R56 MCS - 2 months in
Discussion
My wife has had her R56 model Mini Cooper S for just over 2 months now and I thought I would drop a quick report in as to how it is going.
On the whole, the car is fantastic. Much nicer that the previous MCS's we have had ('04' MCS, '04' JCW and '55' Checkmate).
Despite the power figures this one feels much punchier and quicker than the previous model. It is a much nicer long distance cruiser too thanks to additional refinement. The seats are more comfortable (we have full leather) and cabin quality is much improved.
We are having to deal with some teething issues though (and I gather we are not the only ones). The gearbox makes a nasty whine noise when dropping down into second while decelerating (I suspect either clutch issue/release bearing). The cabin has a nasty fuel/fume smell for a couple of minutes after first starting and there is some irritating wind noise at 70mph plus from what seems like the rear of the car (not massively intrusive, but irritating especially given the rest of the improvement in refinement).
The joys of getting one of the first ones!
However, despite the issues, whoever is driving it always seems to have a big smile on his/her face.
On the whole, the car is fantastic. Much nicer that the previous MCS's we have had ('04' MCS, '04' JCW and '55' Checkmate).
Despite the power figures this one feels much punchier and quicker than the previous model. It is a much nicer long distance cruiser too thanks to additional refinement. The seats are more comfortable (we have full leather) and cabin quality is much improved.
We are having to deal with some teething issues though (and I gather we are not the only ones). The gearbox makes a nasty whine noise when dropping down into second while decelerating (I suspect either clutch issue/release bearing). The cabin has a nasty fuel/fume smell for a couple of minutes after first starting and there is some irritating wind noise at 70mph plus from what seems like the rear of the car (not massively intrusive, but irritating especially given the rest of the improvement in refinement).
The joys of getting one of the first ones!
However, despite the issues, whoever is driving it always seems to have a big smile on his/her face.
Hi there,
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
jonlwright said:
.....and there is some irritating wind noise at 70mph plus from what seems like the rear of the car (not massively intrusive, but irritating especially given the rest of the improvement in refinement).
Have you got the factory bodykit fitted? I understand rear wind noise is an issue with this kit. I tested a kitted version before ordering ours and the noise was detectable at speed.tiger333888 said:
Hi there,
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
Thanks Tiger, I am dealing with the issues at the moment at the dealer. They told me they could not see any fuel leaks, but the smell is still there and they are looking into the 'box noise too. Apparantly, a 'top' Mini engineer from head office is coming out to the dealer tomorrow and they are picking up our car so they can take another look with him.
I'll keep the Forum informed as to the outcome :-)
tvrbob said:
jonlwright said:
.....and there is some irritating wind noise at 70mph plus from what seems like the rear of the car (not massively intrusive, but irritating especially given the rest of the improvement in refinement).
Have you got the factory bodykit fitted? I understand rear wind noise is an issue with this kit. I tested a kitted version before ordering ours and the noise was detectable at speed.No, no body kit - the dealer was about to put one on to use the car for the launch, but I bought it 4 days before launch and told them not to bother so they used their other car instead.
The sales guy I bought it from is using an R56 MCS and he said he has noticed the same noise too on his. See how many others complain about it as they become more common and maybe there might be a 'fix' released.
jonlwright said:
The sales guy I bought it from is using an R56 MCS and he said he has noticed the same noise too on his. See how many others complain about it as they become more common and maybe there might be a 'fix' released.
Very odd. I have noticed this on another as stated above but our R56 MCS does not have this problem. 
jonlwright said:
tiger333888 said:
Hi there,
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
Glad you are enjoying the car, but there is a matter you should get looked at - the smell of fuel fumes.
A number of other owners are reporting this on mini2.com (another mini forum). Not sure if you know, but during Dec/Jan there was a big delay in getting MCS out of the factory as the plant discovered that some were fitted with a faulty fuel pump (bad batch) - this meant most MCS were manually checked to see if it was affected - resulting in the delayed delivery. There is a small chance some got through the net.
Basically what is happening is that these faulty pumps may be leaking fuel into the engine area - dangerous - and so that's why you get the fumes blowing through the vents on start up, after a journey before. Anyway I'm no expert on this stuff, but this is feasible.
Get it sorted - for the health of the car and the passengers (can't be healthy breathing in this stuff) - most dealers are aware of this issue.
Tiger!!
Thanks Tiger, I am dealing with the issues at the moment at the dealer. They told me they could not see any fuel leaks, but the smell is still there and they are looking into the 'box noise too. Apparantly, a 'top' Mini engineer from head office is coming out to the dealer tomorrow and they are picking up our car so they can take another look with him.
I'll keep the Forum informed as to the outcome :-)
sounds promising that mini are sending a chap from HQ. They probably know exactly what to look for as dealers are still very green about these new type mini's - good luck with it all.
From what I read about the fuel pump problem, tell the engineer to look under the bonnet immediately after a run with the car, that's there will be visible signs of petrol. If you leave it, the fuel with evaporate with the heat, apparently. Oh, get over to www.mini2.com - much more active mini forum with excellent knowledgble mini folk. All new cars have teething probs so don't worry to much, all warranty work. I know people who splashed out 60k on new mercs which had more gremlins and faults!!
Well, I did say I would keep the forum up to date.
After the Mini engineer came to look at the car he immediately stated that the car was not to be started and to order the new fuel pump - so could not even investigate the gearbox/clutch issue.
Sadly, it then took 4 weeks to sort out the fuel pump. When this was finally resolved last week mini said there would not be a fix for the gearbox for a while as they are working on the issue currently.
The car has been taken back by the dealer and we were given a full refund.
Sad to see it go, could have had a new one - but concerns that we would end up with similar problems. Thought it best to get something else for now and maybe try again in 6-12 months time.
After the Mini engineer came to look at the car he immediately stated that the car was not to be started and to order the new fuel pump - so could not even investigate the gearbox/clutch issue.
Sadly, it then took 4 weeks to sort out the fuel pump. When this was finally resolved last week mini said there would not be a fix for the gearbox for a while as they are working on the issue currently.
The car has been taken back by the dealer and we were given a full refund.
Sad to see it go, could have had a new one - but concerns that we would end up with similar problems. Thought it best to get something else for now and maybe try again in 6-12 months time.
Did you get the refund based on all the faults or just the gearbox?
Only ask as my new Cooper is doing just what you described. When I drop from 3rd to 2nd under a bit of load it makes a kind of screach! It doesnt do it if I'm bimbling along... Just in the middle of mailing my dealer but if they can't fix it... Buggar!
Only ask as my new Cooper is doing just what you described. When I drop from 3rd to 2nd under a bit of load it makes a kind of screach! It doesnt do it if I'm bimbling along... Just in the middle of mailing my dealer but if they can't fix it... Buggar!
Sorry to hear about this. It would seem from reading numerous threads over on mini2.com that quite a few owners are looking at rejecting the car based upon the gearbox issue (and numerous others like leaks, exterior trim breaking off and the hifi upgrade speakers not working). Some owners even having to pay for courtesy cars while their vehicles were been looked at. Which cannot be good for customer relations!
Like you say probably a good idea to return to the brand once these problems have been ironed out, its good to hear that your faith in MINI hasnt been completley ruined, as I am sure once the car is sorted it will be a great car to live with!
Hi john Im sorry we couldnt sort the problem out completely and hope The overall service we gave was good. I spoke to your wife when she gave it back and she seemed sorry to see it go. It's a lovely specced car. Good luck with the new car you bought.
Paul. MINI sales team warrington.
Paul. MINI sales team warrington.
this is in no way supposed to sound smug and knobish because i do feel sorry for you and i don't see why manufacturer's can't get cars right before they go on sale...
...but because they can't, that's why i'll never buy a car within its first year of release*. i'd rather forgoe some residual strength for a lack of hastle.
*although to be fair i can't see myslef ever buying a nbrand new car agin. i am glad i did this time because i got exactly what i wanted and i'll keep it a while so depreciation less of a pain. but in the future i think i'll buy used (especially seeing as this car's replacement will more than likely be a mk6 golf gti or mk3 octavia vrs wagon)...
We rejected it due to all the problems as a whole and the problems with Mini UK getting replacement parts for the fuel issue and not having a fix for the gearbox. Also there was a very excessive wind noise issue at 70mph too that was concerning.
Dealer has been very good (thanks for your comments Paul) in dealing with it and although there were a couple of times I felt the service department could have had better communication - at the end of the day the faults were a product issue with Mini(BMW) not the dealer.
Yes, very sad to see it go, but I think we will definitely be in another one once the issues have been sorted (and maybe when Mini launch the JCW version!! ;-))
Best of luck with the rest of your Minis. If the only problem you have is the gearbox, it may be worth just hanging on for a fix from Mini as I do not believe it gets any worse and we simply just stopped downshifting in second while we had it. Definitely log the issue with the dealer sooner rather than later though so at least there is a record of it in the mean time.
Dealer has been very good (thanks for your comments Paul) in dealing with it and although there were a couple of times I felt the service department could have had better communication - at the end of the day the faults were a product issue with Mini(BMW) not the dealer.
Yes, very sad to see it go, but I think we will definitely be in another one once the issues have been sorted (and maybe when Mini launch the JCW version!! ;-))
Best of luck with the rest of your Minis. If the only problem you have is the gearbox, it may be worth just hanging on for a fix from Mini as I do not believe it gets any worse and we simply just stopped downshifting in second while we had it. Definitely log the issue with the dealer sooner rather than later though so at least there is a record of it in the mean time.
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