I noticed 3 more trim pieces pealing so made an appointment. Got there and was informed of the recall so they were going to deal with that as well.

We've already had a faulty spark plug replaced and the thermostat in addition to other trim pieces replaced in the last 4 months. After the thermostat issue, we noticed a spot of what we thought was oil, occasionally puddling to the size of a silver dollar on the garage floor but every time we went to call, it stopped. We asked them to look into it while they had the car up since it didn't stop with the last oil change.

The maintenance manager came out to tell us that he'd be keeping our car for the next week because it was an issue with the rear transaxle even though the spot was under the front of the car. We were stunned.

Anyone else had this issue or am I just lucky?

 

That seems really odd. Sounds like there are two problems. Why do they need to keep your car for a week?

 

+1

please keep us informed

scott

 

Waiting on a part as if last friday. Gotta a Justa as a loaner.

Yeah. We'll get more details when we pick it up. We were both too stunned to ask questions.

 

Here's what we've figured out without talking to Mini. The leak is coming from the back of the engine where the connection to the rear transaxle is. I'll let you know if that's the case when we hear from the service department.

 

Yeah, that makes more sense.

 

Well, it's the rear transfer case and the part won't hit US soil for a couple of weeks so...They'll have my car for a couple weeks more.

To say I'm disheartened is an understatement. I can't believe I'm gonna say this but I regret buying a countryman. Damn. I love driving that car.

 

I haven't had personal experience with this issue yet, but I do know a member of our local club has had her transfer case seal replaced more than once already.Not sure if it is the same issue, but it was leaking up near the engine as there was oil in her skidplate.

 

They made it sound like more than a seal but thanks for the info. The service manager did say this was rare thus no part stocked to fix it. Lucky me.

 

Ouch! It's understandable not to have a low volume part stocked at each dealer, but they should have this at their parts distribution centers around the U.S. This is very, very troubling. Or perhaps they normally do, but maybe quite a few of them are starting to need to be replaced, so they have run out.

Haven't they heard of air freight? Would cost less than supplying you with a loaner for an extended period.

 

We kind of thought the same thing. Is it too rare to keep in stock or so common they can't get enough? Are they actually having to wait on manufacturing to get this thing?

Kind of why I posted this. To see if anyone else was having this issue.

 

Regret? They're fixing it for free

 

Free of charge be damned. . .I would start to regret my purchase if my brand new $34K car was sitting in the dealership for a few weeks!!

 

I don't think I've heard even one other person here mention a transfer case issue...but jeez, not even one in stock at each parts distribution center??? or at least a plan to air freight one in when it's needed??? I find this really disturbing. When I heard your issue I was assuming a bad gasket or something like that...but the entire transfer case?...wonder if it cracked or something?

 

So....the part made it here to Ohio last thursday and I was told we'd have the car Monday. Got a call...it'd be Tuesday. Tuesday was told it'd be Wednesday and finally last night, we were told the car would be delivered today.

They replaced the transfer box but also found an oil leak and replaced the oil pump solenoid. I was also part of the coolant temp sensor recall and they took care of that as well. The car had 3 pieces of trim peeling and those were replaced.

It took 3 weeks....we took the car in on August 22 and just got it back today....Sept 13. I've lost confidence in the car. It's a real disappointment to have this many major issues so soon. (4th time in the shop since March) As much as I love this car...I'm beginning to think we may have made a mistake.

Mini did everything they could with a loaner and frequent updates. It's been quite a learning experience.

Just for the record...we had a May 2011 build with a July 2011 delivery.

 

Given all the time you have been without a car you might have a valid lemon law claim.

 

Add another user to the list.

 

Mine is in now for gearbox and transfer case. Brought it in for the temp sensor reacll when they found the leak. They put in a new seal which didn't work because it began to leak oil heavily. Brought it back and they told me they have to replace the gear box and final drive. Thank God for warranties. Could be a huge problem for Mini.

 

Taking mine in soon for my 2nd oil change. I am going to have them check b.c I noticed a small leak just above where the exhaust hanger bolts up in front. I hope that it isn't this :(

 

I went in for a problem with a "clunk" that turned out to be a need for more space between the exhaust and my Detroit Tuned skidplate. In looking around the dealer found a leak coming from the transfer case. Fenton was in the shop for a week waiting for a replacement drive shaft, because the o-ring they needed to replace wasn't available as a separate part. So, now I have a new drive shaft and no oil leak.

 

Had a loud thunk from rear of car when turning left - inspection by MINI found a leaking left rear CV joint - replaced under warranty. 30K miles 2011 ALL4 6 speed

 

[QUOTE=ghamma;3888289... In looking around the dealer found a leak coming from the transfer case. Fenton was in the shop for a week waiting for a replacement drive shaft, because the o-ring they needed to replace wasn't available as a separate part. So, now I have a new drive shaft and no oil leak.[/QUOTE]

Follow up - the dealer declared the car to be ready, so I turned in the loaner and headed out on the road. After getting to my vacation destination two hours away, I started hearing rattling from under the car - then simultaneous vibration on the shift lever.

When I got home I took the car in and found that two bolts that hold shields on the rear drive train hadn't been tightened. After some discussion I suggested they double check their work, since this is the second time I've done a post-repair return trip for not-completed work...