I wanted to make a new post to update my story for this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ed-advice.html


So to sum it up I had a timing guide failure which resulted in a total engine failure a day before my scheduled appointment to have it checked. The MINI had a 100k maintenance package so all services were done by MINI at their recommended intervals. I now know that this is not enough and will take greater care now that I'm starting over. I only mention this because MINI USA decided they will not and can not help me in the cost I incurred because of the failure of their LIFETIME NON-SERVICEABLE part. They said because I went to an independent shop I am not allowed assistance. Even though the engine was purchased from an actual MINI/BMW re builder. It is the same exact part number that would be purchased if I took it to a dealer. The dealer wanted to charge me 7300 for a USED engine. I took it to the independent shop and received a rebuilt engine with labor for 6000. Is there anything else I can do? Does this sound like legit policy or are they blowing me off?

The shop I took it to has been good to me. They even offered to give me free oil changes every 2000 miles and check all the fluids to make sure everything is working as it is supposed to.

I have one noise complaint that maybe you guys can help me with. When making sharp turns at slow speeds I can hear a grinding groaning type sound. I also notice whenever i put my foot on the clutch the RPMS dip slightly. Its kind of strange. Throwout bearing problem? I know during the install they said they had trouble lining the transmission up and had to unstrap and redo it. I have an appointment on the 12th but I wonder if I should bring it in any earlier.

The shop is M&R Import Services in Chicago,IL and I can say they were a pleasure to work with in a shitty situation. They've been very responsive and even tore-down the engine that went bad and took pictures for me. I have pictures of the broken guide but they are on my camera still and I haven't transferred them to the computer.

Here are the pictures I have so far:

http://imgur.com/a/LoKWO

 

I don't have much advice, but I share your heartache and reading this post was like reliving a nightmare all over for me again. I blew my R53 motor at 58k and I think when all was said and done, I added 9k on top of the loan for a new motor before trading it in to a dealer.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Did you have the car assessed by MINI USA first before going to the independent shop?
Did you receive any written approval or certification of the rebuild that was going to be repaid to any level or discounted?

Or is your indy-shop just trying to hand over an invoice to MINI USA and expecting some sort of reimbursement payment?
Because, if it's the latter, you're not going to see a dime and you're barking up the wrong tree.
Unless there was explicit details concerning the rebuild outlined by MINI USA themselves, this tab is unfortunately in your hands.

- Erik