MINI is not denying the claim based on it not being serviced at a MINI dealer, they're denying the claim because he can't prove that the car was serviced anywhere after 16K miles, and he's now at 35K. And that's in direct violation of the warranty terms.......open and shut.

I'm not saying it wasn't, just that he can't prove it.

A lawyer here is going to do nothing but cost him money, unless he can come up with proof that supports his position. He's in a tough spot, no doubt about it, and I feel for him. Moral of the story, if you're not gonna have MINI change your oil, keep the receipts!

I'm interested in why ultimately the engine failed......

 

Pay the money, get the car fixed. At that point, you still can go after the money with attorneys and/or TV advocates. No sense in having a car not run, pissing them off and have them take the offer back.

Just my 2 cents. As always I offer a full money back guarantee if my internet advice proves wrong.

 

If you read the original post, he states the oil has been changed twice since he purchased it and he has the receipts for the filters. He also stated he purchased the oil from a BMW dealer. He also states he was told by a dealership representative that if he had the oil changed by another source other than a MINI dealer, it did not count.

The automotive sales and service industry is the number one generator of consumer complaints in the U.S. As a result, there are a myriad of consumer protection laws and rules governing a dealer's actions as well as the manufacturer's actions. These are both Federal and State Consumer Laws. Having been personally involved in well more than a hundred of these type complaints and having paid millions in legal fees in my career, there is one thing I can guarantee you. A good automotive attorney always makes a difference.

 

Just one comment last I checked MY car has a 19 THOUSAND mile oil change interval(according to the OBD and that is what they go by)... LET ME SAY IT AGAIN NINETEEN THOUSAND MILES... Lets see here 19 and 19 add up to 38k miles. All the car HAD to have based on that info is ONE oil change. How can there be any issue? If I was stupid enough to follow a 19k mile interval ( I am not that dumb) and my car broke they damn sure would be honoring the warranty or I would sue their butts off in court.

 

Has there been any update on what you decided to do?

 

Update....

After receiving the total repair cost; I told the dealership, on the 16th of March, to began repairs.

I have been emailing back and forth to my service rep for a daily status on repairs. I keep getting vague emails that the tech is working on my car. And that is all i get, "Tech is working our your car".
I explained to my service rep to give me details of the progress of the repair and not to worry about talking over my head.
My rep suggested that pictures would be taken and sent to me, but I still have not received any pics.
The only good bit of info that i received on the 19th was the engine has been removed. But the tech could not work on it that day and was going to, "Hop back on the engine repairs come Monday."

Today I emailed my rep for a status and she replied that additional warranty items had to be ordered for the car. Once again very vague information. I asked what parts and when are the delivery dates of the parts. She replies, "No parts for the engine. They were for additional warranty items, like a high pressure fuel pump."
WHAAAAAAAAAT????????
I replied for her to give me all supposed additional warranty items and their part numbers.
I have a bad feeling that the new engine is installed and the exact symptoms of the engine misfiring, shuddering and jerking is happening.
I think they are covering there tracks for a failed analysis of my cars original problem.
What makes it even more frustrating is that I'm 200 miles away and have no eyes in Dallas to confirm.

 

Another Update...

Well, one month, a 400 mile round trip, and $3k later, my MCS is back.
I must admit, it runs great and even sounds quieter.
I want to thank everyone for their inputs, advice and support.
I have been through every phase of emotion; but through it all, I'm so happy to have my TARDIS back. To bad I'm deploying really soon, the spring/summer drives are great.

Again, thank you all

I hope the dealership still doesn't fault me for not bringing the car in for its next oil change. I'll be busy.

 

Glad everything seems to have worked out.

Thanks for serving our country and good luck