Hello NAM Readers

I've purchase a second hand 07 R56 MCS a couple months ago. Just like everyone else on the forums, I've absolutely love my Mini.

Last month I've realized that my hood scoop is slowly warped/melting due to the heat generated by the turbo. I've done my fair share of research on NAM and internet and found out it was a common issue for R56 MCS and MINI/BMW would replace it under warranty.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/03/...ver-the-years/

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/...w-hood-scoops/

Two pictures below





I booked a appointment at my local Mini dealership to get this problem fixed. I sent my Mini in for repair and they rejected my warped / melting hood scoop claim due to modification.

Apparently the previous owner of the vehicle drill out all the holes on the hood scoop for better air flow. The dealer told me that because of this modification, they CANNOT replace my hood scoop under warranty.

See picture below




This is a common problem among all R56 MCS cars and regardless of the couple of holes on the hood, the scoop will eventually melt due to the heat anyway.

Your thoughts?

 

I don't get it. Venting the hood scope would make the scoop cooler, not hotter. I suggest you keep complaining and see if you can get them to change their decision.

 

Well they technically are right. Previous owner defiantly failed. Find out how much it would cost to buy and paint one and see if you can talk them into a discount. Or you could just tell them you had no idea that it was done being that you bought it used.

 

Just get a carbon fiber one, it would look good with your cars color.

 

The holes had nothing to do with it. This is very common. Mine warped at 6k miles and I have no mods. I got a carbon fiber replacement and it looks great on the dark silver - and I am not really a big fan of the carbon fiber look.

I'd contact your MINI district rep and go above the dealer on this one if you have to.

 

but there is little you can do if MINI wants to take this line..... But they are standing on a technicality. There is little you can do but try to escallate, and just tar them by letting everyone know what BS they are slinging.

Look at eBay and the marketplace for a replacement.

Matt

 

I'd like to know the dealer's position on how this "mod" contributed to the problem.

 

Haven't been on this site since I got my car, but I have not done any mods on my 07 but I did replace that darn hoodscoop after only a year. I thought a ball had hit it or some insensitive person had sat on my car????!!!!

 

If you bought that car from the dealership nd it had been previously modified they should have disclosed that at the point of purchase.
Philip

 

Hey fun fact: just checked my hood scoop and it is warped a little .

 

Thanks for all the reply.

I think my best bet is a CF version because it is going to melt in the future.

 

Just FYI - mine warped with no mods and it warped again after I drilled out the holes. It is going to warp. I heard rumors that MINI is coming out with a non-warping hood scoop that will replace those that are melting.

 

MINI is coming out with replacements that have metal particles inbedded in the plastic which is susposed to make it more stable. Not sure if they are available yet.

I read somewhere that the reason these are plastic is to conform with Europe's new pedestrian safety rules and that metal scoops are not acceptable.

So far my carbon fiber replacement has held up well.

 

get the CF hood scoop and an M7 heat shield ...excellent combo ...your hood will never get even warm. the heat shield greatly absorbs heat from the turbo (it actually has a gel like material that absorbs heat).

 

I don't want a heat shield because it feels like you are cooking the turbo. Just the CF version will do, no?

@MiniManiac74 I know... it's a common problem IMO but I think MINI is just finding excuse to reject my claims. Every claim they reject means better balance sheet at the end of the year.

 

I agree with you.
I looked into the shield, and to me, it appears that it will
retain the heat. I wouldn't want that.

[quote=Ch28Kid;3066570]I don't want a heat shield because it feels like you are cooking the turbo. Just the CF version will do, no?

 

Pegauses Racing Parts....gold foil heat sheild tap. Apply unside of plastic hood scoop, remove grill. I also added a 50% deflector to shoot air down towards turbo for cooling but still left air to shot to rear to help keep engine compartment temps down. Had MINI over a year, no warp problems w/ plastic, it's a Chilie red and the gold tape looks cool also in the intake. And not that' much air that you need to worry about increasing back preasure to radiator, just doesn't happen with all the outlet below the engine. Plus if you add more dam to the front, creates more low preasure behind radiator area or bottom of car, which will help suck the air through the engine area. Side skirts will help also mod on the rear exit to creat a vortex to help suck!!!LOL

 

Tell them not to replace the piece that has holes. That piece doesn't come with a new scoop anyway (at least not on the carbon fiber one).

 

I got my scoop replaced at Mini of Alexandria. I asked about splitting the difference of a CF and or shield and my rep said to just come back when it warps again. But what happens when my Mini goes out of warranty in a year and 2 months?

 

+1 to getting a heat shield. A MUST for all '07+ turbo S owners. This has happened to at least two of our local club members.

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2.../InvDetail.cfm
http://www.fastmini.net/m7aetuhesh.html

 

Take the warped hood scoop out and replace it with one made out of solid concrete. Sure to be a head-turner

 

I live 100 miles from my nearest Dealer, so when my scoop started drooping I straightened it up myself. I removed it and, using a heat gun and a wooden dowel, softened the plastic and reshaped it. Good as new. I also installed the M7 heatshield so i won't have to do it again.

Jon in Columbia, SC

 

Yakatak, you should do a writeup on that. Maybe with some pics. I think alot of R55/R56/R57 owners would be happy with that.