Clear rear lights....warranty issue

[Veron781]

Hi

I've got the clear rear lights on my 04 plate MINI ONE.
Unfortunately, the left cluster is badly condensated, and is now collecting a substantial volume of water, as well as turning the bottom of the cluster a lovely green mould


These are geniune BMW clusters, and still have the serial numbers and stickers attached to them. However, upon returning the car to the dealership to have them looked at, I was told there was a brake in the seal and a fault with the cluster in question.
When I asked for it to be replaced (as I'm not too happy having water anywhere near my electrics ) they said they can't replace the cluster under warranty as its due to 'wear and tear'.

Obviously, I disputed that a rear cluster collecting water inside the actual unit cannot be due to 'wear and tear', and finally, the dealership agreed on replacing the cluster under warranty if I produced a recept.

Unfortunately I don't have a recept (as I didn't purchase the lights myself directly from BMW, but from another MINI owner, but they are obviously BMW genuine lights..as mentioned above).

I am wondering if anyone on this forum who has previously purchased the clear lights from BMW, and who is no longer needing the recept (for example if you have sold your car on?) wouldn't mind passing on the recept to me. Cheeky I know to ask, but worth a shot, rather than pay the £90 BMW charge for just 1 new light unit! Especially as I've never come across a light collecting so much water before on a car!!

I'm concerned that leaving it in the state it is may result in further damage to the electrics etc


Contact me if you can help I'd be very grateful

Thanks

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Sorry I can't help, but it's a darn good idea.

Tigger.

[Rakey]

good idea, and hope you get it sorted

but if not I have set for sale on MINI2 if you are interested

[Veron781]

Rakey...are you willing to sell the left cluster on its own?

[Rakey]

hahaha, nice try, sure you don't want a spare for the right and top too incase those go

its not much more than the dealer price for one to get the full set, see the for sale section of MINI2

[MartinSullivan]

I'll buy the clear brake light , Veron buys the left cluster, all you need to do is find a buyer for the right cluster now

[Veron781]

Quote: Originally Posted by MartinSullivan

I'll buy the clear brake light , Veron buys the left cluster, all you need to do is find a buyer for the right cluster now

Aye, sounds good to me

[Veron781]

Come on!! I'll pay a tenner for a good quality recept hehe Must be in good condition though

[Parc77]

V, have you tried taking the car to a differnt dealership? I.E ive just noticed this and I was just passing as I was on the way to see a friend.....it shouldnt have to go back to the garage that supplied them so to speak a part is a part and can be replaced by any one of the Mini garages throughout the country, wear and tear hmmmmm! you might find a date stamp on the part if you purchased them off someone else they could be potentially up to about 4yrs old not sure if this will affect any warranty claim you may have .....If your window seal brakes and water leaks in....is that wear and tear? I think not, that would be replaced due to premature ageing /defective part, would have thought it would be the same scenario with the light issue. Some dealerships tight others helpful........................let us know the outcome

[Veron781]

Anyone?

[Veron781]

* bump* one last time

[Veron781]

Took the car to another local dealer, who took a look at it and ordered a new cluster straight away under warranty
Light cluster was fitted yesterday, and looks top notch I'm very pleased

Interesting as the the two dealerships are owned by the same company, yet one would do the replacement under warranty, and the other wouldn't!

[Rakey]

would you name the dealers you visited and which did the work in the end

[Rich_IX]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

would you name the dealers you visited and which did the work in the end

It was Lister Park, your favorite dealership Rakey
Went down to get a loads of things fixed under warrenty and they booked it straight in no questions asked...

[Veron781]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rich_IX

It was Lister Park, your favorite dealership Rakey
Went down to get a loads of things fixed under warrenty and they booked it straight in no questions asked...

Aye, Rich is indeed correct

The other less helpful dealership was Almondbury