Hi All,
I just got a message that my 07 mcs need to have $1,700 worth of work done. I took the car in for the cold start rattle (third time). They told me that an oil return line was leaking ($1,300 to replace) and I had low oil which caused the timing chain guide to crack ($400 to fix). Seems like bs to me, especially since I checked the oil level over the weekend and it was fine (although it is hard to read that silly dip stick).

What do you all think?

Thanks

 

Find another independent Mini repair shop but don't tell them what the first place said, get a second opinion.

 

Good idea thanks. They are getting Mini involved so I am hoping I won't need to do this.

 

How many miles? My 07 MCS is getting an engine replaced as we speak. And that's at 80K miles and being well maintained. Good luck!

 

Yikes, that doesn't good at all. What was the problem that caused the engine to be replaced?

I am at 58k miles with all mantenaince having been done per schedule. Still haven't heard back on the final decision from Mini.

 

A NEW ENGINE??! *shudder*

Here's a followup question: will the new engine have all the same parts as the first one, which we know will have to have the problematic parts replaced? Or does the new engine have redesigned problem elements (timing chain, etc)?

 

Well good news, Mini covered almost all the cost for the repairs. I only paid $93.

 

What all did they do?

 

They replaced the timing chain guide and the turbo oil return line.

 

MINI knows they have a problem with the timing chain tensioner system...any issues with a timing chain you should raise hell to have MINI fix it. The carbon build issue also seems to be a big deal. I have had both problems under warranty fortunately. I called MINI about them extending the warranty and they said that is not possible but offered to see about buying the car back. BMW sounded shocked that we can view service bulletins and that they are only meant for the dealers to see. Hello...with the internet, nothing is a secret anymore!
Wake up MINI...issue the recalls and stand behind your products. That is why people always go back to the Japanese cars. My dealer told me that if I wanted to go back to a boring reliable car then more power to me. Maybe I should take him for a spin in an S2000. Mazdaspeed 3 or any Nissan with a 3.5L V-6. BMW just lost a customer for life!

Oh...did I fail to mention the fuel pump issue???

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/bmw-adm...ry?id=11968495

 

duplicate

 

If there was a book of idiotic dealer quotes, that one would be in there. Geez. Just because a car is not a Mini doesn't mean it's going to be boring. My NC Miata would run circles around the MCS in the fun department. I bought the MCS thinking I would get Miata-like fun in a more practical box. I was wrong x 2. It's not as fun and it is barely more practical. And unlike Miata ownership, I find Mini ownership more stressful due to all the "issues", "quirks", "personality", every-3-week dealer visits and such. Mine hasn't even had the catastrophic failures that frequent this forum, but I can't wait to sell it this spring.

 

It is amazing how many crossover Miata/Mini owners there are. I agree, my NC will run circles around my R56...My NB will out handle my Mini for sure at least!

Between the 3 Miatas I have owned over the past 10 years, I have seen zero days in the shop for mechanical repairs!

 

Yeah, it was a coin toss between Mini and Miata when I bought my '07 NC. You can see its fender (in my sig pic) as I was heading down Tail of the Dragon. Later, because of my family I felt I really needed 4 seats. Got the MCS. Kids quickly outgrew the back seats and I am once again down to two usable seats. It's not at all the worst car I ever owned, but it does not evoke the same feelings when I walk out to the garage or where ever it is parked. I rarely go on drives just for the fun of wringing it out in the twisties. Next sports car will be an NC, ND, or used Boxster with a Jeep or Land Cruiser for the utility.

 

Yeah, I am done with BMW too for now. Going to be trading in my car in the coming months. Want a car that is in warranty. Reliable would be nice too.

BTW, what the heck is an NC or ND??

 

Amen, I had a 91 Miata that died before I got the Mini in December... I wish now I'd found another just like it. Wife did get a Boxster though, that thing is fun as all h*ll!

Reading these threads stresses me out too!

 

Nevermind, looked it up on google. FWIW, it is the generation of a Miata (Like R53 and R56).

 

Wait, you haven't had any failures, but you're stressed about the car? That doesn't sound right. Just because some people are having problems doesn't mean you will.

All car forums are going to have a lot of complaints about the cars they represent. People mostly come here to find answers to their car problems.

There are thousands of people who have had no problems with their MINIs, me included.

Dave

 

I said no "catastrophic failures". This car has had the cold-start rattle that may be coming back, noisy HPFP, 4 clutch pedal assemblies & cylinder due to popping & erratic clutch action, a/c vibration, repeated bad brake sensors, leaking axle seal, noisy sunroof, broken carpet (it's true), other stuff the dealer breaks while working on it, and a clutch that has slipped 3 times lately. Everything has been fixed except the possibly failing clutch and the possibly returning cold-start rattle.

But those issues combined with all of the factory maintenance (front brake pads, rear pads, full services, oil changes, filters, etc.) means that in its first 58,000 miles, this car has seen a ton of dealer time. Not to mention the oil changes/tire rotations I do in between dealer intervals. Also, going through the discussions with the SA of what is "normal" or "not normal" is not fun. Will they cover my clutch under maintenance or not? The maint plan says they will, but who really knows?

 

Oh, I know how people complain on the forums. I'm glad they do, because it gives us a chance to learn stuff. I am a member on JeepForum, NAXJA, JeepsUnlimited, vwvortex, mazdas247, miata.net, the local Miata club and local MINI club forums, and a couple of others. I have never chosen a vehicle because of its Consumer Reports/JDPowers rating. After 22 years of working for automotive mfgrs, specifically dealing with quality and warranty, I know that cars are rarely perfect. I do expect them to be durable (engineered well) which is not the same as trouble-free.

I choose my vehicles based on iconic/purposeful design and actual function (how well does it do what it is supposed to). The MCS is an iconic design, but more high-maintenance (at least mine is) than durable. And it doesn't do the go-cart thing as well as I had hoped. I'm not here to bash the MINI... it has been a good car to drive and does several things well. I understand the cult-like following.

 

OO9...if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's a duck! I do not buy into the BS they give you at the dealers. They want you to be sheep and hand over your money.

Since you are in E TN 009...are you going to ZMOT in June this year??? I went last year and had a blast!

BTW, the only real go carts are rear drive...too mych torque steer to really whip the mini around like you can a Miata or S2k.

 

I don't know ZMOT.

 

http://www.tri-citiesmiataclub.com/news.html

 

Oh, I've done that! Lots of fun. Had a great run down Hwy 421 (The Snake), then some track time at Bristol.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1239926...8073/lightbox/