems down the line because of this?
But then again, I have to remember that there are lots of people who are considerably more trusting and tolerant than I.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Dont keep a defective product. Demand a new one. If was a loan, notify lender immediately and demand cancellation of the loan. Be a pain in the A**. However, all this may not be necessary as Mini may handle this courtiously and correctly. Incidentally right of recission also applies on mortgage and loan agreements done outside the home.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Thanks, Everyone, for your input and kind words. I really appreciate it.
I've talked with the Sales Manager several times today and he assures me he has no intention of trying to talk me back into that car. We looked at similar Minis but I decided to build a brand new one with all of my original specs. He promised to call me with a new production # on Monday.
He's overnighting my check back to me in the mean time. So, although I'm hugely disappointed that I'm not driving my dream car today, I'm glad I'm not setteling for something less than I really wanted.
I know this was a highly unusual thing to happen so, no, I haven't soured on Minis. I will be curious to see if the dealership (Dreyer & Reinbold...Indianapolis) does anything to make it up to me for the enormous inconvenience, waste of my time, disappointment and expense (6 hour round trip between me and the dealer). I'll have to keep you posted on that one, but it seems it will be another 6-8 weeks before I know.
I've talked with the Sales Manager several times today and he assures me he has no intention of trying to talk me back into that car. We looked at similar Minis but I decided to build a brand new one with all of my original specs. He promised to call me with a new production # on Monday.
He's overnighting my check back to me in the mean time. So, although I'm hugely disappointed that I'm not driving my dream car today, I'm glad I'm not setteling for something less than I really wanted.
I know this was a highly unusual thing to happen so, no, I haven't soured on Minis. I will be curious to see if the dealership (Dreyer & Reinbold...Indianapolis) does anything to make it up to me for the enormous inconvenience, waste of my time, disappointment and expense (6 hour round trip between me and the dealer). I'll have to keep you posted on that one, but it seems it will be another 6-8 weeks before I know.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 1
From: merchantville, nj
Sounds like they are doing the right thing for you - glad to hear it. If you find out what was up with the original car let us know - I'm curious what the cause was.
MY - model year
MY - model year
Last edited by lava; Jun 9, 2007 at 02:55 PM. Reason: spelling
Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
Thanks, Everyone, for your input and kind words. I really appreciate it.
I've talked with the Sales Manager several times today and he assures me he has no intention of trying to talk me back into that car. We looked at similar Minis but I decided to build a brand new one with all of my original specs. He promised to call me with a new production # on Monday.
He's overnighting my check back to me in the mean time. So, although I'm hugely disappointed that I'm not driving my dream car today, I'm glad I'm not setteling for something less than I really wanted.
I know this was a highly unusual thing to happen so, no, I haven't soured on Minis. I will be curious to see if the dealership (Dreyer & Reinbold...Indianapolis) does anything to make it up to me for the enormous inconvenience, waste of my time, disappointment and expense (6 hour round trip between me and the dealer). I'll have to keep you posted on that one, but it seems it will be another 6-8 weeks before I know.
I've talked with the Sales Manager several times today and he assures me he has no intention of trying to talk me back into that car. We looked at similar Minis but I decided to build a brand new one with all of my original specs. He promised to call me with a new production # on Monday.
He's overnighting my check back to me in the mean time. So, although I'm hugely disappointed that I'm not driving my dream car today, I'm glad I'm not setteling for something less than I really wanted.
I know this was a highly unusual thing to happen so, no, I haven't soured on Minis. I will be curious to see if the dealership (Dreyer & Reinbold...Indianapolis) does anything to make it up to me for the enormous inconvenience, waste of my time, disappointment and expense (6 hour round trip between me and the dealer). I'll have to keep you posted on that one, but it seems it will be another 6-8 weeks before I know.
I think you had a one-off problem that you won't see again.
The good news is that they did right by you. That's great.
BTW: Is it possible they can do an inventory search of other dealerships? If they can find a car at one that you like, maybe they can trade one of their cars and cut down on the wait time?
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Sorry to hear about your car. The only problem now is the wait. This brings me to an issue. When the cars arrive at the dealership they go through a PDI (Pre delivery inspection) They techs are supposed to check that all fluids are at the proper levels and do a road test. The problem is that they dont do a road test longer than a few miles hence low miles at delivery. People think low miles at delivery is a good......not me. If they actually did a road test of a minimum of 10-20 miles this would have happend when they had the car. The reason why they dont do this is that people get pissed when a car has more than 10 miles on the car. Thinking its been demo'd or driven for some other reason. Frankly I would prefer 20-30 miles before taking delivery thats just me.
Good Luck with the new.....new Mini
Good Luck with the new.....new Mini
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
This sucks. I'm really glad to hear the dealer did right by you on this one.
We took delivery of a MC in March, it was damaged during the delivery process. Dealer offered to kill the deal (or if we wanted they'd fix the car, which they did anyway and I'm sure it sold). They ordered us another one, we got it in next weeks production queue, and now we're driving the new mini.
It was worth the wait. That car would always have "Damaged goods" in the back of your mind.
We took delivery of a MC in March, it was damaged during the delivery process. Dealer offered to kill the deal (or if we wanted they'd fix the car, which they did anyway and I'm sure it sold). They ordered us another one, we got it in next weeks production queue, and now we're driving the new mini.
It was worth the wait. That car would always have "Damaged goods" in the back of your mind.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 386
Likes: 1
From: East Central Indiana
Glad D & R are making it right with you. They are my dealer also, and other than being a little 'slow to never', returning e-mail messages,
they have done right by me twice on minor stuff with my Dec 06 purchase.
Hope it turns out well, and we're hoping the wait isn't too bad for the new baby. 
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Oh, got the "MY" thing. But I'm not sure that was the issue really. I've owned two previous vehicles (both Fords) in model years and they were fine. I know there's debate about it regardless.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: L.A.
You wanted the car, you bought it. It's the risk you take, but there are far worse things in life, though a faulty engine can **** on your sunshine quite a bit.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Glad things seem to be working out for you. It seems that, while R56 does seem to have it's teething pains, most of these appear relatively minor and can be addressed. Your problem sound atypical. I've heard of other issues with brand new MINIs but they are all different.
If the problem is identifiably simple (fluids not topped off at some point) then the car may have been fine except for one small problem which, in turn, caused a bigger problem...one big enough to cause real damage seperate from the original failure. That's too bad, but c'est la vie...my '03 had a non-functioning AC. It was a simple issue (fixed with dispatch) but it caused no collateral damage. Same similar situation w/ a friend's '07 MCS. Simple problem, simple fix. Even the CEL issue will be easily fixed w/ a software upgrade.
Your problem just caused a lot of things to go badly in a way that could have damaged the longevity of your engine. The dealership is right in not expecting you to keep that particular MINI.
So glad you're not soured on the whole MINI-thing.
If the problem is identifiably simple (fluids not topped off at some point) then the car may have been fine except for one small problem which, in turn, caused a bigger problem...one big enough to cause real damage seperate from the original failure. That's too bad, but c'est la vie...my '03 had a non-functioning AC. It was a simple issue (fixed with dispatch) but it caused no collateral damage. Same similar situation w/ a friend's '07 MCS. Simple problem, simple fix. Even the CEL issue will be easily fixed w/ a software upgrade.
Your problem just caused a lot of things to go badly in a way that could have damaged the longevity of your engine. The dealership is right in not expecting you to keep that particular MINI.
So glad you're not soured on the whole MINI-thing.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Good in concept/theory, but if everyone did that, obviously the manufacturer would have a bit of a problem, yes?? Just a thought.
OMG: That totally sucks! After that long of a wait, what a let down. Please don't get discouraged on the MINI's as a whole. This is NOT a common problem. Keep the new one on order and wait again. The next time the car comes in, the motoring will be that much sweeter! Glad the dealer is taking care of you. They are known for excellent customer service!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
What would you do?! I picked up my brand new '07 MC (does the color even freakin' matter at this point...OB/B) this afternoon. Only 5.5 miles on the odometer. Drive it less than 20 miles, hear a strange sound under the hood and before I have time to fully assess whether it's normal or not...I get the answer with billowing smoke coming from under the hood.
I pull over immediately and call the dealer & roadside assistance while the smoke continues to billow for a bit and finally disappates. Oil leaked enough to stream down the burm, into the rock. The tow truck driver and I look under the bonnet. Oil has clearly spewed out as the once beautifully clean engine is now splattered, as is the inside of the bonnet. He also points out that there is no coolant in the reservoir and shows where it has apparently leaked out too. (While I was sitting at a light about 16 miles back...yes, that new, you do the math!...I smelled engine coolant heavily but attributed it to the semis or other vehicles surrounding me at the light...hell, it couldn't possibly be my new baby, could it?! Well, uh, apparently, yes.)
So, by this time it's Friday night, the dealer is closed until Monday morning and I live 3 hours away! Nice. But all that aside, what could have possibly went wrong? Am I facing engine damage? And, if that is even a possibility, how would you insist the dealer remedy the entire situation? I already made it clear that I do not want some freakin' refurbished engine that it going to be prone to more problems. I will cancel this deal and reorder the vehicle if that's a risk.
Need advice. Sorry for the long winded note. Just got home from this fiasco and in addition to being HUGELY disappointed (it was a beautiful Mini! Loved the color scheme and was so excited to finally own it!), I am so angry and not quite sure where to place that. We can send a space shuttle into orbit, but can't get a car 20 miles down the road? What is up with that?!
Help!
I pull over immediately and call the dealer & roadside assistance while the smoke continues to billow for a bit and finally disappates. Oil leaked enough to stream down the burm, into the rock. The tow truck driver and I look under the bonnet. Oil has clearly spewed out as the once beautifully clean engine is now splattered, as is the inside of the bonnet. He also points out that there is no coolant in the reservoir and shows where it has apparently leaked out too. (While I was sitting at a light about 16 miles back...yes, that new, you do the math!...I smelled engine coolant heavily but attributed it to the semis or other vehicles surrounding me at the light...hell, it couldn't possibly be my new baby, could it?! Well, uh, apparently, yes.)
So, by this time it's Friday night, the dealer is closed until Monday morning and I live 3 hours away! Nice. But all that aside, what could have possibly went wrong? Am I facing engine damage? And, if that is even a possibility, how would you insist the dealer remedy the entire situation? I already made it clear that I do not want some freakin' refurbished engine that it going to be prone to more problems. I will cancel this deal and reorder the vehicle if that's a risk.
Need advice. Sorry for the long winded note. Just got home from this fiasco and in addition to being HUGELY disappointed (it was a beautiful Mini! Loved the color scheme and was so excited to finally own it!), I am so angry and not quite sure where to place that. We can send a space shuttle into orbit, but can't get a car 20 miles down the road? What is up with that?!
Help!
I'm with MINI USA. I've passed this message on to a MINI National Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.
