R56 Just received a letter from MINI
#1
Just received a letter from MINI
Apparently they are asking me to bring the car in (2008 MCS) for a recall on the timing chain tensioner. My question is.... will they replace it regardless or only if there is a "problem"? I live 2 hrs from the dealer and would not be happy to bring it there and then they say everything is fine.
#2
Apparently they are asking me to bring the car in (2008 MCS) for a recall on the timing chain tensioner. My question is.... will they replace it regardless or only if there is a "problem"? I live 2 hrs from the dealer and would not be happy to bring it there and then they say everything is fine.
From what i was told they will only replace the tensioner if you have the orginal one still in it. if you have had it updated already then they wont do it.
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#7
Apparently they are asking me to bring the car in (2008 MCS) for a recall on the timing chain tensioner. My question is.... will they replace it regardless or only if there is a "problem"? I live 2 hrs from the dealer and would not be happy to bring it there and then they say everything is fine.
If you don't mind, would you share the text of the letter? Or a photo of it with your personal information removed? Thanks!
When I spoke to the SA yesterday (after confirming I was eligible, and making my appointment) he said "we check the chain for slack, if it's stretched we'll replace the chain, rails and tensioner. If it's not, we'll just replace the tensioner.
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#9
It is a "service campaign" from what my SA has told me. I've got my 07 MCS scheduled for the 5th for the campaign, CEL and misfire issues, and also for the replacement of the heat shield. Here is what I was told about the process for the service campaign ..
- If they haven't already, they'll pull the VIN to check the history and see if timing components have ever been changed before.
- They will inspect the timing chain slack.
- If it still has the old part number, they will replace all of the timing components.
- If you have an updated or newer part number, it falls outside of the service campaign.
- If you have issues with newer components or fall outside the campaign range, how dealerships handle that is at their discretion.
- If they haven't already, they'll pull the VIN to check the history and see if timing components have ever been changed before.
- They will inspect the timing chain slack.
- If it still has the old part number, they will replace all of the timing components.
- If you have an updated or newer part number, it falls outside of the service campaign.
- If you have issues with newer components or fall outside the campaign range, how dealerships handle that is at their discretion.
#11
I got the letter today too
It does not display any of the official headings and wording that the SAFETY RECALL letter I have in hand for my Honda ...
It says come in for us to check ... you may or might and IF we find an issue we'll replace .. IF NECESSARY.
Had this letter come last week I MIGHT not have moved on to a Focus ST last Friday. After 15 years of my daily driver being a MINI ... the ST gives me the feel I remember getting in my 2002 Cooper S
Mine was an early 2007 (still with the old tire pressure system - pre-TPMS) so maybe they are sending the letters in build order.
It does not display any of the official headings and wording that the SAFETY RECALL letter I have in hand for my Honda ...
It says come in for us to check ... you may or might and IF we find an issue we'll replace .. IF NECESSARY.
Had this letter come last week I MIGHT not have moved on to a Focus ST last Friday. After 15 years of my daily driver being a MINI ... the ST gives me the feel I remember getting in my 2002 Cooper S
Mine was an early 2007 (still with the old tire pressure system - pre-TPMS) so maybe they are sending the letters in build order.
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I'm feeling cheated by MINI at this point too unless they reimburse me for the timing chain replacement that was required at about 28,000 miles. At the time I contacted them about a goodwill repair and they said tough luck. The current campaign seems to be that if they screwed you in the past too bad for you. If you managed to not have your engine fall apart until now it is your lucky day. I just want to be reimbursed for the timing chain replacement. I have the receipt and would be happy to send a copy to them.
#16
I'm feeling cheated by MINI at this point too unless they reimburse me for the timing chain replacement that was required at about 28,000 miles. At the time I contacted them about a goodwill repair and they said tough luck. The current campaign seems to be that if they screwed you in the past too bad for you. If you managed to not have your engine fall apart until now it is your lucky day. I just want to be reimbursed for the timing chain replacement. I have the receipt and would be happy to send a copy to them.
#17
Send them a letter with copies of your receipt and ask the question. Also, I would call HQ Mini USA and talk to someone. Not one of their minions, but someone higher up the food chain. Be polite, but firm when asking your questions. Start out by telling them what you like about your Mini and then address your concerns. This has worked for me on many occasions when dealing with one kind of faulty equipment or another. It costs you nothing but the postage and gives them a chance to develop a happy, and in their minds, repeat customer.
#18
I am planning to contact MINI again, I was just waiting for the official service bulletin to come out and to see if they would step up and take care of us.
My 2007 warranty expired May 2012. The timing chain failed in September or October. The mileage is low because I was living in Boston most of the time and the car was living in Seattle. The timing chain started to fail 1 hr. from Madison WI on the drive to Boston. MINI of Madison was great, but there wasn't time to work on a goodwill repair.
My 2007 warranty expired May 2012. The timing chain failed in September or October. The mileage is low because I was living in Boston most of the time and the car was living in Seattle. The timing chain started to fail 1 hr. from Madison WI on the drive to Boston. MINI of Madison was great, but there wasn't time to work on a goodwill repair.
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I called a local dealer about mine. He asked for the VIN, and then confirmed that mine falls under the campaign. Wanted to make an appointment for me right then, but I can't get there until next week. I'll let y'all know what happens at that time. Definitely worth a call!
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I wonder if they are going to do anything about all the people who have had to replace their tensioners or entire timing chain assemblies on their own dime? I'm glad to see MINI finally trying to do something about the issue, but not happy I've already thrown ≈$1,700 at this myself.
#23
I called the local mini dealer and when I mentioned at that I talked to mini about the death rattle when it's cold out(here in Colorado) he said that there is a something out to fix it(timing chain and tensioner) and to bring it in Friday on my day off so I'll let you know what they say. I have an 09 mcs with 58k on it
#24
It's doubtful I will buy another MINI, but that is mainly because I don't like the design direction. If they stay on this course of only offering to do these repairs on their dime for those who have been fortunate enough to not have to deal with it and leaving the rest of us out in the cold, that would just be one more reason for me to not buy another MINI.
#25