I just wanted to pass on a quick story about my service from Mini of St. Louis. I had to take the Bumble in for two minor problems yesterday. First, the weather strip at the top of the windshield was coming off again. I'd had that replaced already but it was popping off again. Second, there was a squeaking noise coming from the right front wheel area when I turned the steering wheel, even when I wasn't moving. It could only be heard when you were in the car with the windows rolled up. I knew it wasn't the power steering motor since that could be heard as well. So after it had been in there for a few hours the service guy called me back to explain what they found. I was pleasantly surprised when he went into a lot of detail explaining everything. The weather strip was coming off because they found the factory applied too much glue to hold the windshield and the glue was blocking the channel the weather strip used. Consequently, it couldn't securely snap into place. They had to replace the windshield to fix that problem. The squeaking noise was from an upper strut bearing on the right side. He said it wasn't properly lubricated at the factory.

Hopefully I'll get it back today and all will be well. It was sure nice for them to take the time to explain everything in such detail. A lot better than my Ford dealer when I got the wife's Taurus wagon fixed a few weeks ago.

Dan

 

The folks at Ralph Schomp MINI in Denver are the same way. Anthony and Ian are terrific!

I had a rattle that sounded like it was coming from the passenger side dash. It would stop when I pressed on the dash or if I opened the glovebox and shut it firmly. I don't know how, but Anthony determined that the rattle was coming from a loose A-pillar cover rather than the dash. Sure enough he was right and the rattle is gone!

 

Got the car back yesterday and everything seems to be fine. My only complaint was that they hadn't cleaned the new windshield or removed all the paper from it. There was still a small piece of paper, about 1" x 2" stuck in the center of the windshield. It came off easily with a razor so it really wasn't a big deal. I was also disappointed they didn't wash the Bumble. It's kind of sad how you get used to little perks like that so quickly isn't it?

 

Ms Brit had her 10,000 mile checkup yesterday by Mini of St Louis/AutohausBMW and it was a positive experience. Since I live 125 miles away from the dealership I had to take time off from work (my excuse - I had to take my child for her checkup !) Anyway, my appt was for 1pm - I arrived around 12:30 and was greeted right away by Ray Williams, who filled out my service order by listing the items I had concerns about (engine light was on; stumble from 1st to 2nd gear; seepage around the overflow tank; and requested new style cowl vents). Ray anticipated about 1 1/2 hour wait. Unfortunately for me, it took more time- (3 1/2 hours), but I left with a completely different car. The stumble was GONE and I noticed a quicker pickup. I think I even picked up a couple of miles per gallon. Besides the upgrade, the oil was changed, replaced LDP pump assembly (caused engine light to come on); replaced windshield and rear window wiper inserts, tightened a clamp on a hose that goes to the overflow tank; performed a diode retrofit harness for electric power steering (recall item) and even ordered a set of new cowl vents for me, all under warranty. Although the entire process took 8 hours (round trip from home to St Louis and service call wait), it was well worth it.:smile:


MsBrit
03 CR/B MCS

 

Thats really good to hear. I dont live far from them at all, and whenever i have a question or problem, they are more than willing to help me out if i run over there real fast. The only time i had a service appointment, it was for a few little quirks inside the car, they called back within a few hours and explained everything with awsome detail. Got the hulk back that night. Though they didnt clean hulk, i didnt mind at all as i like to keep him strictly zaino'd.

-scott.

 

Linda,

Glad to hear you had a good experience. And you're getting those new cowl vents we coveted so much! Guess I'll give them a call & see if they will order some for Louie. Hope to see you soon.

Lois:smile:
:smile: :smile: :smile:

 

What are these cowl vents you speak of? I have an 04' nov. build, is it anything that i would benifit from?

-scott

 

Scott,

The '02 & '03 MINIs have different looking cowl vents. They are the vents on the bonnet right below the windshield wipers. The early '04's may have the old ones also. But on our STLMINI rallye in May, Linda & I noticed that the newer MINIs all had "nicer" lookings vents. I don't know if they work any better or maybe it's a "gal thing" like buying new shoes. At any rate they do look better. I was also going to see if there are aftermarket chrome vents since I love the chrome on my MINI.

Lois

 

Wanting the new style cowl vents was a cosmetic thing at first, but Gabe (motoringfile.com) posted an article on June 7 stating that the foam under the vents were not wearing well, so in some cases they were being replaced with the new style under warranty.

Also Lois, I have seen the chrome vents advertised in Moss Mini (I think), but if I remember correctly they were a bit pricey.


Linda

 

I just ordered the chrome ones!!!! Gotta keep Louie bright & shiny


Lois

 

hi everyone, widrider here and i'll soon have my 04 mini...1 aug i hope..I am purchasing it in illinois...will i have any difficulty getting my baby serviced in stl? i live in columbia..any club members in the columbia area? also, does the stl mini dealership have problems with aftermarket parts installed? thanks in advance for you answers...

windrider

 

Hi windrider,

Unfortunately there is only 1 MINI dealer in STL. It's in Clayton. It also depends on what aftermarket things your MINI has on it with regards to the warranty. . I have met some MINI owners from Columbia, Mo but I'm not sure if they belong to the Club. The Club is planning another Happy Hour in July & possibly a run to the wineries some time this summer. Hope you get your MINI soon.

Lois

 

Welcome Windrider. MsBrit here from Effingham, IL. Just wanted to let you know I have a couple of aftermarket parts on my 03 MCS (Borla exhaust and Promini air cleaner). I had my car serviced about 2 weeks ago and nothing was said, however I did buy my car in St Louis. Just out of curiosity, where in Illinois are you buying your car ? I thought Chicago was the only area in Illinois to buy a Mini, but I may be mistaken.

Hope your wait isn't too long for your 04.