18 replies to this topic

[dodiedon]

My wife has a Mini Cooper Automatic, it will be 3 years old in March 2013, it has onlly done 2,500 miles, as my wife doesn't use it a lot, mainly used for local shoppng. We have just had it in the Main Mini Dealership Vines of Crawley, for an MOT and it has been given an ADVISORY Fault, namely "the side arm of the steering rack has movement".
Now we don't know what an advisory fault is and so far Vines have not asked for payment, until they have investigated it further.
They are going to get a similar MIni tested tommorow. To see if the same problem( if there is a problem?) shows up or not.
They have driven the car, which is still under full BMW/Mini Warranty and they believe there is nothing at all wrong with the car.
I am very concerned that with this advisory fault noted on the MOT sheet, it will be impossible to resell the car and if there is a known fault on Mini's then VINES should know all about it and put it right. Also if they change the side arms will the problem still be there?. I also understand that BMW have changed the steering mechanism since our car was made, was this done to rectify a known fault?.
Is there anyone who can please advise us urgently, on this subject?.

Edited by dodiedon, 27 February 2013 - 05:26 PM.

[samsfern]

Sounds like what id advise as "slight play in the steering rack", which isnt a failure unless its got a lot of play. Not really to much to worry about, unless its excessie, quite common for ars to have play in the steering rack.

Edited by samsfern, 27 February 2013 - 05:44 PM.

[Carlos W]

If its still under warranty get them to fix it, its not going to get any better!

I've heard of people needing to spend big money on steering parts to get their BMW minis through mots

[lrostoke]

Seems like conflicting information.

If I read right, the main dealer did the MOT issued the advisory..and then tell you there is nothing wrong with the car at all.

That just contridicts the advisory...there's either an advisory fault or not ?? can't say fault one minute and then say nothing wrong with the car.

[dodiedon]

Thanks for your replies. The MOT Tester although paid by Vines actually works for the DVLA, so he reports what he finds. Vines have just called me to say they are prepared to change all the parts, but they consider the movement of the steering to be negligable and as such wish to converse with BMW before commencing on a replacement of parts. I have said I do not wish to pay for an MOT which says the steering is faulty, even if it is just an advisory comment.
Do you think I should insist on replacing the steering parts, it still under full BMW Warranty until the 12th March 2013. Thanks, your advice is much appreciated.

[mini-luke]

Do you think I should insist on replacing the steering parts, it still under full BMW Warranty until the 12th March 2013. Thanks, your advice is much appreciated.

Yes, most definitely, it's not going to fix itself and you don't want to be paying for it to be done out of warranty come next MOT time

[Carlos W]

Do you think I should insist on replacing the steering parts, it still under full BMW Warranty until the 12th March 2013. Thanks, your advice is much appreciated.

Yes, most definitely, it's not going to fix itself and you don't want to be paying for it to be done out of warranty come next MOT time

I entirely agree with the above!

[jaydee]

Best to hear another bell.
Take it to a garage to have the tracking done, and see what they find with track rods and steering rack, if theres play in these parts they'll notice for sure and give you a more detailed info..

EDIT: IF THIS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY MUST FIX IT FOR YOU AS STEERING RACK ITS NOT A CONSUMPTION PART LIKE BRAKES OR CLUTCH

Edited by jaydee, 28 February 2013 - 11:51 AM.

[cal844]

personally id take it to another garage and have them look at it (2nd opinion's never hurt)

as you said there has been an update recall, have you had this update fitted?

[dodiedon]

Just got the car back from Vines, still haven't paid for the MOT, which says "play in steering rack inner joint(s)", the car has still only done under 2,500 miles..
So what can I do?. Vines Manager tells me he has contacted BMW who say "the steering on the mini is designed to allow for a small amount of movement and this is on all the Mini's". Vines say they have tested a new mini and it has a similar movement on the steering rack.
Can this be true?, they want me to just accept it and although it is still under full manufacturers warranty, they would appear to not wish to touch it.
Should I get an AA Inspector, or what?, will it get worse?. Should I contact BMW in Germany?.

Edited by dodiedon, 05 March 2013 - 04:57 PM.

[Tamworthbay]

Another new MINI problem and poor service, and they slagged off Longbridge!!!!! I would get down there and insist they sort it, I can't believe the MOT guy has never tested one before. If they were all like that he would know.

[minidaves]

that should be fixed free of charge under warranty end of as it would be classed as not for for purpose. especially with that milage

[dodiedon]

I have contacted Customer Services Mini UK, to ask if all Mini's have a movement on their steering rack inner joints, as claimed by Vines, who say they checked it out with BMW UK and if they do, does this mean all Mini's have an advisory fault?.
Has anyone else experienced this?.

[jaydee]

I know for sure that many second generation MINIs had the steering rack replaced under warranty
Dont think there was a recall about that though

[Bungle]

it needs sorting as it's an advisory on your MOT now and will show up if some on wants to buy your car in the future and looks at the MOT history, it will also show up if VOSA want a road side inspection and could effect a future insurance claim if steering was deemed the cause of a accident

Edited by Bungle, 06 March 2013 - 11:41 AM.