Have seen a few new engines put in trucks at work. Yes, there are often problems, seems like there are always issues that need to be resolved. I agree with Benibiker, you're probably stuck with the process he outlines. I know I wouldn't be happy with your situation either.

Good Luck!

 

I agree 100 Percent.
Find what makes you (the customer) happy.
See if the Dealer can match that.
Do not be unreasonable.
Just find that happy place.
Warranty,
Value,
Trust,
Respect,
Honor,
Relationship.
It goes two ways.

Besides.
You got a 2012 Mini Cooper!!!
You gotta be happy!

 

I know my situation is a little different and it wasn't a MINI.
But years ago I owned a car that I took and had the oil changed. They punctured the oil filter putting it back on. The next few months I drove my car not having any idea anything was wrong.
I began to hear a knocking noise while driving on the freeway. I took it to the dealer and they informed me I had no oil in the car. I contacted the Oil company and they were forced to replace the engine at their cost of course!!
I drove the car the next 4 years with no problems.
I feel if the dealer is willing to step up and make it right give them a shot.
I would make sure that I had in writing any further issues related to this one would be covered though.
For the inconvenience they probably will offer something to you. Contact MINI to make sure they are aware of the issue as well.

This is an awesome car and you will have many years of happiness with it. Don't let this discourage you!
Good luck!

 

I've replaced a car engine. It's not rocket science, one would hope a dealer coud do it right. I'd take the new engine, try to wangle an extended warranty out of them for the inconvenience, and drive the hell out of their loaner. Leave the lawyers out of it.

 

Similar thing happened to me last year when I brought my 11 month old 2010 MCS in to the dealer for its first oil change (around 9000). Car had run perfectly since day one. On the way home from delaer (45 miles) smoke pours from bonnett engine losooses power dramtically and yellow light comes on. I popped the bonnett and notice that the radiator overflow cap was not screwed on. So, the car overheated cracking the block. After many rounds with dealer (who fully admitted fault) we decided to put a new (not rebuilt) engine in under warranty. Got a loaner for 3 weeks and when my "new engine" is installed, the apperwork indicates that iti s, in fact a rebuild not a new engine. Now I am a very unhappy camper. Not acceptable so I demand and get a new comparably equipped new 2011 MCS and pay $2000. Not a great solution, but wasw not going to settle for a rebuild after being promised a new engine due to the dealer's negligence. So, make sure if oyu are promised a new engine, that it is not a rebuild.

 

I had to have the engine removed and reinstated in our Lexus ES-350 right after we bought it new. I didn't think much about it, its been a great car for 4 years.

If it were mine I might press for an extended warranty or something (maybe) but I would be fine with a new motor.

 

I have seen people freak about about wanting new vehicles because of WAY less than this. The OP's motor blew on day one. And he came here looking for some advice....and most people are saying "no big deal pop in a new motor and be on your way"

I don't think he dropped 30k to wake up each morning for the next several years to be wondering what might break today.


Mini won't give you what you don't ask for...so ask for what you want, and then if you feel you are not getting it, then it may be time to enlist someone to help.

 

A new engine is not a new car. Ninety miles ago the OP had a new car. You can fix Humpty-Dumpty, but this car will never have factory integrity again. There is a new car and there is a rebuilt car. They are not the same.

 

 

Like the factory did such a bang up job the first time around. Dealers drop new engines in all the time. If they decide to give him a new car great, but there will be nothing wrong with the other one. Failures happen, it really is no biggie. New car could simply mean different problems.

 

I had a buddy that had his 2011 MCS in for service when gears 5 and 6 made a noise, bad noise. MINI USA made one of his lease payments for him while it was sitting on a lift for 4-6 weeks IIRC, waiting for the tranny.

I would ask for a payment (if applicable) or an extended warranty.

A new motor and some extras would make me happy. Being built at the factory is no better than the techs at your dealership.

 

Wow where do I start.

1st-If you plan on letting the dealer repair the car then insist the engine is not a rebuild or remanufactured engine. Also ask mini for some kind of extra warranty dealing with the item being replaced.

2nd-If Mini USA does not do what you ask as far as replacement of the engine then of course demand a new car or demand a refund of all money. This would be what I would do and might take longer and may require you getting legal council.

Its easy here for everyone to say oh no big deal just let them replace the engine with a new one but i don't care how good the tech is this car will not be the same as a "new" car. I mean the car did not even get a chance to get "broken in" yet with only 90 miles on it before it blew. Yes this could be just a weird deal where quality control on the engine failed but something like this should not happen period.

Good luck to you and I hope Mini does the right thing and makes you a satisfied customer. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want because it is you that spent $XX,XXX.XX on this brand new vehicle.

 

NJ, 72 hours to nullify a contract, even on a car. Did it last year when I bought a 20000 mile Cadillac CTS-V and found on the way home it had a blown rear differential. Drove back the next morning, after they tried to convince me to fix it, I told them I didn't want the car. Done deal. Gave me my deposit back, gave me my trade in back, completely cancelled the deal. That is what should be done. Cancel it, walk away, get a different car. Check what contract law is in your state.

 

NJ., nor any other state, has a 72 hour right of recission on the purchase of a new car that has been delivered. Period! Look it up.

The vehicle you bought was used. Many Certified programs, if it was certified, do incorporate a return period. Many dealers do offer a return period of time on a used vehicle as part of their in-house policy. Most dealers will take back a used vehicle that is found to have a major mechanical defect in a short period of time as a practicality of not being involved in a long legal dispute.

 

I just did a search and you are correct with new vehicles. His only hope it to try and claim lemon law. That appears to be the only way to nullify a new vehicle purchase contract.

 

Every state "Lemon Law" has a threshold that must be met to trigger its use. Normally it is the third attempt to fix the same problem or a certain time out of service being repaired. In this case neither would apply.

While I do think the OP has a legal argument for replacement, it most likely will require litigation if the factory balks. The resale of the vehicle if bought back will be severely compromised as to value because of the engine replacement and subsequent buy-back. It will need to be disclosed to any future buyer of the unit under those circumstances.

 

From what I read this morning, in NJ, typically 3 return visits woud trigger a lemon law claim, however special circumstances could change that.

 

Generally this 72 hour right of rescission has to do if a salesman comes out to your house, sold you a $5000 vacuum, and the next day you told your significant other and they go ballistic on you! Call and cancel - end of story. If you "go" to the store and buy, you are stuck withit.

As far as the thought of the paperwork is done and we cannot sway out the vehicle... That is BS. I had a problem with an 04 Tahoe where the dealer used some new tire dressing on the vehicle and while driving it was slung all over the white paint and stained it. Could not rub it out, needed repainting. The dealer offered me to pick out another and they would change the legal paperwork - That was excellent customer service! If I suffered brain damage and wanted to purchase another product from the the big 3, I would visit Ed Bozarts dealership to be sure....

If the dealership would offer me to extend the MINI warranty out to 10/100 - that would make a new motor easier to sallow..

I am looking forward to see how much they (MINI/Dealership) stand behind Customer Service....

Good Luck!