This saddens me greatly to make this post, to the point where I nearly feel like I have lost a wonderful friend.

In opening, I would like to say how wonderful Mini USA has been to me over the past 3 seasons with their support at Mini USA with contingency through their Motor Sports division as well as the wonderful service at Baron Mini here in the KC area. If it had not been for the support by Mini USA through their Motor Sports contingency division, I would not have been able to travel across the country competing at National Tours and Prosolo's in my 2004, 2005 and 2006 Mini Cooper S's as well as numerous other competitors 2005 and 2006 Mini Cooper S's. During these three seasons, I have had great success competing in Mini's with 15 National Tour/Prosolo wins, something like 25 podium finishes at NT's and Prosolo's with one National Championship and a 2nd place at Nationals in 2007.

So, for 2007, I decided I would purchase a new 2007 Turbo Mini Cooper S. I actually signed the paperwork on the purchase at the end of September thinking I would probably keep this one for quite a while since I enjoyed the R56 so much.

Anyway, when I took my Mini in for the oil change a couple weeks ago to Baron Mini, I mentioned to them that I had a very annoying squeak in the clutch mechanism when the cabin was warm from the heater. To my horror, when Baron called me to let me know that my car was finished, here was the basic scope of the message that my service advisor had left for me......

Hi Craig, this is XXXXX from Baron, your car is all set to go here with its service, we replaced the oil, the micro filter and the other first scheduled service.... ....."But, on the other item with the clutch, we can't do any work on that item, (the list says)not warrantable due to racing, not warrantable due to racing, warranty voided by Jeff White, its on the vehicle history, the dealer communication History, saying vehicle used at racing competition events, repairs or defects not covered by BMW warranty, date posted 11/7/07"

Amazed that this is now January and I had never been notified that my warranty was cancelled, I hopped on the phone for a quick call to the dealer, but, I was thinking to myself that surely there is a mis-conception to what I have been doing over the past several seasons, I remember thinking, "these guys think that I have raced my Mini on a track or something". I was concerned, but, figured with one phone call we could get things worked out. So, I decided to just call the dealership and talk to the service manager about it thinking we could get things cleared up easily enough. This was on a Friday afternoon, and, the service manager said he would call this Jeff White and see if he could get this cleared up, but, that this was something initiated by Mini USA, not the dealership, but, anything non-mechanical would still be covered(so, when I say warranty voided, I am referring to engine, tranny, suspension, anything moving). I decided to also call the head of the Mini USA Motorsports guy, Vincent K, and speak to him about this since the previous Mini USA Motorsports guy Jeff S said my warranty would never be canceled due to autocrossing since I had expressed my concern over this during one of our conversations that we had last year. I was delighted to find that Vincent fully supported me and actually knew my name from the several contingency submissions I had made throughout the past season in various Mini's that I had competed in, none of which were my own besides the National Championship where I placed 2nd this season in GS. He actually seemed very upset that this Jeff White was messing with me. He also said that there was noone who had access to my contingency submissions, so, it wasn't something that came from the contingency submissions, it must have came from somewhere else. So, I called the dealer back and requested that they let me know why they thought I had "raced" my car, since first off, I didn't consider autocross racing. The dealer didn't know where Jeff White got the idea that I raced, but, there was one note that indicated that the proof was from Nationals Results. I still was convinced that they were thinking I was racing my Mini on a track. I received a call back from Vincent and he mentioned to me that he was going to speak with Jeff Whites boss on the following Monday to see if he could get this sorted out and he also mentioned that this started at the dealership level and it didn't come from Mini USA, he promised to get back to me the following day though. Unfortunately, thats the last time I have spoken with Vincent and I still have yet to hear from Jeff White and it has been nearly 2 weeks. This is what takes the cake though, my dealer calls me today and starts reading off contingency submissions emailed to him from Vincent K from Mini USA Motorsports division as proof that I raced my vehicle which they are now using to void my warranty on anything other than non-mechanical items. He also received an email from the Jeff White guy that initially got this thing rolling, he said they stood by their stance. I was able to convince my dealer to replace the clutch mechanism last week luckily though since he believed the fact that an autocross event wasn't the cause of the pedal to squeak, but, he is worried that he possibly won't get paid for the repair and probably won't since Mini USA has taken this aggressive stance to void my warranty on my brand new Mini.

Bottom line is, I have gone out there across the country and have supported MiniUSA in a partnership to the best of my ability and I feel I have been stabbed in the back. Why would they void my warranty on a brand new Mini with someone who has promoted Mini USA by doing what they advertise you can do when you purchase a Mini? I autocrossed one event, Nationals, since I signed the paperwork. And, they are using this as grounds to void my warranty on anything other than non-mechanical items? This is just flat WRONG!!!

All I can say is, Mini owners BEWARE! Think twice before buying a Mini, and, if you autocross it, make sure you don't submit contingency on it if you want to keep your warranty! I never thought I would ever be in this position with Mini. I love their product but am now being forced to hate their aggressive, careless actions towards me with voiding my warranty on my BRAND NEW MINI! I have refrained from making this public until now, I have simply exhausted all avenues of communication with Mini USA representatives since they only care to communicate now through my dealer than directly with me for unknown reasons. And, I am told that one of the top guys at Mini supports voiding my warranty. Wow is all I can say...

Once again, nothing saddens me more than making this post, I have had a wonderful past 3 seasons running Mini's, I almost shed a tear that they decided to burn the bridge with me for unknown reasons. Why would Mini jack with me of all people? Heck, there were Mini USA representatives at Nationals to help support us, why now burn the bridge? Mini loaned us 5 different Mini's at various autocross events this season including Nats. Why void my warranty over one event in my new Mini? Mini took pics of the winning Mini, used my name in various publications, why void my warranty on my brand new Mini? We instructed several BMW club members at our local autocross school this past summer, including SEVERAL Baron BMW employee's, why void my warranty on my BRAND FREAKIN NEW MINI?

I now shed a tear with the ended relationship with Mini USA, I feel stabbed in the back by MINIUSA as well as Baron Mini and still confused as to why I was attacked by MiniUSA and not backed a bit more by BARON with a pretty much voided warranty.....

Craig Wilcox

2007 Mini Cooper S (on the way to Carmax as soon as possible)
2008 Mazda Mini MSR package? on the way in... ;-)

 

Well doesn't that blow. Guess all those cars you've sold for them aren't worth $3000 for a cluch.

I hope you will remain apart of this board as I have learned so much from your posts and PMS.

 

I hope that you keep at the auto-x even without MINI USA. I also hope that you stay on NAM I have also learned much from you. Good luck with everything, this saddens me as well to hear what they have done to you.

 

That sucks, man. Sounds like the new guy wants to make a point. And I was always a bit skeptical about the contigency plan. It'd be interesting to see if any other MINI drivers who were at the nationals get/were reported.

 

I suspect this is a misunderstanding, and while upsetting to Craig, is probably only one side of the story. I've been autocrossing MINIs at a national level since 2002 and never had a problem. My cars have also won a lot of contingency money, no warranty problems. I think MINIUSA will continue to support the events and this will be cleared up. I would not hesitate to buy another MINI or recommend one to another autocrosser.

Jeff Jacobs

 

Jeff

One side of the story?

Not sure what that means, please elaborate.

If you are saying that Mini's side of the story is any different than what I posted, I'd sure like to hear it. They tagged my VIN as "raced" due to me autocrossing, thats the bottom line. If you want to hear Mini USA's side of the story from my dealer, I guess I could post the voicemail from them if I find out its legal to do so, although, I really would rather not since it appears that Mini USA might be on the track towards taking care of this issue at hand, and, I'd really rather avoid dragging my innocent SA into this.

I know you and Chiles have received some very good treatment there on the east coast with knowledge that the two of you autocrossed. That wouldn't be the case if you were being treated as I have been the last 2 weeks. Whether it be 1-2 individuals within Mini USA or the entire Mini USA, the facts of what have happened here are the facts. If I have posted anything inaccurate, someone needs to step up and tell me I have done so because to this point, noone has come forward supporting anything different from what I have informed everyone of.

Craig

Also note, I have never had a problem until now. So unless there has been a change in policy, this issue should end with the correct resolution since it would be the act of 1-2 individuals within Mini USA as Brad had suggested.

 

Craig, I think we are on the same page here. It sounds like your problem is being addressed and was a mistake. I believe there is in fact no change in MINIUSA policy of supporting the solo community. It obviously took too long to get it properly addressed, but I think it is important for anyone who might be viewing this forum to appreciate that not all (in fact not most) MINI owners have experienced a similar problem, and if your problem is -- if late -- properly addressed, any concerns about autocrossing a MINI should be relieved. I can certainly appreciate how the situation was distressing. I don't think people who read this forum need to be selling off their MINIs and discouraging people from buying them anymore.

Jeff

 

I assure you that if I was considering buying a mini to autocross and ran across this thread i would have second thoughts.
Hope it works out for you Craig.

 

I sympathize enormously with your shock and frustration. I can only hope, based on my experience with large corporations, that this might be a person problem that will work itself out. If I am proven wrong over the next few weeks it will certainly cause me to question my loyalty to MiniUSA.

Please do advise, and please let me echo the hope of others that this circumstance does not drive you out of the Mini community. I too have appreciated your posts and celebrated your victories.

Charlie Thompson
Wenham, MA

 

I've heard of other manufacturers doing this also. Had a friend with a RX8 that never wanted his details posted for fear that Mazda would do the same thing. It's pretty ludicrous when companies hand out contingency funds and actively cultivate a racing heritage, and then punish people for going out and using the cars for such.

 

Craig,
Please do keep us appraised of the outcome.
I have attended dealer sponsored autox events and one SCCA event, but I really enjoy reading the write-ups from you and the 'real' drivers.
Jack

 

Craig,
Please do keep us appraised of the outcome.
I have attended dealer sponsored autox events and one SCCA event, but I really enjoy reading the write-ups from you and the other 'real' drivers.
Jack

 

Whats next by MINI USA, void warranties for local auto-x or trackdays.

 

Jeff your absolutely right, I think things are definitely well on their way to being corrected and my case seems to be an isolated case due to 1-2 mis-guided individuals. So, guys/gals, hold onto your Mini's, it looks like Mini USA is going to correct the misguided actions of those 1-2 who created this issue. As soon as I hear something official, I'll update, but, it looks like its pretty much resolved...

 

Sounds encouraging. Thank goodness for the Internets...

 

Ummm..... maybe a chance of thread title? Like "Almost Stabbed...."

A mod can do it.

 

It ain't over til the fat lady sings

 

All it takes to ruin a reputation is a couple bad apples with a little authority.

Quite honestly, the main reason I bought a mini is that I wanted a daily driver that I could auto-x. If it wasn't for auto-x, I most likely would have picked a different car. I actually just got back from my first "race" of the new season.

Knowing that MiniUSA looks at this forum, it would be nice for someone from MiniUSA to step in here and reaffirm their commitment (and not voiding warranties) to the enthusiast base they thrive one.

 

I'm surprised the MINIDivision droid hasn't popped in yet to feign helpfulness... But I suspect BMW/Mini would rather not make any public commitments and are OK with occasional negative PR since they're still selling like hotcakes.

 

I'm interested in getting into local autoxing in my area, but I have 8,500 miles on my car and am worried about my warranty being voided like in this case - can anyone shed any light on whether local events should be a worry for me, as well as keep us up to date on the final outcome on this story? Thanks for the help!

 

One of the factors that won't affect you, is that the OP was on Mini's contingency plan and running nationally. If you just go out with the local guys, you probably won't have an issue. Talk to the service manager where you take your Mini and get their take on it.

Mine is fine with it.

 

Weird that MINI would take this stance, considering the Racing heritage. They even have a Performance/racing heading on the official MINI forums

 

Autocrossing, particularly locally, won't void your warranty. In fact, one of the local MINI dealers here in Philadelphia is our title sponsor for the series and has been for a couple years. If you feel you want to ask your dealer about it first, talk to your salesperson first rather than the service advisor.

Of course, your expectations for warranty coverage have to be reasonable, too. If you autocross for a season (say, 8 to 12 events), don't go into the dealership at the end and demand new tires because yours have worn funny on the outside edge. Similarly, if you were into drag racing and went to the drag strip for test n tune or competitions several times a month for a year, it would be unreasonable to expect full warranty coverage on the clutch if it goes early.

Jeff Jacobs

 

Yeah, my expectations wouldn't be unreasonable - and I thank you guys for the suggestions. I just wanted to make sure that if I autox in my local area that MINI USA isn't going to send out a spy writing down vin numbers like I had read somewhere on here!!! Seems to me like having their full support on the autox circuit would be a good thing for their business, as that's essentially what these cars were made for.

 

It appears I might have some good news guys, it looks like Mini USA might resolve my warranty issue. If Mini USA takes care of this, hopefully noone will have to worry about being unjustly denied for warranty repairs for autocrossing their Mini.

I will update shortly....