I'm faced with that situation and not sure how to go about it or what I'm facing. I just hit 7K today and I'm on my 3rd transmission, 2nd clutch, 2nd A/C copmpressor. The 2nd compressor needs to be replaced, the rear control arms are unbelievably noisy and since yesterday, the tranny is making a horrible clattering noise. I thought this was the throw-out bearing as it was only making the noise when the clutch was out, but I noticed on the way home that it doesn't matter anymore where the clutch is.

Why I haven't brought up the lemon thing until now is because of all the custom stuff I've done to it. But that can be switched out. I've had it! There is a comparable one on the lot, but like I said, there's a lot of stuff to switch out.

I called my SA about what to do, but I got her voicemail. I've looked up the lemon law here in Texas and I most certainly qualify, but there's all sorts of stuff about certified letters to the manufacturer and the state, plus filing fees and a hearing.

For those of you who've done it, did your dealership just do it without all the hassle? Or, did you actually have to go thru all the red tape first? Yes, I could give them an opportunity to fix it again, but how long before something else goes out? It's only taken 2 months/4K miles for the tranny to have issues again. The A/C and the control arm issues have been on going for two months, but I was trying to live with them until the first oil change. This car is as reliable as my old Fiat, and that's saying something.

I'd just like to know what I'm up against. Please help!

 

I won't be much help here, but if that was my car with all of those repeat problems I'd sure as heck lemon law that bad boy.

 

You could always get the price towards a specced '07? :-)

 

Don't think I haven't tried to build one online! But, everything that is on my car now won't be released for the 07s until March. I just can't wait that long.

 

That quantity of problems would drive me nuts unless they were giving me a 911 as a loaner. I would get rid of that car and get another.

We've put 55k on 2 different Minis and have had only one sort-of major problem with the power steering fan on the new car. I think if you started over with a new Mini you'd have much better luck.

BTW, what year and model is your car?

 

2006 MC. Built 7/11, delivered 9/4.

 

You have waited along time to get a car that you never have because its always at the dealer, not to mention its cost! If i was you i would turn it in, and then make the dealer put all of your custom stuff on the new one(THERE IS ALOT!!) BTW, i would talk to the SA. She is the one that will make that decision, well her and the other one...

 

I would say go with the Lemon Law. A lot of times, you won't even have to go through the hassle. My mother-in-law had a similar story to yours (several different issues that kept recurring over and over) and she kept going to the dealer to get them fixed and finally when she started talking Lemon Laws they agreed to just order her a new car to her specs, and basically just traded her for the lemon car. There was very little paperwork involved, no more than buying a new car, she said.

But if it doesn't work out that easily for you, definitely push them and get it done.

 

I remember some on in the marketplace selling some aftermarket parts because his 2006 was replaced by the lemon law.

 

Actually, Adam, I'm lucking out on that one. According to my MA, he believes it goes one higher (the regional director). Whew!

 

What a headache!

Send an email to MiniMeg06. His wife's MCS had a lot of serious issues and MINI bought the car back. He can probably fill you in on what the process entails.

Before there were lemon laws (1977), I had a brand new VW Rabbit. I owned it for 51 weeks and 3 days. It was in the dealer's repair shop 53 times in one year - 94 days total. just before the warranty was to expire, I brought the car back to the sales manager, handed him the keys and I walked out the door. The bank considered it a voluntary reposession and my credit was shot for maybe, ten years.

After three attempts at repairing the vehicle, for the same issue (and new transmissions are a major issue), I believe you'd qualify under your state's lemon law. If it were up to me, I pursue getting the vehicle replaced with a new one.

Keep us posted.

 

put the car back to stock. ASAP.
Next read up on your lemon law stuff, and just start the paper work..... But each state is different, so you may get some insight from others, but only those that did it in your state can really give you pertinant details.

Good luck!

Matt

 

I guess it's lucky for me that I haven't had the car in my possesion long enough to really do anything to it! I'll change out my Remus exhaust for the stock one tonight, but that's it (except my parcel shelf). All my custom work was done by the dealership before I picked it up, so that's all on them.

 

There is nothing on the car that is not a MINI part, except some interior items, which were installed before delivery when the car was in the hands of the dealer...

 

because it could have provided cover for Mini....

So now it's the long, excruciating task of turning the crank....

Good luck, I'd hate to have to go through that.....

Matt

 

I suggest you go read the OL. Several threads in there, last time I read it, about people and the Lemon Law ... taking cars back, etc.

 

they're all lemons to a degree. let's be honest . but i've never ever had as much fun making lemonade.!

 

Took it by a MINI/BMW shop today to get an outside oppinion. They listened to the noise and gave me the best/worst news...another transmission issue, not clutch. Worst as in, oh no...not again...I think I'm going to cry. Best as in Yea! This will mean transmission #4! Hard to deny the lemon issue there.

The Remus is off and the stock back on. I even took out my parcel shelf and glove box organiser. I was going to borrow my mom's MCSc and drop it off tomorrow, but she's under the weather so I'll have to wait until my Tuesday appt. to get it in so I can have a loaner.

I did stop by the dealership today since I never got a return phone call. I was advised to call ASKMINI, write an email to the manager of the dealership....and get a lawyer (my favourite part of the conversation). ASKMINI (Jason) couldn't have been nicer and agreed that they need to get me into a different car, but that it wasn't his decision and he would call the dealership tomorrow and then call me back with the results.

I just want a car free of tranny issues!!!

 

I'm sorry to hear you're having all these problems with your new MC, Kris. I hope it all works out in the end.

 

Always follow the procedure, and if it doesn't work, then at least a judge will look more favorably on you in his decision.

 

Sent off the email yesterday to several people at the dealership in various positions. Even though I requested the manager to contact me upon receipt of the email, I have yet to hear from anyone. But, someone did roll one of the loaners today, so I guess the dealership was busy. Haven't heard back from MINIUSA either.

 

My dealership called this afternoon and asked to bump my appointment from tomorrow morning to Wed. afternoon so the regional tech guy "could ride with me and discuss what's going on" with my car. Trust me, he doesn't need to ride with me to hear the noises coming from my car. It's loud enough just idling in the driveway. I'm thinking (being paranoid I'm sure) that he wants to see how I drive a manual tranny.

MINIUSA called me tonight to say that BMW/MINI is now involved with my problem and that they were sending a rep to look at my car. I told Jason that the dealership had called...blah, blah, blah...and he said that yes, the regional guy was the same person he was referring to and that he would be the one to make the decision as to what to do with my car.

So, I guess by Wednesday, I'll have a better idea what's going on I guess.

 

good luck, hope it gets resolved without leaving a bad taste in your mouth. It seems they should take it back with that list of issues fixed or not!

 

Man, this is a BAD situation. GBMiniGirl, I really hope you get taken care in the best way possible. I am happy to hear BMW/MINI is on the case now too, and not just your dealer.

Best of luck in the future, and Happy Holidays

 

Wondering how it went with Regional tech? I am waiting for the same thing with my mini, so far been waiting along time. I hope it went well and the tech is going to sort out your mini.