I'm not sure if this subject has been covered, I couldn't find any reference in the search I did.
Has anyone else got rust on their cooper mesh grille?
I noticed mine was rusty when the car was only 2 months old. It looks like it's on the 2 plates either side that hold it in place, Don't know what they've painted them with, not much in my case!
I'm having it replaced on monday along with the window weather seals.
Hmmm. Doesn't look good. Of course, I was drawn to this thread by the title and felt motivated to point out that stainless steel doesn't rust. Since rust is iron oxide, the only metal that rusts is iron. Other metals corrode, but to not rust.
It does indeed look like the rust (it does look like rust) on the stainless steel came from the plate behind it.
I called the thread Rusty stainless steel mesh, because the service department were baffled as to why a stainless steel mesh would go rusty!! I did point out to them it was the plate behind it? I think they were just trying to play down the fact that the plate could go rusty less than 2 months from leaving the factory!
It's being replaced, but having looked at other minis in the showroom, I don't think it will be long before it looks the same as before.
Out of interest have you tried a stainless cleaner on it, it could just be surface staining as against corrosion which would be unlikely if it truly is stainless.
FYI, stainless steel can rust. There are different stainless alloys, some are magnetic, some are not. I find a lot of stainless flatware, pocket kinves, etc. at the beach with my metal detector. It can range from nearly perfect to heavily rusty and pitted. The term "stainless" doesn't mean it will never rust or corrode, it means it won't rust or corrode as quickly and easily as mild steel will.
What a difference a day makes? (before and after!)
I've had the stainless steel mesh replaced. Looking at the one they took off, the rusty part is only a piece of metal rivetted on to the stainless steel, it doesn't play any part in fixing it to the bumper, it must just be a blanking plate.
Anyway, here's hoping it lasts for more than 2 months this time?!!
mine is also rusting as are all othe other cars in the neighbourhood (I made a point of checking this). My dealer is replacing mine next week - no questions asked. Yet another example of inferior quality components!
Hi brycem
I asked the dealer if mine going rusty was a one of? They said they send the parts back to mini and if they got quite a few back then they would notice there was a problem and look into it. So that's 2 they're going to receive!! My question was, why use poor quality painted metal? Why not use black plastic?
Here's hoping this one will be fine.
Juliane
Just a FYI. 304 stainless is the good stuff most people identify with. 409 stainless is a more crude/industrial grade that does rust but still lasts almost forever. Ford makes many original exhausts from this, longevity and lower cost.
It's not as simple as 304 being "the good stuff" and 409 being "more crude". Different grades of stainless have different characteristics that are suited for different applications. 409 is used in exhaust systems because it's easier to weld, holds up better to higher tempratures and withstands the elements very well (and it's reasonably priced). Exhaust tips are normally 304 because it holds a polish better than 409 (and is also less expensive than other grades of stainless). Does anyone know the difference between austenitic, ferritic and martensitic?
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Rusty Stainless 
