In case you have the same experience I did: Do not let your clueless MA stick the NAV DVD into the CD slot. It won't hurt the CD player, but it won't run the Nav either. Actually, the bezzle where the CD slot is located in spring-loaded. Push on that corner, where it says DVD Nav, and the bezzle pops off, revealing the slot for the NAV DVD. Make sure the NAV and Voice command is working.

 

Thanks for the checklist, msh441- printed it out and will use it when we pick up my wife's 07 MCS next Friday!

Cheers

 

msh441 - Thanks for the checklist.

Just printed it off and will be taking it with me and using it on my delivery day (counting the hours here).

 

Wow!
what a checklist!
Thanks msh441

 

I've actually seen a few of these list's come through as my stint as a MA.

It never bothers the MA if you want to check everything out, its your car by all means. Most of the MA, i hope, will gladly tell you if something is up so that we can have time to correct it so everything is perfect.

I have had moments where the customer is like 10 minutes away and i notice something like a dent or something like that. I call our dent guy, tell the customers about it and that we are taking care of it. While they are in finance i get it taken care of. We want everybody to be as happy as possible


Again, we welcome the list but please don't point something out thats wrong before you ask if its wrong. If you don't think something is right, ask first. It may supposed to be like that or maybe the MA didn't actually see it and you could politely be saying, is that supposed to be there??? We MA's want to make you happy as possible to we will gladly fix anything we can, heaven forbid something is wrong.

Bring the lists, or make your own, or just ask

 

Check that the VIN on the car matches the VIN on your documents. This is a difficult error to fix after the fact.

The VIN on my MCS differs from the VIN submitted by the dealer. 5 months after purchase, and many many phone calls to the DMV and the dealer, I still do not have correct registration for the car and the state doesn't think I have insurance. I hope I don't get stopped by the police, have an accident, or need to sell the car. Seems like a trivial error but it is not.

 

So is there somthing specific on the list that is "supposed to be like that?" If so, please let me know! I'll be glad to update it.

 

Can these be programmed later by myself or can they only be programmed by a dealer?

scratch that, I needed to read further in the thread sorry.

And why is this not a sticky!?!

 

My MA spent quite a while with me on programing, he went completely through it all twice.

Each of the two key fobs you will get can be programed for one drivers preferences, including HiFi settings and presets.

AFAIK you can change any of the programing later, at your lesiure.

Difference is that with your MA, you go completely through all the options in one series of steps.

When you do it yourself with your Owners Manual, each programable setting is found in its own section;

door lock settings here, lighting settings are split among several pages ahead, TPM reset in another section, HiFi has own manual and so on.

For some, the engine must be on and then you must drive a ways, others can be done parked with just ignition on;
(watch out for killing the battery during early 'playing' sessions).

There are some dealer only items to watch out for, such as if you disconected a seat's electronic plug
and then turned ignition on, you would create an airbag warning that only the dealer could reset.

That problem would not be a warranty item, that is the only one I'm aware of, but there must be many others.

 

Those are some great checklists that I will bring to the dealer! Thanks!

 

Hello Noegel & All,
I just picked up my R56 last week.
MOST IMPORTANT: Please do not get or over pay for extended maintenace or warranty. I made a huge mistake & was ripped off by Hassel Mini in NY. I was told that the extended maintenace package at $2000 was a GREAT deal !! In reality every other dealer charges $1395.
I tried to cancel the contract within the hour & I was LIED to & told that it was impossible to cancel. When in fact you have 5 days.
I want to lodge a formal complaint with MINI USA. I would appreciate any contact or phone numbers or help. THANKS & Good Luck

 

You can try 866-ASK-MINI (866-275-6464). However, MINIUSA doesn't control all dealer programs. You might be better off contacting your local DA if they have defrauded you. Or, perhaps your state has a consumer protection agency.

It has been reported here that some dealers will no longer service MINIs belonging to people who have taken legal action against them. So, be sure you don't want to deal with them in the future.

 

Hi Robin,
Thanks for the phone number & advice.
I'll try calling tomorrow.
I love my mini, it is the best car I have ever driven. It is such a shame that some dealerships just look to rip people off. Oh well , live & learn.
I also want others to learn from my mistake . No one should pay more than $1395 for extended maintenace ! Have a great night

 

Isn't that a violation of the warranty? (assuming the car is still under warranty)

 

is there a list anywhere on what would void a warrenty?

 

Thank you so much for this list. I'll be using it when I pick up my MINI today!

 

If there is a comprehensive list, I'd be surprised if it included taking legal action against one dealership.

It seems like if the business is affiliated with MINI, and they are refusing to service an in-warranty MINI... maybe they shouldn't be a MINI dealership. I suspect that MINI corporate would agree.

 

msh441--Thanks for taking the time to compile this list!
I am picking up my MINI tomorrow and I feel much more confident I won't miss anything thanks to your effort!

Excellent point TurboBlu! I know my MA is going to be fried by the time I see him tomorrow (he told me they're doing about 20 deliveries tomorrow !). Nonetheless, I want to be sure everything is just so. I'll take my Excel version of this list and go through it item by item, but I will definatley keep your advice in mind. Hopefully it's a good experience for everyone..

 

Great checklist! It came in handy yesterday. Thanks!

 

check the moroni look the car over have your salesman go over the car with you and set the programable features leave dealership and enjoy it' s that simple

 

Oh crap, my MCS didn't come with a moroni...back to the dealer I go.

Thanks, you saved me!

 

KenJ, what ever came of your complaint? Any news?

 

One addition to the list - If you ordered the iPod / USB prep be sure you got the proper cable and adapter. Take your iPod / MP3 player with you and be sure it works to your satisfaction. Same could be said for your Cell phone and it's Bluetooth connection.

 

Back from the dead!

Great thread...thanks!

Will use when I pick up my JCW in a few weeks.

 

Awesome thread! I just made a cheat sheet based on this to take to the dealer when my Countryman arrives. Thanks!