Roof dents due to heat - need advice

[Biscuit79]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone may be able to help if possible.

My MINI has developed a number of dents to the roof over the last few weeks. At first I thought it had been damaged by vandals etc, but on closer inspection i could see no scratches at all to the paintwork. Just a large dent to the front of the roof, in between the passenger and drivers seats, and then 2/3 smaller dents running along the passenger side of the roof (where it begins to curve down)

I've searched this site and read a number of related posts that refer to heat warping/denting, and I believe my car has the same issue (2003 MINI Cooper).

I have taken it to Stratstone BMW Harrogate (formerly Victoria) who, upon initial inspection, confirmed that heat damage did indeed appear to be the issue (clarified there were no scratches or marks to the roof, which would have been incurred if there was actual force behind the dents), they also mentioned they had seen this once before in the earlier make of cars.

They took pictures and sent off to BMW.

I have chased up today (6 days later) and apparently BMW are querying the dents because they don't 'pop back out' when the roof cools. They are also saying this was an issue with earlier cars that was rectified in the newer models. Stratstone say they will continue to 'look into the issue' , but i'm not confident they are going to come back with good news.

Just wondering if anyone here could offer up opinions or advice on this issue, perhaps having experienced similar issues recently.

Many Thanks

Anna

[RickB]

My June '02 car did suffer from roof warping, and the developed fix did prevent it from happening again. I don't visit the forum as much as I did 2-3 years ago, but I don't remember seeing anything about warped roofs after late '03, and that was in reference to '02 cars.

[Paul]

I was thinking much the same as Rick, not seen reports of this for a LONG time. Good luck with your quest though.

[Biscuit79]

Many thanks for your responses.

BMW have been in touch initially to advise indeed that the fix and subsequent build modifications were put in place prior to the build of my car. When i questioned the date of the build modifications I was informed it was Dec 03.

I have challenged this therefore, as my car was built in July 03.

Clearly they did not feel the need to run a search on my chassis number, and went on the pure fact that the pictures taken show my car with facelift bumpers. They are now reviewing the situation again.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Biscuit79 (original)

BMW have been in touch initially to advise indeed that the fix and subsequent build modifications were put in place prior to the build of my car. When i questioned the date of the build modifications I was informed it was Dec 03.

I have challenged this therefore, as my car was built in July 03.

In a way that has worked in your favour, as they've now admitted that there was a recognised issue, and your car, built in July, has not had a factory "fix" applied to it.

[Mini-Trainer]

Just seen this thread Anna, hope you get it sorted, think of BMW as the "Octopus Theory"

One day a Fisherman catches an Octopus on his boat and puts him into a bucket of Water.
But the Octopus doesn't like life in the bucket so one by one all 8 legs hang onto the edge, nearly free the little guy pops out to freedom.......
BUT the Fisherman See's him and pushes him back down again, right back where he started.

So the moral of the story is everybody has fight for what they believe is right, keep motivated and battle with them until the bitter end!
I promise you'll get something if you badger them enough (No Smutty Pun intended)

Rams

[JAMIE1131]

Let me know how you get on, I have a november 03 MCS with a black roof so I'm worried after reading this thread! going to park it under an umbrella, (or just keep it in Britain with this weather!)

[Biscuit79]

So.. to cut a rather long, frustrating and tedious story short, here’s the update:


After running the chassis number, BMW did concur that the car was indeed built ‘pre-fix’ (before December 03) and was exhibiting the classic symptoms of heat denting.

However, even though this was a recognised and published MINI design flaw for which BMW accept responsibility, they then decided that my car was NOT eligible for the fix due to only having cherished warranty…

After communicating these latest updates Stratstone Harrogate then made the decision to go ahead with the fix and dent removal FOC – as they were not satisfied with the ‘official’ BMW response – needless to say, I didn’t challenge this, nor did I enquire how they planned on recouping the costs, and the job was done.

So good news in the end, but a bit of an empty victory. I’m pretty p’d off with BMW, and their attitude and level of service throughout this time, but am very, very pleased with Stratstone Harrogate, who, given the endless problems (and thus, constant frustrations) I’ve encountered with this car, have ALWAYS been prepared to go the extra mile to ensuring the support and help is there.

So now the car is fixed…

…and the car is sold…

I’m now the very proud owner of an AB/W Cooper. Bought from Stratstone Harrogate of course (and a very pleasant purchase it was too.) My PW/B lemon is now gone, and though I miss it (we have shared so much together) and it’s still my all time favourite colour, it was time to put that years experiences behind me.

[NeuroBeaker]

Glad to hear that you got things sorted and were seen to by what sounds like an exceptional dealership. Bit of a poor response from BMW though... Still, as you said, put it behind you and enjoy the new Cooper!

All the best,
Andrew.