MINI2

Ventura · May 5th, 2002, 12:36 PM

What can i modify without affecting the mini warrenty i.e replace existing exhaust? or putting different wheels on etc?? need help! must modify!

dietcokeplease · May 5th, 2002, 01:33 PM

You are generally free to modify your car with minor bits without affecting your warranty.

Dealers have probably been punting scare stories to put people off modifying their cars. This is probably because they: (a) want the business themselves, or (b) don't want the hassle of being involved in non-franchise work and the warranty implications - most BMW workshops are pretty busy places.

So if you add a new rear exhaust, they can't reject your car if say the wipers pack up. But if you add a turbo and the engine blows then they are within their rights to tell you where to go. There are greyish areas - if say you lower the car and one of the balljoints goes pop, then they may reject it depending on which side of the bed the service bloke got out of.

If Mr BMW/MINI dealer won't/can't do the work then go to a reputable company as they should cover the work and sometimes any consequential damage.

And pay by Credit Card if it's over £100, so you have double-indemnity if the dealer/third party are difficult.

MrMow · May 5th, 2002, 07:58 PM

My experience is (with bikes) if you change the exhaust and next week you burn out a valve, your problem. Change the springs, you blow a shock your problem. Its pretty much common sense.
If they want to be hard arses they can point to the warranty bit that says any non standard modifications will void the warranty... but you would have to be really unlucky.. I've not heard of this happening too much, but.. in one case someone changed an exhaust, something on the bike broke (not related to exhaust or engine), dealer said it was the extra vibrations caused by the exhaust, too bad.
But this is very rare.

If you can, talk to your dealer, buy the parts through them (if possible), and let them fit them.. it makes for a good dealer/owner relationship.

Ventura · May 6th, 2002, 09:21 AM

Thanks!Gonna fit a Remus backbox with full system.M3 17inch wheels. Looking into an autofashion full body kit!Not sure yet though, what do u think? Going mad i might save up for a turbo with Nos!!!

Any Advice very welcome!?

smiffy · May 6th, 2002, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ventura
Thanks!Gonna fit a Remus backbox with full system.M3 17inch wheels. Looking into an autofashion full body kit!Not sure yet though, what do u think? Going mad i might save up for a turbo with Nos!!!

Any Advice very welcome!?

It sounds like you'll be going a bit OTT with your MINI

exhaust, yes

But M3 wheels, keep 'em for cars with the BMW badge

Get some nice 17" or 18" aftermarket wheels

Skinnyrunt · May 6th, 2002, 10:07 AM

Wouldn't it also be a pain in the arse getting the adaptors to put the M3 wheels on (from 5 stud to 4 stud)

R1 · May 6th, 2002, 12:43 PM

Don't want to be a killjoy, but check your insurance before changing the exhaust to a "race" style box.
My insurance company has decided to void my motorcycle insurance if I keep my race can on my R1 this year!!

Looking for a new company to insure me at the moment.
Don't know if this is the same for cars. My guess is it's probably just another discrimination against motorcycle riders !!! (Bit of an issue with me that car drivers seem to get away with a lot more in the eyes of our friendly traffic cops when it comes to modding their vehicles than motorcycle owners can)

smiffy · May 6th, 2002, 02:17 PM

You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company

R1 · May 6th, 2002, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by smiffy
You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company

Yes your right.
But I bet they would still honour your insurance if you did a mild tuning job on your MINI.
If I did the same to my R1 motorcycle, most insurers wouldn't insure me at all !!??

Dom · May 7th, 2002, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by smiffy
You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company

I've got a MINI air freshner and I haven't told my insurance company. Arse, that's me not insured then...

Dom

Dom · May 7th, 2002, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by R1
(Bit of an issue with me that car drivers seem to get away with a lot more in the eyes of our friendly traffic cops when it comes to modding their vehicles than motorcycle owners can)

I'll admit to hanging around with boy racers and the biking companions... and the police readily tell us that they'll sooner pick on the bikes than the cars. Which is stupid, coz there are cars which really shouldn't be on the road!

Dom

LMB · May 7th, 2002, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R1
My guess is it's probably just another discrimination against motorcycle riders !!!

Speaking of motorbikes, one passed me the other day with PURPLE headlights

What's that all about? Is that legal?

It looked quite cool mind you

Paul Simonds · May 9th, 2002, 03:55 AM

Warranty

I have had alot of after market bits added to my mini 18" wheels,exhaust, induction,suspension,anti rollbar and then my gearbox died and the steering pump and BMW did not query any of the mods when repairing the car.

Nikk · May 9th, 2002, 04:56 AM

Same with me. I've had Eibach springs fitted together with Pipercross induction kit and exhaust and BMW have made no comment at all on warranty issues.

Dom · May 9th, 2002, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nikk
Same with me. I've had Eibach springs fitted together with Pipercross induction kit and exhaust and BMW have made no comment at all on warranty issues.

What exhaust? Is there any chance of arranging a meet as you've done pretty much what I want to do when my insurance is up for renewal (air filter, lowering and exhaust)...?

Cheers,

Dom You'd probably get scared if I said my surname!

Nikk · May 9th, 2002, 05:21 AM

Exhaust is tailor made by Charlie at Longlife Exhausts in Carshalton.

No probs meeting up. I'm away this weekend but maybe if we touch base next week for the following w/e. Might be best for you to come to me if you can so that you can see both Coopers - It's a bit difficult driving both!

Dom · May 9th, 2002, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nikk
Exhaust is tailor made by Charlie at Longlife Exhausts in Carshalton.

No probs meeting up. I'm away this weekend but maybe if we touch base next week for the following w/e. Might be best for you to come to me if you can so that you can see both Coopers - It's a bit difficult driving both!

Two?!? You greedy git

Dom

Nikk · May 9th, 2002, 05:30 AM

Yeh! I sold my TT, couldn't make up my mind between Silver and Red so I got both! Still cheaper than the TT and much more fun! I'll touch base next week sometime.

Dom · May 9th, 2002, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nikk
Yeh! I sold my TT, couldn't make up my mind between Silver and Red so I got both! Still cheaper than the TT and much more fun! I'll touch base next week sometime.

Good decision...

Yeah, sort something out next week. There's a few from near us so we could probably arrange some sort of small meeting. Anyway, must stop hi-jacking this thread!

Dom

Paul Simonds · May 9th, 2002, 05:54 AM

Was your last message to me

May 5th, 2002, 12:36 PM	#1
Ventura MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: London Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 63 Offline	Warrenty Clause! What can i modify without affecting the mini warrenty i.e replace existing exhaust? or putting different wheels on etc?? need help! must modify!

May 5th, 2002, 01:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	You are generally free to modify your car with minor bits without affecting your warranty. Dealers have probably been punting scare stories to put people off modifying their cars. This is probably because they: (a) want the business themselves, or (b) don't want the hassle of being involved in non-franchise work and the warranty implications - most BMW workshops are pretty busy places. So if you add a new rear exhaust, they can't reject your car if say the wipers pack up. But if you add a turbo and the engine blows then they are within their rights to tell you where to go. There are greyish areas - if say you lower the car and one of the balljoints goes pop, then they may reject it depending on which side of the bed the service bloke got out of. If Mr BMW/MINI dealer won't/can't do the work then go to a reputable company as they should cover the work and sometimes any consequential damage. And pay by Credit Card if it's over £100, so you have double-indemnity if the dealer/third party are difficult. There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

May 6th, 2002, 10:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Ventura Thanks!Gonna fit a Remus backbox with full system.M3 17inch wheels. Looking into an autofashion full body kit!Not sure yet though, what do u think? Going mad i might save up for a turbo with Nos!!! Any Advice very welcome!? It sounds like you'll be going a bit OTT with your MINI exhaust, yes But M3 wheels, keep 'em for cars with the BMW badge Get some nice 17" or 18" aftermarket wheels S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

May 6th, 2002, 02:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

May 7th, 2002, 02:32 PM	#12 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 24,895 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by R1 My guess is it's probably just another discrimination against motorcycle riders !!! Speaking of motorbikes, one passed me the other day with PURPLE headlights What's that all about? Is that legal? It looked quite cool mind you Global Moderator

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May 5th, 2002, 07:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
MrMow MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 02:15 AM Posts: 185 Offline	My experience is (with bikes) if you change the exhaust and next week you burn out a valve, your problem. Change the springs, you blow a shock your problem. Its pretty much common sense. If they want to be hard arses they can point to the warranty bit that says any non standard modifications will void the warranty... but you would have to be really unlucky.. I've not heard of this happening too much, but.. in one case someone changed an exhaust, something on the bike broke (not related to exhaust or engine), dealer said it was the extra vibrations caused by the exhaust, too bad. But this is very rare. If you can, talk to your dealer, buy the parts through them (if possible), and let them fit them.. it makes for a good dealer/owner relationship.

May 6th, 2002, 09:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ventura MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: London Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 63 Offline	Thanks!Gonna fit a Remus backbox with full system.M3 17inch wheels. Looking into an autofashion full body kit!Not sure yet though, what do u think? Going mad i might save up for a turbo with Nos!!! Any Advice very welcome!?

May 6th, 2002, 10:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Skinnyrunt M2 Bapmaster Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: cheshire/staffs bord Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 3,145 Offline	Wouldn't it also be a pain in the arse getting the adaptors to put the M3 wheels on (from 5 stud to 4 stud)

May 6th, 2002, 12:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Don't want to be a killjoy, but check your insurance before changing the exhaust to a "race" style box. My insurance company has decided to void my motorcycle insurance if I keep my race can on my R1 this year!! Looking for a new company to insure me at the moment. Don't know if this is the same for cars. My guess is it's probably just another discrimination against motorcycle riders !!! (Bit of an issue with me that car drivers seem to get away with a lot more in the eyes of our friendly traffic cops when it comes to modding their vehicles than motorcycle owners can)

May 6th, 2002, 02:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by smiffy You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company Yes your right. But I bet they would still honour your insurance if you did a mild tuning job on your MINI. If I did the same to my R1 motorcycle, most insurers wouldn't insure me at all !!??

May 7th, 2002, 05:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by smiffy You have to disclose any interior, cosmetic or performance modifications to your insurance company I've got a MINI air freshner and I haven't told my insurance company. Arse, that's me not insured then... Dom

May 7th, 2002, 05:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by R1 (Bit of an issue with me that car drivers seem to get away with a lot more in the eyes of our friendly traffic cops when it comes to modding their vehicles than motorcycle owners can) I'll admit to hanging around with boy racers and the biking companions... and the police readily tell us that they'll sooner pick on the bikes than the cars. Which is stupid, coz there are cars which really shouldn't be on the road! Dom

May 9th, 2002, 03:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Paul Simonds MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: West Sussex Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 290 Offline	Warranty Warranty I have had alot of after market bits added to my mini 18" wheels,exhaust, induction,suspension,anti rollbar and then my gearbox died and the steering pump and BMW did not query any of the mods when repairing the car.

May 9th, 2002, 04:56 AM	#14 (permalink)
Nikk MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Oxfordshire Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Same with me. I've had Eibach springs fitted together with Pipercross induction kit and exhaust and BMW have made no comment at all on warranty issues.

May 9th, 2002, 05:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Nikk Same with me. I've had Eibach springs fitted together with Pipercross induction kit and exhaust and BMW have made no comment at all on warranty issues. What exhaust? Is there any chance of arranging a meet as you've done pretty much what I want to do when my insurance is up for renewal (air filter, lowering and exhaust)...? Cheers, Dom You'd probably get scared if I said my surname!

May 9th, 2002, 05:21 AM	#16 (permalink)
Nikk MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Oxfordshire Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Exhaust is tailor made by Charlie at Longlife Exhausts in Carshalton. No probs meeting up. I'm away this weekend but maybe if we touch base next week for the following w/e. Might be best for you to come to me if you can so that you can see both Coopers - It's a bit difficult driving both!

May 9th, 2002, 05:26 AM	#17 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Nikk Exhaust is tailor made by Charlie at Longlife Exhausts in Carshalton. No probs meeting up. I'm away this weekend but maybe if we touch base next week for the following w/e. Might be best for you to come to me if you can so that you can see both Coopers - It's a bit difficult driving both! Two?!? You greedy git Dom

May 9th, 2002, 05:30 AM	#18 (permalink)
Nikk MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Oxfordshire Local Time: 04:15 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Yeh! I sold my TT, couldn't make up my mind between Silver and Red so I got both! Still cheaper than the TT and much more fun! I'll touch base next week sometime.

May 9th, 2002, 05:32 AM	#19 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Nikk Yeh! I sold my TT, couldn't make up my mind between Silver and Red so I got both! Still cheaper than the TT and much more fun! I'll touch base next week sometime. Good decision... Yeah, sort something out next week. There's a few from near us so we could probably arrange some sort of small meeting. Anyway, must stop hi-jacking this thread! Dom

May 9th, 2002, 05:54 AM	#20 (permalink)
Paul Simonds MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: West Sussex Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 290 Offline	Dom Was your last message to me

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