So today I left work early and my MINI would not start.

Worse yet, when I took the key out the windows were going up and down on their own and the dash was making a weird grinding noise for 30 minutes without the key in it!

They tried to jump it but did not work. Car would work and then all the electonics would start going crazy and car would die again.

I had to have it towed to MINI. Mini dealer says they will not even LOOK at it til Tuesday!!!!! I need a car!

Anyways I have 1 month left on the warranty. The tow driver says he picks up MINIs every day and they are terrible cars. Kinda makes me regret getting one!

I am not one of these rich or well off MINI owners. I busted my butt to get this car and heard the car was reliable. Since buying it there have been so many issues.

I am really bummed right now. Anyone know what might be wrong with it???

 

Maybe he's just the preferred MINI tow truck driver? therefore he gets a lot of them?

 

Besides being a total liar, the Tow Truck driver is a doofuss....Sounds like there is something wrong with a fuse box.....

Where did you get it ? If second hand was it carfax reported on. Sounds almost like it had water damage by prior owner....

 

Year? Info would help. Check the threads on battery issues.
A failing battery in a MINI causes strange problems. Gremlins appear in the
electrical system.
Time for a new battery.

 

Since the warranty is just about to run out the Mariner's suggestion about the battery makes sense. I replaced mine just after 4 years just because they don't last forever. Today's batteries just die on the spot.

When replacing the battery, let it sit for a half an hour so the OBC resets itself too.

Best of luck though. At least you are in just within the warranty.

And MINIs are a good vehicle. Just ask the new NAM member that stated in a recent thread they are at 300,000 miles and still motoring.

 

Thank you!

I was in panic mode when I posted and was still freezing after waiting 2 and half hours outside for the tow driver. Too late to replace battery myself. It was towed to OTTOS MINI dealer. I just hope they look at it before Tuesday if it is just a battery.

I would not think that the battery would cause the electric system to go crazy like that!

I wish I could afford 4k for the extended warranty. I would give me peace of mind about keeping her. I love this car but just worry about major issues down the line.

 

Ottos will probably get to it much sooner. I can never schedule more than three weeks in advance at one of the MINI dealerships near me (Herb Chambers) but I've been cordial with the service advisors in the past and if I drop it off with their "night-owl" service I get a call by noon the next day that they've looked at the car. They tend to under-promise and over-deliver in my experience. The only thing against you is that the weekends are the busiest times for service.

When I bought my 2003 I had read the reviews outlining issues that the early cars had. This was a completely new platform, a completely new company (rebuilt by BMW) and as my dad reminded, "It's British!". I set myself up for expecting issues. That being said I was pleasantly surprised when only a few things went wrong and otherwise expected the rest. I'm sorry to hear about your situation and good luck and keep us informed.

 

You are right, I should have posted the general info about the car:

my car is a 2005 R50 Automatic

I have 44,900 miles on the car

The warranty runs out 12/31/08

 

Mine had issues very much like that when my battery died.

 

dont worry it will be oK')

 

Did the warranty cover your battery?

I went to MINI today and picked up my rental. They said they will get to looking at my car Monday. I sure hope to have her back and in good shape soon. I now know that I HATE driving a car that is not a MINI.


Extended Warranty Advice:

I am looking into getting a 4 yr 100k extended warranty through "warranty direct". It costs 3,000 for the best coverage which covers almost everything but maintenance. The deductible is 100.00. I still owe 16k on my 2005 R50 MINI so I am thinking it may be worth it. Warranty Direct only asks I put 800 down then the rest is paid out over 18 months. Do you think it is worth it?????

 

Ottos MINI called me last night and advised it was the battery that was causing all of the happenings with the car.

Thanks everyone for the input!!

I pick her up tonight!

 

Gratz on an easy fix.

 

 

100K still going LOVE MY MINI!!!!!

 

wow! I really hope mine gets to 100k or over. I love her!