Mini F56 door pillar paint rub

[Jibaro]

Have noticed recently that the paint on the drivers-side door jam of my partner's beloved 2014 Mini Cooper has rubbed right through where it is rubbing against the door seal. A quick look on the internet returns some results, it seems that others have had the same issue and it is due to overly abrasive door seals. However I haven't seen any recent posts on how BMW/Mini are handling this under warranty (or not). We took the car to the nearest dealer the other day who we've serviced the car two months ago (and didn't note anything on their bodywork check), but it must be said they were a bit gormless when it came to this issue. They don't have a body shop at that branch so suggested taking it somewhere else. I'd arranged a body shop repair through the same place when it was a BMW branded showroom some years ago but it seems they don't have the same services there now its Mini branded. I gave Mini customer services a call this morning to hopefully be "pre-armed' before making a journey further afield, but they claimed no knowledge of the issue. They confirmed that I would have to take it to a dealer with body shop, but my nearest one isn't open on Saturdays for that sort of query so it will have to be next week now.

So my question is has anyone had any experience lately on getting this issue repaired under warranty? Do they have some softer door seals they fit and do they repair the paint damage? Any info gratefully received, as I am struggling to persuade my partner to take time out of work to go to another dealer and waste another half hour trying to coax an adviser from out behind their desk

[johnan]

A couple of years ago I noticed the paint rub on my f56 Mini door pillar and put clear tape over the area to protect it, and reported it.
Nothing happened until last year when a modification to the abrasive door seals was produced and a mod approved for existing cars which involves replacing the seals, applying protective tape and repainting and making good any damage.

It is a well known repair and I and many others have had it done.
If your dealer is unaware of it contact head office, or get them to contact Mini head office again to get verification and get the work done.
Of course they should know about it, perhaps ring around some dealers service departments to see if they have done the work. Just about all f56 MINIS OF 2014 to 2015 will have damaged paint on the door pillars and it is a warranty issue.

Edited by johnan on Sunday 4th September 18:58

[Jibaro]

Thanks Johnan, I did contact Mini Head Office but they claimed no knowledge, although they didn't go away and check, and said take it to a dealer with body shop. I did take it to a large dealer with bodyshop yesterday, and they also claimed no knowledge. On mentioning that I had found some info on the internet about other owners having rectification work, they agreed to take photos and try to get the go ahead on a warranty repair, so we will wait and see what happens.

Our car was serviced only a few months ago and this issue was not highlighted to us on the body condition check, so the Mini dealers may not be actively rectifying this fault, even if in reality it is a well known issue to those in the know. So hopefully if anyone is browsing the forum with an early F56 who sees this post they will check their door jams for damage - and will not feel too disheartened if they initially get stonewalled

[Boogs]

My wife's had this. Dealer apparently waiting for advice from MINI but isn't calling back. Need to chase them again, so thanks for the reminder. It's been several weeks now.

[Boogs]

It's finally going in tomorrow for the modification to be done. Will report back.

[Jibaro]

Ours is going in Tuesday for the repair work and new parts..

[Boogs]

Could you find out what they actually do please. Ours has been in 3 times, they have had it for a total of 6 days and they have done absolutely nothing.

I'd like to go in with the definitive detail of what needs doing. Getting quite frustrated with this.

If you could get the service bulletin number that would be fantastic.

Thanks

[Jibaro]

Sorry for delay replying, I missed this as I'm usually on another board here on PH.

The Mini has now been done twice, and will have to return again for some remedial work (to fix squeaky/rattling door trims and a misaligned door handle, and fit a new VIN sticker when it eventually arrives from Germany). The fix involves fitting new rubber seals (which feel just as rough to me as the old ones!), respraying the door shut, and fitting some protective film over the bit that rubs. I am afraid I don't know the technical service bulletin number, and do not have further details of the job as you do not even get any paperwork for it. Which does surprise me a bit as you used to get a Mini Warranty certificate for any paintwork done, but not warranty work apparently

[Gordo997]

Is anyone else still having this problem? We bought a new JCW hatch last October and now the paint is clearly damaged on both door pillars. The rubber seal also feels very rough at the level where it's rubbing on the door although the rest of the seal feels ok. Had thought this problem would have been sorted on new cars by the time we got ours but obviously not.

Not too keen on having my car painted either to sort it so wondering what others have had done to fix it. Maybe applying some sort of protective film would help?

[daydotz]

Ive applied 3m clear flim & to be honest completely forgot about the issue it seems to have solved my concerns

[Hammy98]

I've just put a deposit down on an S and noticed this, pointed out to the dealer and they said they've noticed it on a few of their cars - repairing it for handover.