Eletrical Fault in Pre 8-14-2003 Built MINI Coopers

[valnmike]

This is a follow up to my posts in this thread http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...ad-moment.html

Below is the text of the message I emailed to MINI USA this morning:

I have been experiencing an electrical problem with my MINI. The speedometer cluster goes dead, the flat monitor light flashes, the BATT light comes on and the electric assist on the steering cuts out in turns. I found a Technical Service Bulletin that addresses "one of the following complaints may be encountered:"

The oil pressure warning light is illuminated when the vehicle is in motion but the engine oil level is correct.
Charge indicator Lamp to Illuminate (I have this)
Loss of Power Assisted Steering (I have this)
CAUSE
The engine wiring harness has chafed though against the starter motor heat shield and is causing a short circuit.
PROCEDURE
In event of customer complaint, check wiring harness near the starter motor heat shield and replace it if necessary. The heat shield mist also be replaced if the engine wiring harness is replaced.
NOTE
An improved starter motor heat shield was introduced into production on August 19, 2003:
Part number .......Description
12 41 495 806 ....Starter heat shield;
Refer to EPC .......Engine harness
Defect code 12 51 12 69 00

My car is a 2/14/03 build, so it was prior to the improved heat shield introduction. I have contacted MINI of Towson (MD) where I have taken my car for service. When I asked the service manager why this TSB was never addressed while my car was IN THE SHOP (many times) AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, he said I had to report the problem first. That approach to customer service is unacceptable and fraudulent.

I have taken my car to an independent repair shop to be evaluated at a cost of $140. They have just confirmed that the battery and alternator are not the problem and that the heat shield has damaged the starter wiring harness. They also inform me that the repair for shield and harness with labor will cost over $900 USD!!!! Approximately $330 is labor and the rest is for BMW MINI parts. That is insane! I request MINI USA participate in the repair of this time bomb that BMW knew has been ticking since before August 19, 2003 when production changes were made to correct this defect. MINI USA should repair this defect as a warranty or recall item. I may be contacted during the day (Mon -Thurs 6 AM - 4 PM Eastern time) at .............

I think I have done a lot to promote the MINI and encourage others to purchase one of their own. If MINI USA is unwilling to assist me in this KNOWN DEFECT I will be one very unhappy MINI owner.

Thank you

[Jonty06FR]

Please excuse me but I am new to the forum and havent been following this post but.........Is this an international know "defect"? I have just purchased a 05/2003 Cooper S in France and would be interested to know if Im effected?

cheers

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonty06FR (original)

Please excuse me but I am new to the forum and havent been following this post but.........Is this an international know "defect"? I have just purchased a 05/2003 Cooper S in France and would be interested to know if Im effected?

cheers

If your car's build date is 5 of 2003, I would say it falls within the period before the changes were made in the heat shield. There is only one assembly plant and only one parts stream for all of our cars. Therefore the wiring harness in yours is susceptible to abrasion and shorting out. This abrasion reached the short circuit stage around 75,200 miles for my Cooper.