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2007-2008 MINI S's catching on fire... |
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Pigwidgin 
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PSMINI Member Joined: July/22/07 Location: Mill Creek Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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 Topic: 2007-2008 MINI S's catching on fire...Posted: October/26/11 at 2:04pm |
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Has anyone seen this? Zowie. From the NY Times 10 days ago:
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes. Until they figure this out, Pigwidgin ain't sleeping in the garage at night! Makes me wonder if it's related to the power steering pump problem that the pre-2007's have. A friend of mine was told by his mechanic it could have started a fire in his car and has in others. I thought the R56's pump was slightly different though, and hopefully not so much of a problem. But yikes, I hope they figure out what it is soon. Kathy |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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Rob N
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Posted: October/26/11 at 3:42pm |
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More info. Guess it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on the turbo just in case they are right.
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Rob, Vickie and Alice
COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?" |
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Pigwidgin
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PSMINI Member Joined: July/22/07 Location: Mill Creek Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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Posted: October/26/11 at 3:54pm |
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This is really interesting because my car currently has both an oil leak of some sort and a coolant leak and is going into the dealer tomorrow to have a look. It also drinks oil like it's going out of style. I probably have to put a quart of oil in it every 1000-2000 miles, which I think is excessive, even for a turbo. I'm tired of hearing that it is "normal" for turbos. Maybe every 3-4000 miles, but I think putting in that much oil means there is something wrong.
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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Pigwidgin
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PSMINI Member Joined: July/22/07 Location: Mill Creek Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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Posted: October/26/11 at 3:56pm |
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You can also go here and search for complaints on your model year. I am seeing a lot of the "caught on fire" complaints as well as the timing chain tensioner issue (which my car also had).
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/ |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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SMOG
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PSMINI Member Joined: April/07/09 Location: Port Orchard Status: Offline Points: 3160 |
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Posted: October/26/11 at 8:15pm |
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Looks like another good reason to cool the engine & insure there are no oil leaks. Cooling the engine from the Factory Spec probably would not meet EPA Specs but at least you would still have a car and a house and .......
I have had 2 friends who had their cars burn to the ground, neither were MINI's. |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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Pigwidgin
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Posted: October/26/11 at 8:32pm |
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Cool the engine?
I can't really tell from the reports, but it almost sounds like these cars that catch fire do so after sitting for quite awhile, after the car is cold. If that is the case, then I would think an electrical fire would be more of a probability than oil getting ignited from a hot turbo. Just theorizing here since nothing has been determined for the cause as of yet. |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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SMOG
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Posted: October/27/11 at 6:22am |
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When you turn a car off and walk away the standard assumption is that the engine immediately cools down below average operating temperature. Wrong, the heat spikes because coolant is not being cooled as efficiently as when the radiator and engine compartment is receiving copious amounts of air.
The fires could be electrical in origin but fuses tend to be pretty good in the newer(post 1950's) cars. The 2 cars I was referring to in the earlier Post were both fuel fires; one when the car was shut off for the night (carb burned), and the other was after climbing a very long steep grade in low gear and then flames shot out of the hood so the driver stopped and abandoned ship(he did manage to save his personalized plates with a Swiss Army Knife  ).Yes, it is possible to lower combustion chamber temps with a water/meth injection system. |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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Pigwidgin
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Posted: November/02/11 at 7:27am |
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I wanted to post something my husband found last night about BMW 5 series turbos catching on fire due to faulty auxiliary water pump circuit boards. My MINI just had its water pump replaced as it was leaking coolant. I wonder if this could be the cause of the MINI fires as well.... They actually did a recall for the bimmers.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578427 |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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CORNERS
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PSMINI Vice President Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 2764 |
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Posted: November/03/11 at 9:52pm |
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I haven't heard of that being a problem for the MINIs... I don't know how they work on the BMWs, but the MINIs (at least the 1st gen) is a mechanical water pump, so no electrical bits to go bad. I don't think our cars have an auxiliary water pump...?
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 Kurt / '04 R53 / 244HP / RMW head&cam&tune, Quaife LSD, 17% pulley, GP intercooler, Miltek header&exhaust, H&R, Wilwood BBK |
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FerRrari
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Joined: February/01/11 Status: Offline Points: 22 |
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Posted: November/05/11 at 11:29am |
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My 2009 MCS (34K miles) burst into flames on October 14th while it was parked and haven't been driven for 10 minutes.
MINI engineers are investigating.   
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SMOG
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Posted: November/05/11 at 11:42am |
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WOW! Looks like more damage on the driver side of the engine compartment. That would be horrifying to see out your window!
It appears to have flames under and behind the car... Keep us Posted!! Edited by SMOG - November/05/11 at 11:45am |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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SuperCoop
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Posted: November/05/11 at 3:22pm |
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Wow, such a horrible sight to see. Sorry for your loss, I hope things are taken care of for you!
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Jason - '05 PS/B Cooper S, most packages, 17%, Brisk silver plugs, IE fixed camber plates & Craven STD's, Powerflex trans/dogbone mount poly inserts, 20mm Whiteline rear sway bar, SprintBooster.
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CORNERS
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Posted: November/05/11 at 10:24pm |
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Sorry to hear that!
Is it covered by insurance? Is it totaled? I'd guess that it is some sort of electrical issue. The exhaust manifold (a common source of heat for fires) looks fine. |
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Kurt / '04 R53 / 244HP / RMW head&cam&tune, Quaife LSD, 17% pulley, GP intercooler, Miltek header&exhaust, H&R, Wilwood BBK |
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SMOG
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Posted: November/06/11 at 3:42am |
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The oil filter is on that side...
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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FerRrari
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Posted: November/06/11 at 9:11am |
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NHTSA investigation is about a failure in the auxiliary cooling pump.
Document My insurance totaled the car predictably (repair bill was over $43K), they said they'd give my fair market value, proceeded to cancel my rental car, but the paperwork has not even arrived yet... MINI offered me $2K off the purchase of a new car, I told them no, thanks, I think they owe me more than that given the car was bought new from them and only maintained by their authorized dealership. They're investigating the cause of the fire and supposedly engineers were looking at the car on Tuesday, but haven't heard anything yet. BTW the history on the car: - Purchased new from NW MINI, waited a couple of months since it was special order. - Clutch replaced within 10K miles - Transmission failed within 20K miles - HPFP failed within 25K miles - Burst into flames at 34K miles |
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SMOG
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Posted: November/06/11 at 9:28am |
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If NW Mini does not step up replace your car I would be horrified and really pissed.
Did you have the BMW Auto Insurance (I think they have a policy)? Any Mods to the car? |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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FerRrari
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Posted: November/06/11 at 11:09am |
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Insurance is through Liberty Mutual, ever since Seattle MINI opened up we've been going there for service.
This was my wife's car so absolutely no mods on the car, only aftermarket stuff was clear bra, clear plex on windshield and GMG tow hook license plate holder. |
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Rob N
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Posted: November/07/11 at 6:37am |
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Would this fall under the Lemon Law?
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Rob, Vickie and Alice
COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?" |
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SMOG
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Posted: November/07/11 at 7:06am |
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In the early 90's GM had a terrible Antilock Braking System on their truck/suburban platforms. Hundreds of accidents reported to the NHTSA because of ABS failure. I was involved in 2 wrecks and also cruised through several red lights and stop signs because of the ABS. A class action lawsuit was filed that was squelched in the courts by GM. All GM did was say "it is a brake pedal pad issue" and replaced the rubber foot pad! Once I unplugged the ABS unit the brakes worked fine, just no ABS feature.
The Courts might be more favorable to the citizens plight since BMW?MINI is a foreign company. |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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Pigwidgin
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Posted: November/12/11 at 7:00am |
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An update here. This was posted on NAM a few days ago.
BMW Recalls 32,000 cars for Fire hazard
This was on the news today 11/2/11. I bet our MINI has the same circuit board. Would your rather have your Toyota uncontrollably accelerate or your BMW set on fire? It’s a choice you could have unknowingly made in the past few years. The NY Times is reporting that BMW plans to recall 32,000 vehicles because of a fire hazard. BMW has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that a number of its cars have a faulty electronic circuit board that could fail, leading to a “smoldering of the water pump,” which is needed to help cool the engine’s turbocharger. In other words: your car could set on fire. The affected models are from 2008-2011:
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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Pigwidgin
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Posted: November/12/11 at 7:18am |
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FerRrari, that is just awful about your wife's car. BMW/MINI should just present you with the car of your choice Rob has a good question about the Lemon Law. With a history like that, your car might qualify. Even still and no matter how it happens, you should be receiving a replacement at no cost to you.
Here is another update from NAM. Another news report. David Shepardson/ Detroit News Washington Bureau Washington — BMW AG said Saturday it is recalling 32,000 vehicles to replace potentially faulty electric auxiliary water pumps that can overheat and cause a vehicle fire. The German automaker said the recall covers 2008-2011 5-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, 7-Series, X5 SAV, and X6 SAV models that have eight- or 12-cylinder turbocharged engines. The recall comes after BMW found at least 102 cases of pump failures worldwide — including two engine-compartment fires. BMW said it is unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of the condition. The auxiliary pump helps cool the turbocharger during some driving conditions and in some cases can fail, causing the circuit board to overheat. That could lead to a fire. BMW said in most cases drivers will be alerted by a warning message on the instrumental cluster during driving. BMW first discovered the issue in June 2009 on test vehicles. In April 2010, a smoldered electrical cable of the water pump was found on a BMW-owned vehicle. The company set up a task force in May 2010 after two customer vehicles reported burned engine compartments. Dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump and will be notified next month. Owners will be notified starting next month as well. dshepardson@detnews.com From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111029/...#ixzz1cZ7fjxeU Edited by Pigwidgin - November/12/11 at 7:20am |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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Boomer
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Posted: November/12/11 at 8:11am |
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FerRrari, sorry to see this! Very disturbing. I have a highly modified 2007 MCS. The NHTSA doc lists 2007 & 2008 yet your was a 2009! YIKES!
I've had 3 water pumps replaced on my car since new. The first one came very early, can't remember the mileage but trust me, it was very low mileage and I think it occurred during my first year of ownership. The third was replaced earlier this year. I'm also SHOCKED that MINI only offered $2K off a new car purchase!!! Doesn't seem fair given the circumstances and with the investigation going on with these fires. Please keep us posted on how this plays out. A couple weeks ago, I saw this on the news. Don't know exactly what is used fan & water pump to cool the turbo after shutting down but something didn't work the way it was designed. Good luck with the new car purchase! Cheers!
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07 MCS, JIC Cross C/O, JCW BBK, Milltek exhaust, RR DP, Helix I/C, RMW tune (208.5 WHP & 238.3 WTQ)Ray's (17 lbs) and Nitto NT01 for track duty
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CORNERS
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Posted: November/12/11 at 10:26pm |
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This must be frustrating. Can you appeal the insurance claim to drop your rental car, at least until you get fair market value?
NW MINI probably have no say in how to compensate you for your troubles, but I hope that MINI USA are thinking about what customer service steps they can do to keep you, if not as a happy return customer, at least as a customer who will tell other people that MINI USA tried to do the right thing. |
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Kurt / '04 R53 / 244HP / RMW head&cam&tune, Quaife LSD, 17% pulley, GP intercooler, Miltek header&exhaust, H&R, Wilwood BBK |
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FerRrari
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Posted: November/15/11 at 8:04am |
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Hey guys, sorry I've been pretty busy at work and since my wife is refusing to drive it makes things interesting... Interesting they issued a recall over 2 BMW fires but not over 13 MINI ones... sigh
BMW/MINI USA looked at the car a few weeks ago and still haven't updated us on the investigation. We are getting FMV from our insurance, our only concern here is that in order to issue payment they want to move the car to a scrap yard and we need the vehicle to be preserved if BMW/MINI denies they're at fault so it's a bit of a tricky situation. The reality is that not only would I never buy another MINI but would also not buy another BMW ever again (I've had 2 ///M cars so far and a Z4) and would discourage anyone from buying one. |
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SMOG
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Posted: November/15/11 at 8:11am |
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This is so sad, discouraging, frustrating, etc. Corporations/people with $$$$/power not stepping up to take responsibility for their actions, personal or corporate, go back as far as recorded history.
GM had a very big problem with their ABS systems in their truck line for several years and it was swept under the corporate rug and blamed on the customer and a soft brake pedal pad! GM also had a big problem with their Saab imported/relabeled cars that had the "New" electric steering. They had a mind of their own and would just take off at weird angles at freeway speeds! Another corporate coverup. I suspect BMW/MINI is no different. |
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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Pigwidgin
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Posted: January/12/12 at 9:07pm |
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Just got this update from NAM. Over 6000 MINI turbos from 2007-2011's are being recalled in Canada for this problem. Blaming the auxiliary water pump, as suspected. Wonder if the recall will be happening in the US soon....
http://autos.sympatico.ca/auto-news/12913/6-409-mini-cooper-turbos-recalled-in-canada |
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Kathy & Pat
Pigwidgin -- 2007 MCS Laser Blue/White |
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FerRrari
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Posted: January/13/12 at 1:17pm |
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MINI bought my car back under Lemon Law and offered me a token "customer
loyalty" incentive if I decide to purchase a new MINI; however, they failed to
do anything about the fact that I've been without a car for 3 months. Overall I
can't say I'm happy with the level of customer service provided by MINI and I
doubt I will be purchasing another one.
The BMW NA representative confirmed that the cause of my fire was the auxiliary water pump connector, the same issue bein investigated by NHTSA. At this point, I'm not convinced 2012 MINIs equipped with the turbo engine are not suceptible to this issue. I hope they issue a recall soon, otherwise they'll lose all credibility with me. I would advice anyone with a turbo MINI to regularly check your auxiliary water pump connector. |
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SMOG
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Posted: January/13/12 at 4:41pm |
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Good for the Canadians for taking a step toward justice
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Speed Limit, 186,000 miles per second, Its the Law!
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