MINI2

S25AJH · Jul 18th, 2002, 02:14 PM

Met the above at Wheatley Hall BMW to discuss various problems with my MINI, problems that have been exacerbated by the dealer’s poor workmanship and service.

To start with he was half an hour late, only discussed one of the faults in detail providing the usual balderdash-no-solution explanations. The fault in question (engine hesitancy/drop in revs when setting off/yoyo feeling/surging etc - particularly with air conditioned cars) has been experienced by others on this forum and, if I am correct, BMW are aware of it and are working on a solution – this was not mentioned by Mr Pringle.

Before he left he did suggest that I consider whether the MINI was the right car for me? And also to be realistic and accept that cars (BMW products) will come with faults – after all that’s what the warranty is for!

Am I wrong in expecting that when I buy a vehicle I should not have to accept it coming with faults as a matter of course and that I shouldn’t be happy to be placed in the position of having to waste my time and money utilising the warranty?

Am I also wrong in being extremely annoyed at the arrogant attitude displayed by this person? ie trying to suggest that I should have bought another car simply because I am now complaining about the faults that should not be there in the first place.

I know there are plenty of people happy with both the vehicle and their dealers, but I don’t think myself and many other MINI owners should be excluded from being part of that group or from expecting a decent level of service and respect.

Marts · Jul 18th, 2002, 02:23 PM

Amazed.

I'm surprised to hear this and other stories regarding mini representatives. So far I've been one of the lucky ones.

Quote:

Am I also wrong in being extremely annoyed at the arrogant attitude displayed by this person? ie trying to suggest that I should have bought another car simply because I am now complaining about the faults that should not be there in the first place.

Was he really that arrogant?

What was the outcome from the meeting? Did you get a satisfactory result?

I hope you get your problems sorted out.

AidenL · Jul 18th, 2002, 03:35 PM

I must admit, Ive dealt with a warranty guy directly from BMW in relation to a problem I had, and they honestly bent over backwards to help me, along with my dealer......I was very impressed !

S25AJH · Jul 18th, 2002, 03:42 PM

Marts, 'fraid so. He suggested that I should consider whether the MINI was the right car for me and that I should be realistic and accept that the cars will have faults citing the 5 series that is still being produced with faults today.

flipper · Jul 18th, 2002, 05:57 PM

This guy sounds sort of honest but not very reassuring.
I really don't know how these people get their jobs - indeed just who are they accountable to? It is frustrating if you are getting an indifferent response. IMO its a Brit thing - over here if you complain too much you can be categorised as a moaner even when you clearly have a good case backed up with sound evidence.
As a nation not enough of us complain when things arn't right.

englandrp · Jul 18th, 2002, 06:13 PM

Just how DO you get to contact these regional directors? See this post for the reason.

S25AJH · Jul 18th, 2002, 06:28 PM

See my (now edited) reply to this post

btsave · Jul 19th, 2002, 06:37 AM

It's reassuring to hear of someone else having problems being satisfied by BMW.

My car, 2600 miles Mini CVT, was in service for a total of 18 days, had the chip pulled and transported to New Jersey for software update and still experiences problems. (See my link under "Safety Problems") Car was bought in May 2002.

The dealer's General Sales Manager refused to roll me out of the car into another one, even though the Sales Manager recommended it. (GSM felt that he won't make ENOUGH profit. Note, I originally paid about $3000 over MSRP!) Service manager was to "get back to me" after talking to an Area Rep. (I called the Service Manager back and he still had no answer. Now he doesn't return my call.)

BMW customer service said to contact Mini USA customer service. Mini USA customer service said they would get a hold of the Area Rep for me. The Area Rep hasn't called. The Mini USA reps don't respond to phone calls or email now. The GSM doesn't respond to email. ... and my mini still is a problem!

I mailed the "notification of lemon law" Wednesday.

It amazes me how difficult BMW makes it! I've purchased MGs, VWs, Chevy's, Fords, etc. and have occassionally had problems... which were cheerfully dealt with! Chevy even rolled me out of a new Camero because the dealer installed sunroof wasn't quite right!

I guess customer service is not important to BMW/MINI.

I love the Mini, but HATE BMW... now I know how you Brits feel about them... I should have know it would be a problem after seeing how they almost killed MG!

Maybe the MG/Rover Group can get the Mini back and then service won't be a problem! Alex I. must be rolling in his grave!

Apial · Jul 19th, 2002, 11:20 AM

I've not met the man personally, but have contacted him through my dealer. If I am to thank anyone at BMW for their assistance for working with my dealer to cure the left pull problem then it must be this man. Mr Pringle is pragmatic in his approach, not a PR man perhaps, but its horses for courses.

It sounds as if his perhaps blunt approach, and the bad news he is giving you, has upset your aspirations for a perfect car. Honesty is always the best policy in the long run, and I'm sure we would all agree on that. New models always bring new problems. That is the risk you take. What matters is if the problems will be fixed. At least BMW are not shirking on that.

Viscount Charles · Jul 19th, 2002, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by btsave

Maybe the MG/Rover Group can get the Mini back and then service won't be a problem!

When I last had a problem with my Rover Mini (and there have been a great many problems, some quite major), half an hour spent on the 'phone being given the run-around concluded with my discovery that MG/Rover didn't have a Customer Services Department AT ALL!

I'd never buy another car from that bunch of clowns. The dealerships were marginally better - say on a par with the performing monkeys - but overall it was more like dealing with a circus than a motor manufacturer.

MINI/BMW is in a whole different league of profesionalism, at least it is here in the UK. Dedicated Customer Service lines - well publicised - at MINI(UK) AND at the factory. On the occasions I've called them (both) regarding ISOFIX seats and the delay in delivering my car due to a production problem, I found the information they had was accurate and correct when they had it to hand, and if it wasn't available they checked out my query and made the effort to get back to me the next day.

I would also agree that some people have unrealistically high aspirations for the car, and some of those things others have described here as being major problems for them I regard as trivial. For example, people have complained about squeaky seats and dashboard rattles. My Rover-built car had had 3 gearbox rebuilds by the time it was 12 months old (the second two required because they were "fixing" the car by fitting the same sub-standard components that caused the failure in the first place)!

AidenL · Jul 19th, 2002, 01:52 PM

Once I got in touch with the right person in BMW/MINI Ireland, my e-mails were returned answered, promptly and efficiently on a regular basis.......I cant fault them or my dealer......

willibobs · Jul 22nd, 2002, 02:58 PM

I'm due to see the area technical representative in august at Howarth of Rochdale, maybe I'll meet the straight-talking Mr Pringle too.

ELISEBOY · Jul 22nd, 2002, 03:38 PM

I think that your Mr Pringle went to the same charm school as ours down here

Jul 18th, 2002, 02:14 PM	#1
S25AJH MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: uk Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 46 Offline	Mr Andrew Pringle - BMW regional technical manager Met the above at Wheatley Hall BMW to discuss various problems with my MINI, problems that have been exacerbated by the dealer’s poor workmanship and service. To start with he was half an hour late, only discussed one of the faults in detail providing the usual balderdash-no-solution explanations. The fault in question (engine hesitancy/drop in revs when setting off/yoyo feeling/surging etc - particularly with air conditioned cars) has been experienced by others on this forum and, if I am correct, BMW are aware of it and are working on a solution – this was not mentioned by Mr Pringle. Before he left he did suggest that I consider whether the MINI was the right car for me? And also to be realistic and accept that cars (BMW products) will come with faults – after all that’s what the warranty is for! Am I wrong in expecting that when I buy a vehicle I should not have to accept it coming with faults as a matter of course and that I shouldn’t be happy to be placed in the position of having to waste my time and money utilising the warranty? Am I also wrong in being extremely annoyed at the arrogant attitude displayed by this person? ie trying to suggest that I should have bought another car simply because I am now complaining about the faults that should not be there in the first place. I know there are plenty of people happy with both the vehicle and their dealers, but I don’t think myself and many other MINI owners should be excluded from being part of that group or from expecting a decent level of service and respect.

Jul 18th, 2002, 03:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 42,151 Offline	I must admit, Ive dealt with a warranty guy directly from BMW in relation to a problem I had, and they honestly bent over backwards to help me, along with my dealer......I was very impressed ! *Global Moderator*

Jul 18th, 2002, 06:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
englandrp MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Leeds Local Time: 07:18 AM Posts: 50 Offline	Just how DO you get to contact these regional directors? See this post for the reason. Last edited by englandrp : Jul 18th, 2002 at 06:25 PM.

Jul 19th, 2002, 06:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
btsave MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida, USA Local Time: 03:18 AM Posts: 161 Offline	problems It's reassuring to hear of someone else having problems being satisfied by BMW. My car, 2600 miles Mini CVT, was in service for a total of 18 days, had the chip pulled and transported to New Jersey for software update and still experiences problems. (See my link under "Safety Problems") Car was bought in May 2002. The dealer's General Sales Manager refused to roll me out of the car into another one, even though the Sales Manager recommended it. (GSM felt that he won't make ENOUGH profit. Note, I originally paid about $3000 over MSRP!) Service manager was to "get back to me" after talking to an Area Rep. (I called the Service Manager back and he still had no answer. Now he doesn't return my call.) BMW customer service said to contact Mini USA customer service. Mini USA customer service said they would get a hold of the Area Rep for me. The Area Rep hasn't called. The Mini USA reps don't respond to phone calls or email now. The GSM doesn't respond to email. ... and my mini still is a problem! I mailed the "notification of lemon law" Wednesday. It amazes me how difficult BMW makes it! I've purchased MGs, VWs, Chevy's, Fords, etc. and have occassionally had problems... which were cheerfully dealt with! Chevy even rolled me out of a new Camero because the dealer installed sunroof wasn't quite right! I guess customer service is not important to BMW/MINI. I love the Mini, but HATE BMW... now I know how you Brits feel about them... I should have know it would be a problem after seeing how they almost killed MG! Maybe the MG/Rover Group can get the Mini back and then service won't be a problem! Alex I. must be rolling in his grave! 1965 Morris Mini-Minor Rallye Equiped 1969 MGB GT 1971 MGB Roadster 1973 MG Midget 1983 Porsche 944 1994 Chevy Camero 2004 Chrysler Pacifica 2004 Mini Cooper S, Premium & Sport Pack, rear fogs, H/K... etc.

Jul 19th, 2002, 11:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Apial MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Lincolnshire Wolds Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 826 Offline	Re Mr Andrew Pringle I've not met the man personally, but have contacted him through my dealer. If I am to thank anyone at BMW for their assistance for working with my dealer to cure the left pull problem then it must be this man. Mr Pringle is pragmatic in his approach, not a PR man perhaps, but its horses for courses. It sounds as if his perhaps blunt approach, and the bad news he is giving you, has upset your aspirations for a perfect car. Honesty is always the best policy in the long run, and I'm sure we would all agree on that. New models always bring new problems. That is the risk you take. What matters is if the problems will be fixed. At least BMW are not shirking on that. Balloons? http://www.loony-balloony.co.uk

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Jul 18th, 2002, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Marts MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: just moving to Great Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 516 Offline	Amazed. I'm surprised to hear this and other stories regarding mini representatives. So far I've been one of the lucky ones. Quote: Am I also wrong in being extremely annoyed at the arrogant attitude displayed by this person? ie trying to suggest that I should have bought another car simply because I am now complaining about the faults that should not be there in the first place. Was he really that arrogant? What was the outcome from the meeting? Did you get a satisfactory result? I hope you get your problems sorted out.

Jul 18th, 2002, 03:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
S25AJH MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: uk Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 46 Offline	Marts, 'fraid so. He suggested that I should consider whether the MINI was the right car for me and that I should be realistic and accept that the cars will have faults citing the 5 series that is still being produced with faults today.

Jul 18th, 2002, 05:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
flipper MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: South West Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 293 Offline	This guy sounds sort of honest but not very reassuring. I really don't know how these people get their jobs - indeed just who are they accountable to? It is frustrating if you are getting an indifferent response. IMO its a Brit thing - over here if you complain too much you can be categorised as a moaner even when you clearly have a good case backed up with sound evidence. As a nation not enough of us complain when things arn't right.

Jul 18th, 2002, 06:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
S25AJH MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: uk Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 46 Offline	See my (now edited) reply to this post

Jul 19th, 2002, 12:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Viscount Charles MINI2 Senior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: uk Local Time: 07:18 AM Posts: 449 Offline	Re: problems Quote: Originally posted by btsave Maybe the MG/Rover Group can get the Mini back and then service won't be a problem! When I last had a problem with my Rover Mini (and there have been a great many problems, some quite major), half an hour spent on the 'phone being given the run-around concluded with my discovery that MG/Rover didn't have a Customer Services Department AT ALL! I'd never buy another car from that bunch of clowns. The dealerships were marginally better - say on a par with the performing monkeys - but overall it was more like dealing with a circus than a motor manufacturer. MINI/BMW is in a whole different league of profesionalism, at least it is here in the UK. Dedicated Customer Service lines - well publicised - at MINI(UK) AND at the factory. On the occasions I've called them (both) regarding ISOFIX seats and the delay in delivering my car due to a production problem, I found the information they had was accurate and correct when they had it to hand, and if it wasn't available they checked out my query and made the effort to get back to me the next day. I would also agree that some people have unrealistically high aspirations for the car, and some of those things others have described here as being major problems for them I regard as trivial. For example, people have complained about squeaky seats and dashboard rattles. My Rover-built car had had 3 gearbox rebuilds by the time it was 12 months old (the second two required because they were "fixing" the car by fitting the same sub-standard components that caused the failure in the first place)! Ordered my "S" August '01. Arrived July '02. EB with white roof, wheels and stripes, Chili pack, DSC and climate control. Hate those 17" runflats though. Can now be seen all over the West Midlands, as a blue blur passing everything at speed

Jul 19th, 2002, 01:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 42,151 Offline	Once I got in touch with the right person in BMW/MINI Ireland, my e-mails were returned answered, promptly and efficiently on a regular basis.......I cant fault them or my dealer...... *Global Moderator*

Jul 22nd, 2002, 02:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
willibobs MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manchester Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 106 Offline	I'm due to see the area technical representative in august at Howarth of Rochdale, maybe I'll meet the straight-talking Mr Pringle too.

Jul 22nd, 2002, 03:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
ELISEBOY MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Essex Local Time: 08:18 AM Posts: 2,163 Offline	I think that your Mr Pringle went to the same charm school as ours down here

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