Mini Service

[scuderia]

Yesterday I got my car back, and wanted to share my experience with you guys. I had this clicking noise coming from the engine bay since the day one, i thought it is a normal deal, and lived with it, but after 19K the noise got louder and louder. When i investigated, i found out that the noise was coming when the car was in neutral and when pressed the clutch it was gone, so it is unusual. I decided to schedule an appointment and take it to service. Robert Lopez (the new SA), gave me an appointment day and I took ScuderiaMini to service. I told them what was wrong and I took the car on a test drive with a Mini tech (Jess, good guy). I was told it is a known problem and an easy fix, and they asked me if i needed a ride, and accommodate me with a loaner Mini.

The long story short, they replaced the flywheel, and also the bypass valve (flat spot 2-3K rpm). they also noticed a coolant leak and replaced the cylinder head gasket (Robert said he would not let the car out under no circumstances without replacing it :D ) The car is fixed and running stronger than ever.

Couple of details that i was extremely impressed:

1.Robert was very informative, returned all my calls in a timely manner, answered all the questions professionally.
2.When they were replacing the flywheel, Robert called me and asked if i wanted to replace the clutch, he said there was a 60% left, but it would have cost me a ton of money if i did it seperately. Now this is good intentions, they would have let it go and try to make more money in the future, since the clutch is a wear item.
3.The car was finished as promised despite unexpected small fixes.

I was really concerned about my car, but now it is almost brand new again. I really am impressed with the changes at Mini Service. Kudos to Robert and technician Brian :thumbsup

[azuul]

That's great to hear. Last Thursday I went to the Mini Center. I needed a small part that was taken from Azuul (passenger side light). He said he needed to order the part (although their inventory was showing one in stock, it was no where to be found). He ordered it and said he would call on Tuesday. No call. I called on Wednesday and talked with Sharon. Said she was going to look for it and call me back before the end of the day. No call. I called this morning (Thursday). Robert called back and said they had the part.

My problem is the lack of followup when things don't go as planned. However, Robert seems to have a great attitude and I believe he wants to do the right thing. Time will tell.

[scuderia]

i always order my parts from parts counter and they always call when parts arrive. I think service should not be dealing with ordering parts unless the installation of the specific part/parts is performed at the service department. My $0.02 ;)

[azuul]

i always order my parts from parts counter and they always call when parts arrive. I think service should not be dealing with ordering parts unless the installation of the specific part/parts is performed at the service department. My $0.02 ;)Exactly, this was a warranty item and Robert installed it so it stayed under warranty.

[scuderia]

If this is what you are referring to

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233

they are utmost nice to cover a stolen item under warranty. That is not a warranty job, that is a simple installation, and has nothing to do with warranty. Yes, having it put on at Mini Service is good, but installing a side light yourself or at another place would not hurt the warranty. On the other side your point is taken, it might have taken more time than it should and sorry to hear your discomfort.

I ordered tons of parts from BMW Center both for my older BMWs and for my Mini, and I always ask them the eta and call them when time is up. Makes everything easier.... Just staying on top of my game, being proactive.

[azuul]

If this is what you are referring to

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233
That is not a warranty job, that is a simple installation, and has nothing to do with warranty. Yes, having it put on at Mini Service is good, but installing a side light yourself or at another place would not hurt the warranty.Per Robert, he told me he needed to install it so I let him. I was perfectly willing to buy a replacement but he told me that MINI would cover it. I understand that I could have installed it myself, but he said he'd do it. So, yes it IS a warranty job, per Robert, and MINI.