I am a very strong supporter of the MCS, but I have to say that my enthusiasm is waning quickly! I just got back from dropping the car off at the dealer (second time in 30 days, and each trip is a 3 hour round trip), with more recurring problems that have been fixed before, but just do not want to go away. Todays news....

Airbag light - second time in a month
Rattle from reat hatch - lost track of how many times this one was reported
Surging problem - computer goes back to NJ for re-programming, and lucky me, I get to pay for a rent a car for a few days
Front speakers crackle
Run Flat light comes on intermittently
Drivers seat squeaks on acceleration

I guess I am frustrated - I owned a 5 series for three years and visited the dealer once - with this one, it's every 30 days!! BMW are you listening - your dealers are not the problem, the build quality and fixes from BMW are!!! The dealer has been totally supportive in all ways, and are doing their best...BMW needs to support the network better by offering long term fixes, not boxes of band aids and insulation tape.

Regards

Viraf

 

Hate to say it, but BMW has been listening. The build quality of my mid-'03 was fantastic, and with proper ECU software in the '04's, the MINI is about the best it can get with this iteration.

The build quality of the '02's was somewhere between crappy and good, sound like you got one in the middle. Despite your percieved annoyances, sounds like your MINI has yet to let you down in terms of reliability. About your 'surging' problem, there's no need for your dealership to send your ECU to NJ; they can reprogram it in-house! I would now say that it's the dealership's problem more that the car.

Your frustration is well heard; and many of the issues you've stated are simply un-heard-of on '03's and newer (save the 'surging' on '03's)

Sorry to hear your problems; perhaps a trade-in to an '04 would rekindle your enthusiasm.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Virafp, hang in there!

First, I have to ask, what dealer are you using for service? I see that you're from SoCA, and it has often been noted that several of the LA-area dealers are horrible. Perhaps some of the SoCA members can re-direct you to a more competent dealer if that's an issue.

Second, the problems you note are all rather well documented in 2002 cars (I have a July 2002 build MCS). The airbag light problem (see this thread) is a loose connector and needs to be tied down and not just reconnected. The boot latch rattle can be fixed with an updated part (available starting late 2002). Make sure they do that and don't just keep "adjusting" it. It's warranty work and shouldn't cost.

Surging...well, many of us have that. It's not "just" your car. See the various "Stumble" threads in Beneath the Bonnet.

Run flat light...this could be normal if you often drive over uneven surfaces (e.g., speed bumps or metal plates in the road). If it goes off by itself, that's probably it. If you need to reset it often, then check your pressures with a real tire gauge. It might be a rotation sensor...but probably not. Again, the dealer should be able to get a code reading and cna isolate the cause.

Seat squeak...some have had problems with this (I did for a while) and it either goes away by itself OR lubrication can help. I believe one MCO member actually had their seat replaced under warranty...but this is likely more related to a broken seat back ("memory" seat) than just a squeaking problem.

I have no idea about your speakers, but it sounds like a short. Unless you've done after market audio work, your dealer ought to replace the speakers if they can't quickly isolate the flaw.

In short, these are ALL issues that can be readily addressed or explained to your satisfaction (e.g., the stumble) assuming you have a dealer who is willing to do so. Thus, I'm back to my basic question... is your dealer helping you out?

 

Thanks for the encouragement and information.

I will pass along what I have learned and hopefull the problems will be resolved. I guess my frustration is that these issues should not be expected in a 2002 car. Technology is so far ahead of where it was 5 - 10 years ago, along with engineering, that these problems should be the exception - unfortunately with the MINI owners have come to expect these annoyances.

If this keeps up, I will not hesitate to pursue a resolution with BMW through different channels. Hope they can fix these problems once and for all, so I can continue to enjoy my MCS.

Thanks again, and regards.

Viraf

 

Hi ryephile
You are right - from everything I have heard the 03 is better built. Too bad for us early buyers and supporters of the MINI brand!

Yes, it's never left me stranded, but I have made more trips to the dealer in 6 months that I have for ANY other car I have owned in the last 15 years!! That is what is unacceptable.

It becomes an issue of time and inconvenience.

Regards

Viraf

 

My March ’03 build MCS has been less then stellar. I have had way too many problems and unscheduled dealer visits in 6 months and 9,000 miles of ownership.

The car is a lot of fun to drive however; it rates right up at the top of my all-time driving fun list.

 

I have a May '02 build, and I have only been to the dealer once in 15 months of ownership. I had the oil service, coolant resorvoir changed, hatch rattle fixed, and a small piece of window trim replaced. No big deal. If I can only get rid of one last rattle in the right rear window area.... my car has more than met my expectations so far.

 

I am interested in buying a mini (probably an 04) and was curious about shop time. We have a BMW dealer in town, but they do not carry minis, so have to go to Chicago, also a 3 hour drive. Are you saying that the only place you should/can get repairs is at a mini dealer? Thanks for response.
Kirk

 

Hi gosharks:

I have the same exact rattle - in the right rear of the car. If you figure it out, please let me know..its driving me crazy!!!