Hello friends. Long story short - my 2008 Clubman S spends more time with the idiots at Mini of Universal City than it does on the. They have now been unable to fix the myriad if issues I have had for over a week and it's time to file "lemon" papers with the state of California. Total bummer as I love the car when it's working. Does anyone have names/emails/phone numbers for the higher ups at Mini USA? I have sent queries through the website but haven;t received a response. Any help appreciated!

 

You probably need to go and read the California Lemon Law statute before trying to file for it.

CA Lemon Law

 

Uh, yeah - I am an attorney and am well versed in this subject matter. Do you have an actual answer to the question I posed? I have Google already - thanks.

B

 

Well this for starters...

 

Feels like it has "clocked out" in this basic fact set (i.e. 2008).

Lemon law periods would not run coterminously w/ factory warranties for example, which themselves vary all over the map.

 

Do you actually think they are just sitting around waiting for you to call or write? I would suggest you might look in your owner's manual and follow the written instructions on dispute resolution.

In every State, I think you will find "Lemon Law" actions come under the BMV or Attorney General's Office. In my experience, once you find MINI unimpressed with the fact you passed the Bar, that would be the place to "file lemon papers".

 

Yep, Lemons Laws don't last the length of the factory warranty. The criteria is pretty strict for making a claim also.

I worked for a dealer for ten years and only saw two vehicles that were termed "lemons".

 

 

Have you tried calling MINI customer relations first, also maybe contact the service manager/ dealer principle just my two cents worth. I would call customer relations first , explain to them what problems your having and see what they have to say. The customer relations phone number should be in your vehicle portfolio. 1-866-275-6464

 

To the OP don't mention that you are a lawyer, that turns them from maybe helping to to NOT helping you at all.

Start with the Service Adviser then if nothing goes well then talk to the GM at the dealership. If that does not help then an ONLY then talk to MINI USA. They really will not talk you you unless you have proof that you have talked to the local people first.

And there is NO WAY you are getting a Lemon Law claim on your car after at least 36 months of ownership. And YOU as a lawyer should know better that to even bring it up.

And BTW the best place to look for any info on contacting MINI is your owners manual.

 

Let's sue everybody!

 

Thanks Schatzy62. Although I sincerely appreciate your attempt to assist me, I am afraid you are wrong about a couple of things.

"To the OP don't mention that you are a lawyer, that turns them from maybe helping to to NOT helping you at all."

I have successfully represented clients in 6 "lemon law" proceedings in California (none with BMW obviously) and mentioning that I am an attorney has always expedited matters. I am 6 for 6.

"Start with the Service Adviser then if nothing goes well then talk to the GM at the dealership. If that does not help then an ONLY then talk to MINI USA. They really will not talk you you unless you have proof that you have talked to the local people first."

Well, I talk to my service advisor(s) frequently - in fact, my Clubman is now nearing its second week with the "technicians" at Mini Universal City attempt to figure out what's wrong with it. I went to the BMW website and found a number and initiated the proceedings with them. They asked for four days to respond to my settlement proposal before I filed a claim. I hope to hear from them by tomorrow.

"And there is NO WAY you are getting a Lemon Law claim on your car after at least 36 months of ownership. And YOU as a lawyer should know better that to even bring it up."

You can use ALL CAPS if you like, but you are wrong - at least under the California statute. All that matters is that the car is still under warranty, which in my case it is. In fact, 3 of the 6 cases I won were on 2-3 year old cars.

And BTW the best place to look for any info on contacting MINI is your owners manual.

Yep - of course I thought of that but it's kind of hard to read your OM when it's in the glovebox of the car that's always in the shop for repairs.

This whole thing is such a bummer - I love this car more than any car I have ever had (and I've had a few). It just can't stay healthy.

 

Nice Bmac! can you update us in your settlement claim on your mini.

 

Yes I will let you all know.

 

FYI you can download the manual in the Owner's Lounge on MINI's website.

 

and Mini Mania's site too if you can't get into owner's lounge

but having just looked it turns out this advice is in fact wrong. The owner's manual just tells you that what you need is the Service and warranty information which is a sep' book in your packet. and one I don't see online where I'm looking....



now I'm looking at a 2007 manual but I'm guessing yours is similar and for me pages 24 and 25 apply with 25 having a special section for Cali'


I'd also note that in Florida the state requires buyers be provided this as well

 

"Well, I talk to my service advisor(s) frequently - in fact, my Clubman is now nearing its second week with the "technicians" at Mini Universal City attempt to figure out what's wrong with it. I went to the BMW website and found a number and initiated the proceedings with them. They asked for four days to respond to my settlement proposal before I filed a claim. I hope to hear from them by tomorrow."

i would like to here if mini contacted you back?

 

let me know. Hell i could use you. i have an 08 MCS and it has been in the shop more than i have driven it! I guess i got one of the bum cars!

 

Attorneys, insurance companies, and unions. Gee, I wonder why the USA can't compete with the rest of the world?

 

From my understanding, the CA lemon law is for cars that develop problems during the first 18k/18 months. Has to be in for repairs at the dealer for 2 life threatening issues or 4 non-life threatening issues or out of service for 30 days. I think there may be some wiggle room if these issues were reported by you during the first 18 months.

I'd call MINIUSA first before talking to a lawyer. They're pretty slow to get back to you, but they are pretty helpful and will try to help you out. If the car is costing them a lot in warranty repairs, maybe they will offer to do a trade assist. If you're displeased, you may be able to get some extra warranty out of them.

I'm currently talking to MINIUSA about my 2.5 year old car, it's been in the shop for 60 days, not including normal servicing! My VW on the other hand has never been at the dealer for repairs overnight and I got it at the same time as the MINI.

 

Funny you say unions! rest of the world except china and India are union. All workers that build you Ferrari's to your mini are union.... so not seeing where union comes into play oh and BTW china and India make great parts....

 

Without editorializing or endorsing anything, here is a decent lay summary from the CA Dept. of Justice website on the "lemon" law here--my state. Happy reading if interested: http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/lemon.php

 

nice. good looking out

 

I'm also looking for a corp. contact. Already been thru cust service. 2010 Cooper w/72k died at 70 mph. No compression, couldn't determine cause so needed new motor which cost more than car worth. Even used motor not worth it. Local Mini dealer bragged about replacing many Mini motors.Really? Mini cust serv no help. Loved the car but it was a pain. Water pump and thermostat housing at 60k. two sensors while under warranty. German car specialty shop said Mini motors don't last. One reason - pistons known to come apart. Car gone, bought another brand. Mini dealer did not want my car. German car shop did give me decent value as one of their mechanics wants car for himself and will do the work on his time. Such a job not worth it at retail.

Advice: Better to lease short-term than buy for long term. Had two Mercedes each ran to 150k with normal issues.

 

the mini is a piece of junk, the 2000 version of the Chevy vega