Hi folks, I have a 2009 Cooper S, 19.5k miles, well looked after, I'm the second owner. Bought from mini of san francisco with extended warranty and maintenance included. I drive it like an old fart.

Over the last 2k miles or so I've noticed a rattle or looseness in the steering, I'm almost certain it is a bad tie rod joint (inner or outer, haven't explored).

My trunk lid was leaking too so I took it to mini of concord to have them fix everything. They seemed enthusiastic and also did a free oil change and wash/vacuum, also strangely they put new windscreen wipers on even though I didn't need them and listed it as 'customer complains about streaking'....

Anyway they said they found a bad motor mount (although I don't really know if it was) and put a new one in, when I picked it up the steering problem was still there. (all you have to do is start the engine and turn the wheel rapidly back and forth about 10 degrees and it goes...clunk...clunk...clunk).

I told them it wasn't fixed and had to bring it back again, long story short after arguing with the 'tech' and the shop foreman I got tired (after 1.5 hours) and gave up, they claim its normal but I don't feel it is acceptable. What should I do, the clunking is quite bad and when I go over small frequent bumps it clunks too, rattly kind through the steering.
Should I just take it somewhere else or complain to Mini USA?

I don't understand why they want to 'fix' things that aren't broken but refuse to change a tie rod?

Any help would be appreciated

Chris

 

Yes, I think they should cover pretty much anything that you don't purposely break.

If that particular dealer is giving you grief about it the easiest solution would probably be to try a different dealer.

 

I'd get in touch with the service manager and politely explain that it's not fixed properly. Offer to take a tech on a ride in the car to show them what you're referring to.

Sounds like it should be covered to me.

 

I did both, the tech at first and then the service manager. The tech tried to tell me it was the 'tires' at first LOL and then said its normal, I kept pushing so spoke to the service manager and he said the same thing, normal and they wouldn't fix it.

I think I'll go another dealership. Thanks everyone!

 

That's what I would do.