Below is the BMW answer I recieve to my questions concerning why the recall for the cooper was not posted on the web site and routine oil changes.
If I have to take a car 150 just for an oil change does anyone think that is reasonable?

I love the condesending tone of the message!

In a message dated 08/06/2002 10:58:49 Central Daylight Time, MINI.Assistance@askMINIUSA.COM writes:


Hi Jim, thanks for writing in.

Good suggestions but the reason we don't post the recall notice on the website is that we don't want to alarm and worry people who aren't affected. We have issued letters to those customers affected by the recall with information about it and the steps they need to take to get it repaired.

The MINI can only be serviced under warranty at authorized MINI Dealerships.

MINI Dealers are affiliated with BMW Centers. However, only MINI Dealers are trained and equipped with the special tools to properly repair and service the MINI. Thus, we don't recommend that the customer service their MINI themselves. If you need a simple part, such as windshield wipers, your parts department at your MINI dealer can provide you with the part number and also order the needed part on your behalf and then ship it to your home. Please keep in mind that the first scheduled service is set for around 10,000 miles, depending on how the car is driven. Thereafter, service intervals are set around every 15,000 miles (again depending on how the car is driven). This includes oil changes as well.

My apologies for your frustration, I hope this helps explain the reasoning behind our actions. Please let us know if you have any more questions.

Sincerely,
Jen Schuelke
MINI Division
Customer Relations


--Original Message--

First name: Jim
Last name: Windham

question/comment:
You should have the detail info for MINI owners by VIN number on your web site concerning the most recent recall.

You should have details on specific parts and items for servicing the MINI that the customer can do between dealer service since the dealers are usually very distant from the customer,s home.

For example oil filters, air filters, windshield wipers.





My frustration is that the reasoning behind you policies is flawed. If you expect the MINI to become as popular as the 60's version BMW has to be more willing to allow the customer to tinker with the vehicle.

Taking a car 150 mile for an oil change is not only an unreasonable expectation by BMW but also the worst customer answer I have ever received.

If I have to take my car to Atlanta for an oil change BMW need to rethink their
routine maintenance support of the MINI to include BMW dealers nationwide.

When someone asks me if they should buy a MINI the first thing I will tell them is
that routine maintenance is a pain in the butt.

Please answer the following questions:
If I change my own oil and filter and air filters does it negate my warranty?
What effect does the addition of after market modifications below have my
the warranty?
Rogue Engineering 's 1. Exhaust for the MINI Cooper S.
2. Cold Air Intake
3. High Flow Air Filter

Is BMW going to offer the HP increase options through their MINI dealership to upgrate the chip, exhaust, etc?

Jim Windham

 

I thought it was a pretty legit response from MINI?

 

It seemed like a reasonable answer from BMW to me as well. After all, we knew how far the nearest dealer was when we bought out MINI's. Do you really want a BMW mechanic who has not been trained on MINI's servicing yours? I've seen nothing suggesting you can't change the oil yourself but the warranty maintenence certainly should be done at an authorised service center.

 

Seems like a totally standard response to me... although recalls SHOULD be posted on their website. Forget alarming non-affected drivers, how about some reasurance to the affected drivers? And of course they don't want you to do anything yourself. They don't want to have to fight with you if you screw something else, and them blame it on the car.

Rocketboy_X

 

>>I thought it was a pretty legit response from MINI?>>>


I agree...

 

Consider this though.

I bought a MINI british flag accessorie directly from BMW. They suggested strongly that I have them put it on, because then it would be covered by warranty. So, I head off to the service desk to inquire.

"Oh no," they say, "we have never put one on, you would be better off going to our "designated" body shop, they do it all the time". So I call their body shop.

"Uh sure," they say, "we can give it a try." A try?? BMW tells me you guys have the experience necessary to put this thing on right. So what about the warranty on it?

"OH NO, we won't guarantee anything" they say. Well what if you guys screw it up I ask. "Well I guess that's a risk your going to have to decide if you want to take" they say.

And so on it goes.......

So, how much are you going to charge me for experimenting with a $180 dollar vinyl flag, I ask. "$250.00" he responds.

Anyone care to guess what my response was.

So, the moral is. Buy the parts and do it yourself, or find an expert in you local area, because chances are they have just as much experience with the new Mini as BMW dealership do.

 

>>So, the moral is. Buy the parts and do it yourself, or find an expert in you local area, because chances are they have just as much experience with the new Mini as BMW dealership do.
>>

I'm not suprised that they steered you to 'their' body shop, as most dealers (in my experience) don't really do body work. But a better moral would be to ask before you buy anything...

Rocketboy_X

 

I got the recall notice, took my Mini into the dealer and after an hour in the shop, they tell me that my car is not one of the cars affected. So, Why did I receive the notice in the first place? Is this a standard recall notice that is sent to every Mini owner regardless if your exact mini is affected.

 

Hmmmm..... Sounds contradictory to the email response posted in first message of this Topic.

 

Just out of curiosity, but what recall and is this the only one recall since the debut? Thanks!
-Otto

 

>>Just out of curiosity, but what recall and is this the only one recall since the debut? Thanks!
>>-Otto

Otto,
Call or email miniusa.com
I think the only recall on the Cooper
is the pin in the transmission linkage.
Give them your VIN and they should be
able to tell you....
But don't be surprised if they say....
"Dude...what's a Mini??"

 

Wait, if I want a windshield wiper, I can't just go to the store to buy one? I need to order it from the dealer?

 

I say screwem and use Amsoil for your oil changes.

 

You are mighty right. Amsol is the way to go. Also use it for transmission. I use it
in my 87 Mercedes 420SEL and I swear it corrected a little hesitation. That was at
85,0000 and am now at 148,000. Will change to this with Navagator at 1st service,
transmission and all. I am not a dealer and not looking to be a dealer.