ARGH!!! so mad at Mini Dealership!!!
Discussion
Need some advice guys, sorry it's not TVR-related...
So, we bought a very nice Mini Cooper from a Mini dealership some distance from home last June; '03 plate, 1 previous owner from new, 55,000 miles, full Mini service history, Chilli pack or whatever its called, etc etc.
Now, after about 8 months and lower-than-average mileage, it's gone into the local Mini dealer for new brake pads as the light came on, only to have em call back and say it needs pads & discs all round (£440), 3 tyres (£375 - runflats) and new front suspension bushes (£341)!!!! The total bill would be £1156.
I've told em to do the brakes as we really need it on the road and can't keep takin too much time out of work... but obviously I'm not getting tyres from them, or the suspension bushes, as both those prices seem ludicrous. (I know, I know, the brake price is high as well, but figured I'd have better success with any complaint if the work was done at another Mini dealer)
Does anyone have any experience of gettin compensation out of the selling dealer in a similar situation?
The car came with the standard 12 month Mini warranty and 'MOT Cover', but obviously they exclude 'wear and tear' items such as pads & discs, and probably the suspension bushes too...
Thanks in advance, any and all advice appreciated.
So, we bought a very nice Mini Cooper from a Mini dealership some distance from home last June; '03 plate, 1 previous owner from new, 55,000 miles, full Mini service history, Chilli pack or whatever its called, etc etc.
Now, after about 8 months and lower-than-average mileage, it's gone into the local Mini dealer for new brake pads as the light came on, only to have em call back and say it needs pads & discs all round (£440), 3 tyres (£375 - runflats) and new front suspension bushes (£341)!!!! The total bill would be £1156.
I've told em to do the brakes as we really need it on the road and can't keep takin too much time out of work... but obviously I'm not getting tyres from them, or the suspension bushes, as both those prices seem ludicrous. (I know, I know, the brake price is high as well, but figured I'd have better success with any complaint if the work was done at another Mini dealer)
Does anyone have any experience of gettin compensation out of the selling dealer in a similar situation?
The car came with the standard 12 month Mini warranty and 'MOT Cover', but obviously they exclude 'wear and tear' items such as pads & discs, and probably the suspension bushes too...
Thanks in advance, any and all advice appreciated.
I'd be suprised if you get anything back from the dealer, these are all wear and tear parts not normally covered by warranty.
Buying from a dealer does not guarantee that any work will not be required in the future.
The car has done 50K miles things will wear out did you not check the tyre depth when purchasing the car?
If I was the dealer I think I would be pointing you back out the door.
Buying from a dealer does not guarantee that any work will not be required in the future.
The car has done 50K miles things will wear out did you not check the tyre depth when purchasing the car?
If I was the dealer I think I would be pointing you back out the door.
I owned a JCW Mini last year and IIRC the MOT cover states that they will cover any cost on items that need doing to get the car through the next MOT if they perform the MOT? put it in for MOT and see what they say.
Otherwise, make a complaint to BMW HQ, if you have only done sensible mileage they must have sold you it in this condition.
Don't buy anymore run flats, they are utter toilet, for the price of 2 runflats you can get 4 proper tyres, they will transform the cars handling from very bouncy to amazingly grippy, they also grip in the wet, run flats don't.
Good luck though, I've owned several BMW's and forums are full of stories where dealers won't provide fixes under warranty, they will do anything to avoid warranty repairs as they are franchises and have to claim this back from BMW directly which is very painful so I understand.
Have a look on one of the mini forums, there may be some good advice there.
Mags
Otherwise, make a complaint to BMW HQ, if you have only done sensible mileage they must have sold you it in this condition.
Don't buy anymore run flats, they are utter toilet, for the price of 2 runflats you can get 4 proper tyres, they will transform the cars handling from very bouncy to amazingly grippy, they also grip in the wet, run flats don't.
Good luck though, I've owned several BMW's and forums are full of stories where dealers won't provide fixes under warranty, they will do anything to avoid warranty repairs as they are franchises and have to claim this back from BMW directly which is very painful so I understand.
Have a look on one of the mini forums, there may be some good advice there.
Mags
Should've said in the OP, not too concerned about the tyres, as I did check at the time of purchase and knew there was only about 3mm left on them, and no, I won't be replacing with run-flats! already ordered 4 Toyo's 
Obviously the 12 month warranty has disclaimers left right and centre, and especially re: wear & tear items. But I don't feel that discs and bush replacements after 9 months is reasonable on a low mileage car; we've done about 5.5k since buying it, so I'm guessing it would've been apparent that the bushes needed replacing, and probably clear that the discs were thin as well.
I'm going to try to appeal to the dealers better nature in a semi-nice letter. Failing that I think I'll write to BMW HQ, but before anyone says it, I'm not about to go small claims court on their a55 or anything like that, I know I've not got a legal leg to stand on. I really can't wait til I've got some space to work on my cars. Living here is really starting to pi55 me off! (on a busy main road with no off-road parking)
Obviously the 12 month warranty has disclaimers left right and centre, and especially re: wear & tear items. But I don't feel that discs and bush replacements after 9 months is reasonable on a low mileage car; we've done about 5.5k since buying it, so I'm guessing it would've been apparent that the bushes needed replacing, and probably clear that the discs were thin as well.
I'm going to try to appeal to the dealers better nature in a semi-nice letter. Failing that I think I'll write to BMW HQ, but before anyone says it, I'm not about to go small claims court on their a55 or anything like that, I know I've not got a legal leg to stand on. I really can't wait til I've got some space to work on my cars. Living here is really starting to pi55 me off! (on a busy main road with no off-road parking)
Take a look at Euro car spares - they often give a good indication of how much the parts cost.
Often using the original manufacturer .. which is then repackaged by BMW etc..
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/Car-Parts
Often using the original manufacturer .. which is then repackaged by BMW etc..
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/Car-Parts
rev-erend said:
Take a look at Euro car spares - they often give a good indication of how much the parts cost.
Often using the original manufacturer .. which is then repackaged by BMW etc..
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/Car-Parts
Looks like a good site with good prices. Now all I need is a drive or even a garden I could obliterate! Hoping to move house later this year, can't wait to start getting my hands dirty, from the looks of it I'll be saving a fortune.Often using the original manufacturer .. which is then repackaged by BMW etc..
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/Car-Parts
Are you sure the discs need replacing? This is usually a classic dealer trick "needs new brakes guv". Won't just changing pads suffice.
Edited to add: Are you really as mad as the thread title suggests? Perhaps some councilling will suit sur?
Edited to add: Are you really as mad as the thread title suggests? Perhaps some councilling will suit sur?
Edited by Targarama on Wednesday 17th March 15:15
Targarama said:
Are you sure the discs need replacing? This is usually a classic dealer trick "needs new brakes guv". Won't just changing pads suffice.
This does seem to be a bit of a common scam amongst some workshops. Ask them what the minimum permitted thickness is (they should know but it's usually stamped on the disc) and what the actual measured thickness is. Tell them that you want the old discs as well if you go ahead. Personally, I'd be checking the discs myself, and if needed replacing, do it myself, along with the pads, again if necessary. Modern cars are usually pretty straightforward, even without a manual. Shouldn't take a non-pro more than 3-4 hours going slowly. 7.
It's a sad fact that modern cars have consumable discs .. strange that they seem to wear out in the 3~5 year mark to encourage you to trade to a new model.
The up side is handling is better because of lower unsprung weight.
As has been mentioned - the thickness of the disc is vital to know the minimum value and go measure it or ask them. Many quote for new discs if they estimate that it will not reach next years service with your average annual milage. With some cars having 20K services - this is a licence to print money.
The up side is handling is better because of lower unsprung weight.
As has been mentioned - the thickness of the disc is vital to know the minimum value and go measure it or ask them. Many quote for new discs if they estimate that it will not reach next years service with your average annual milage. With some cars having 20K services - this is a licence to print money.
It's a frustrating fact that the MINI disks are very poor when it comes to lifespan. I've had 2 Mini's over the last 7 years and both needed new disks after just 2 sets of pads each. The first time I went with the dealers, the second car I didn't bother and went aftermarket. They're consumable items when it comes to being replaced under warranty, so why should a warranty be void if I use aftermarkets 
As for the suspension bushes, ask the dealer to contact MINI Customer Services and file a goodwill claim. I had a lot of work done under Goodwill, even long after the warranty had run out. New steering rack, new suspension, new power steering pump are just some that spring to mind.
Tyres, go aftermarket. The runflats are s
t.
As for the suspension bushes, ask the dealer to contact MINI Customer Services and file a goodwill claim. I had a lot of work done under Goodwill, even long after the warranty had run out. New steering rack, new suspension, new power steering pump are just some that spring to mind.
Tyres, go aftermarket. The runflats are s
t.We had similar issues on my girlfriends (wanted to clarify that!) mini, and i had a huge fallout with the dealer about a gearbox issue that that said wasnt covered under warrenty! Anyhow..
Runflats are a rip-off for that car, especially as yo cant actually drive on them. I know there is no space saver but you still need recovery so get any brand - think i got a bridgestone for about £70...
Disks and pads are a piece of pee to fit, do them yourself or get someone local to sort it and it will cost a lot less than that..
Suspension - 55000 miles and 7 years sounds about right...
Enjoy!
Runflats are a rip-off for that car, especially as yo cant actually drive on them. I know there is no space saver but you still need recovery so get any brand - think i got a bridgestone for about £70...
Disks and pads are a piece of pee to fit, do them yourself or get someone local to sort it and it will cost a lot less than that..
Suspension - 55000 miles and 7 years sounds about right...
Enjoy!
rev-erend said:
Come on Matt - get in touch with your feminine side .. admit you drive a Mini 
Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
I admit it...I AM.....not a mini driver! Sold that car!Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
Edited by rev-erend on Thursday 18th March 16:12
My mate (the one who used to have the quattro) has got a new mini cooper s works and it is really quick! Dont tell anyone though...
matt-man said:
rev-erend said:
Come on Matt - get in touch with your feminine side .. admit you drive a Mini
Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
I admit it...I AM.....not a mini driver! Sold that car!Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
Edited by rev-erend on Thursday 18th March 16:12
My mate (the one who used to have the quattro) has got a new mini cooper s works and it is really quick! Dont tell anyone though...
rev-erend said:
Come on Matt - get in touch with your feminine side .. admit you drive a Mini
Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
Better than me having to turn up at our monthly meet once in my wife's bright red Beetle (complete with flower in vase)Guess what - GavinR turned up at the local wedge meeting in
You could have had a mini adventure together
Edited by rev-erend on Thursday 18th March 16:12
The guys had a good laugh at my expense - so I put the flower behind my ear and climbed out saying
"Does anyone want to make anything of this?" in my toughest voice
This just seemed to make them roll around the floor even more for some strange reason. LOL
Richard
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff