There is a rumour in the OL that some people are getting letters from MINI concerning a battery recall. Those were the words used but I see no recall at DOT or in the TSBs? Anyone get a letter?

 

My husband called MINI USA last week to ask if they were doing anything about the recent engine bay fires. During their conversation, the MINI representative mentioned the battery recall. Our September 2003 build Cooper is affected by the recall. We haven't received a letter in the mail.

I'm using the recall as an excuse to get an Optima Red Top battery instead. BMW batteries like the one in my old 328i used to include ports through which you could top off the electrolyte with distilled water - but no more. Non-serviceable batteries = more batteries sold by BMW/MINI dealers.

 

I recieved a letter from MINI today stating and I quote “Here at MINI, we are completely commited to our MINI owners by delivering the ultimate in product and service satisfaction. Our interest in your vehicle doesn’t stop with the sale, it continues throughout the vehicle’s warranty period and beyond…….yadda, yadda, yadda !!!"

Basically, they are saying that the battery could go out and they will replace it. It kind of upsets me that they want to replace a battery, but they won’t replace my steering column with the upgraded one. I just can’t justify driving 4 hours away to get another MINI battery. Then that’s wear and tear on my crappy Midland R65 gearbox which seems like it will go out anytime now. I’m not trying to complain, but it’s kind of funny at the same time.

 

My 2003 MC is in the shop right now getting the battery replaced due going out. The motoring advisor told me that there was a recall going on for the 02's and the 03's would probably be next for the battery recall.

 

ok...

Who knows what build dates are affected by this battery recall? I had my original battery replaced last August under warranty, but if there is a recall going on I will be sure and get another one before my warranty craps out in January.

build date: 12/6/02

 

ive yet to receive such notice.

 

Thats right our 04 Mini gets a new battery. I just love free stuff.

 

do you have any more details on this?

 

Threads Merged

 

Got mine yesterday. I find it surprisingly funny that they talk about quality of service and then say they are hands off when it comes to crappy service allowed at most SoCal dealers. Still I'll call Bib Snith and have them do the switch.

 

The letter states.

Mini division's quality monitoring has revealed that the battery in your vehicle may have reduced service life resulting in battery failure. In some cases,it would not be possible to start the vehicle. To ensure that your vehicle remains in perfect operating condition,we would like to replace the battery.

 

I called MINI and they told me my 2003 MCS was not affected by the battery recall.

 

Well i seriously doubt they would say... it has been known that MINI's fitting yoru model year have had battery fires.

:O)

 

It would be sad to see our baby on fire.

 

I got my letter yesterday.

 

hope i get mine soon... i was about to replace it with my yellow top i got
in the garage.

 

We received our recall letter in today's mail.

 

Is this for both MCs and MCSs? Any idea of the build dates affected?

 

Not just So Cal baby it happens here in SF Bay Area too.

 

I thought my recall was for my current 06 MC, but after checking the VIN, I've discovered that is was for my old 04.

 

I have not received a recall notice from MINI, but got one from my car on Friday! I was in Lompoc, CA nearly 300 miles from my home in San Diego when I went to start my '03 MCS and nothing happened. Oh, a few lights lit up and it sounded like the starter solenoid was engaging, but no turny over!
Thankfully, MINI will tow your car to a dealer within 50 miles of the nearest dealer, so instead of Calabassas, it is in Long Beach.

So, now we await a new battery. Oh yeah, there is a nationwide backorder for the things!

I was fortunate that I was at a study club meeting and there was another member from So. Cal. and he took me to San Juan Cap. and then I took the Amtrak home from there.

So, nobody hold there breath for a battery.

Dave
2003 DS/B MCS, who spent Friday saying,"I should have bought the Acura!"

 

I got the letter, but already replaced the battery at my own expense last summer. Anyone think I have a shot at getting some or all of my expense reimbursed by MINIUSA?

Oh, and FYI: I you try to get a DieHard to replace the MINI MC battery you will find:
a. they don't make one that fits exactly (mine needed an adapter to make it stand taller in the box)
and
b. they refer to this as a "euro battery" which doubles the cost. Must be some sort of currency conversion charge (Dollars to Euros back to Dollars = more money for Sears).

 

I had mine replaced two months ago on my nichel. If I get the letter, you bet I'm taking it and the receipt back to MINI and ask for a refund

 

That so sucks, just another way of not being able to keep we owners happy. Hello dealers Stevie Wonder called to say he could see the battrey shortage coming, how about stocking up on them then announce that we got a problem

 

Score another one for the MINI USA parts network.