2009 Clubman with 18K miles. The weather got cold and I got low tire pressure warnings just like every winter. Went to pull tire gauge out of the trunk to find the tool kit floating in water. Pulled everything out. Read the forum and found out there were problems with this. Explains why I got moisture on my windows some mornings. Just assumed there was some humidity in the car.

Majorly bummed. What are the odds I can get the dealer to sand out and repaint the rust since I am under warranty.

Has anyone removed the two reinforcement bars in the bottom? I don't think anyone can do a good job of preventing more rust without doing it. I had an old honda with a trunk leak and it was like cancer.

Hoping to sell this thing. Problems so far:
1. Fuel pump failed and left me stranded at airport
2. Water pump recalled
3. Timing belt bolt fell out with massive oil leak
4. Now water in the back end with what I consider to be severe rust for a 3 year old car.

My 1984 Monte Carlo with 190K was more reliable when it was 14 years old.

 

There us a 10 year (i believe) rust warranty. This should be your friend.

I lol'd at the honda cancer reference. I, too had a cancer-ridden honda.

 

Had the same issue, but I caught it before the rust was too bad. I have 1 rust blister about 1.5 cm in diameter and I don't intend to pursue it.

In any event, the dealership wouldn't repair under warranty as car was 3 years old. Repair cost me €185 including parts and labour. Was in the shop for 48 hours as the repair sealant had to dry and couldn't get wet.

Had that done about 5 months ago, and have been bone dry since.

I'm a little pissed that I had to pay since I believe this is a manufacturing defect related to the sealing/waterproofing of the boot.

 

http://www.miniusa.com/faq.jsp?categ...q/warranties-m

Get it to the dealer ASAP.

 

So dealer says they see a leak in the seals of the barn doors where it was funneling down to the spare tire compartment and they are replacing in under warranty. He didn't think the corrosion would be covered because it's an external source. I said I if the seals didn't fail then I wouldn't have any rust. He says the body shop guys make the determination. Currently trying to remaining calm.

They referred me to the body shop so I called them by phone. The good news is the body shop guy said generally rust is not covered if its inside out but tends to be if its outside in. However, they would have to take a look at it and consult the guide book to find out.

My question is if the local dealer says no, is there any way to appeal through mini themselves. This seems like a no brainer to me but everyone is tiptoeing around it.