Non-functional cruise control

[lhoboy]

My '02 MCS went into the shop 2 months ago because the cruise control was working intermittently. Fortunately, it was not working when It got to the dealer, so they could observe the problem. They determined that it would not work in any gear except 3rd (I don't typically use cruise in 3rd). In the past 2 months, working under the direction of the factory engineers, the local dealer has changed out every conceivable part associated with the cruise control. As that all failed, they were instructed also to replace the main electrical harness. My car is now spread out in pieces all across the shop floor and the dealer in unwilling to make any committment on its return as they are short of mechanics and a job this extensive will be assigned a lower priority than the smaller jobs. They have however assured me that I WILL NOT have the car back by Christmas. I feel like they have stolen my car!
Has anyone had a similar issue with either the cruise control or a dealer hijacking of your MINI?

I think the next call will be to an attorney.

[Paul]

If it's been back several times, and they've basically admitted they don't know the cause, I'd have rejected it already, but as you haven't I'd seriously consider taking that option now. Reject and replace or refund, that's pretty shocking.

[lhoboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

If it's been back several times, and they've basically admitted they don't know the cause, I'd have rejected it already, but as you haven't I'd seriously consider taking that option now. Reject and replace or refund, that's pretty shocking.

No, I haven't taken it back several times. They have refused to return the car to me since I delivered it to them two months ago. They refused a loaner as well when I asked - "only as available" - even though the car is still under warranty.

Unfortuanately MD lemon law only applies to cars less than 12 months old, so I don't believe I can demand a refund or replacement for the car, especially since I bought it used.

However, under the Magnuson-Moss Act (affects warranty claims), I can demand compensation at least for the non functional cruise control. I'm not certain if they are also obliged to compensate for loss of use and devaluation of a vehicle because of an irreparable component.

Thought?

[Paul]

Not even a loan car?! That's really shocking! This is one of those cases where I'd do whatever I could do get back in a car ASAP, I can't believe MINI USA would be happy with this situation? Have you gone direct to MINI customer care, or spoken to the MD of the dealership.

[lhoboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Not even a loan car?! That's really shocking! This is one of those cases where I'd do whatever I could do get back in a car ASAP, I can't believe MINI USA would be happy with this situation? Have you gone direct to MINI customer care, or spoken to the MD of the dealership.

I contacted Customer Care (MiniAssistance) 1 month ago. Their response was that BMW factory techs were aware of the problem and that the Dealer was doing everything they could. No follow up from them since then , so I called Customer Care last Thursday. They said they would check into it again. No answer back.

One of my professional duties is supervising a customer service staff serving 10,000 association members. The quality of followup and level of customer satisfaction provided by BMW would merit my termination were I to allow this level of negligence in my organization.

Yes, on Monday I will contact the Dealer MD and demand ommediate return of my vehicle (or at least a loaner). I will also initiate legal action against BMW if they do not contact me by mid next week. I am very concerned my car will be hurriedly reassembled and become a future maintenance nightmare. This experience has drained all of the true joy I have felt in the past owning my MINI. Hopefully, I will feel differently when I get it back, but I doubt it.

[minionefun]

its a problem with the gearbox. I'm i right in saying that you can turn on the CC but not set the speed?.

There are sensors and other bits and bobs in the gearbox and the diff. if something is not right it will not allow you to set the speed, and to make it worse there will be no fault codes.

The box will have to be replaced.

same thing happened to my mini. Gearbox was replaced within 2 days. of it going in.

[lhoboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by minionefun

its a problem with the gearbox. I'm i right in saying that you can turn on the CC but not set the speed?.

There are sensors and other bits and bobs in the gearbox and the diff. if something is not right it will not allow you to set the speed, and to make it worse there will be no fault codes.

The box will have to be replaced.

same thing happened to my mini. Gearbox was replaced within 2 days. of it going in.

This was my thought too, but the mechanic said there is no wiring other than the reverse indicator going to the trans. In fact, I was thinking maybe the reason it didn't work right was the installation of a new transmission with the '05 gearing (my car is an '02), but that didn't make sense either since the CC worked after the install and then worked intermittently for a while until now it is only functional in 3rd gear.

Your assessment may be right on the mark.