[Lil_Mini]

I'm so fustrated with Mini right now. Before when I ordered the Mini then it came with 2-spoke steering wheel as standard, but now that mine's about to come they decided to switch back to the 3-spoke. This is what I wanted but couldn't justify paying $350 extra just for a previously standard steering wheel! So I called into Mini and they said that there are no exchanges but if I wanted then I could BUY it.

Is it just me or is this crazy? Why do I have to buy something that is standard instead of just letting me exchange it? And for those that had it spec'd before now get it for free.

Sorry I had to rant, but it's just driving me bonkers!!

[MINIAC]

If the 3-spoke leather steering wheel is standard, it seems they should have adjusted the MFSW price accordingly. The MFSW is still listed as $550 on the MINI USA configurator. This option on the 2006 model was $250.

[mmalc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original)

I'm so fustrated with Mini right now. Before when I ordered the Mini then it came with 2-spoke steering wheel as standard, but now that mine's about to come they decided to switch back to the 3-spoke. This is what I wanted but couldn't justify paying $350 extra just for a previously standard steering wheel! So I called into Mini and they said that there are no exchanges but if I wanted then I could BUY it.

Just to be clear; you mean that you ordered the MINI with a 2-spoke steering wheel, but MINI added a three-spoke wheel? Without telling you? And you didn't order any other equipment that requires the three-spoke wheel?

mmalc

[Lil_Mini]

Hi mmalc,
When I ordered the Mini it had the 2-spoke wheel as standard. I wanted the 3-spoke but couldn't justify paying $350 extra just for plain 3-spoke. The 3-spoke wheel is now standard but they said that I coudn't exchange my 2-spoke for the 3-spoke. MiniUSA said that I would have to pay for it.

[joeviterbo17]

I am as well ****ed off about this problem!!!my car is coming in two weeks and was probably built right before they switched 3 spoke to standard! such BS!i really wanted the 3 spoke but didnt think that paying 350$ for an extra spoke is right!

[Lil_Mini]

Yeah, I don't understand why they even changed from 2-spoke to 3-spoke. Very irritating. They probably made quite some profit from people who paid extra for the previously and now once again standard 3-spoke.

[mmalc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original)

When I ordered the Mini it had the 2-spoke wheel as standard. I wanted the 3-spoke but couldn't justify paying $350 extra just for plain 3-spoke. The 3-spoke wheel is now standard but they said that I coudn't exchange my 2-spoke for the 3-spoke. MiniUSA said that I would have to pay for it.

Sorry, I misunderstood the situation then.
I thought you meant they'd put on a 3-spoke wheel and were charging you for it.

I'm afraid that's just life. This sort of thing isn't confined to cars. Computers provide another common example. Manufacturers typically don't pre-announce upgrades, otherwise everyone would stop buying the old model. If you put in an order just before an upgrade, then you might be lucky and get the new one, otherwise you just miss out.

mmalc

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original)

Hi mmalc,
When I ordered the Mini it had the 2-spoke wheel as standard. I wanted the 3-spoke but couldn't justify paying $350 extra just for plain 3-spoke. The 3-spoke wheel is now standard but they said that I coudn't exchange my 2-spoke for the 3-spoke. MiniUSA said that I would have to pay for it.

So what you are saying is that you ordered your car with the two spoke wheel as standard.

Now that the car has been ordered and I assume gone past the point when the spec can be changed and they have since made the 3 spoke wheel standard, you want MINI to give you one for free. Why should they?

It might be annoying but spec changes happen all the time on cars, you're just unlucky when you ordered your car just before a spec change that would of worked in your favour.

If your car is built after the three spoke comes as standard then surely it will arrive with that wheel on.

I'm guessing that your car has now been built with the two spoke wheel, before the spec change came in, otherwise your car will just come with the three spoke anyway. Wont it?

[The Pepperoni Man]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

So what you are saying is that you ordered your car with the two spoke wheel as standard.

Now that the car has been ordered and I assume gone past the point when the spec can be changed and they have since made the 3 spoke wheel standard, you want MINI to give you one for free. Why should they?

It might be annoying but spec changes happen all the time on cars, you're just unlucky when you ordered your car just before a spec change that would of worked in your favour.

If your car is built after the three spoke comes as standard then surely it will arrive with that wheel on.

I'm guessing that your car has now been built with the two spoke wheel, before the spec change came in, otherwise your car will just come with the three spoke anyway. Wont it?

You can rely on an English man to be the voice of reason !

[mmalc]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Pepperoni Man (original)

You can rely on an English man to be the voice of reason !

Umm, I'm English...

mmalc

[Lil_Mini]

Root Ginger,
I wanted to exchange my wheel. I don't think that I should have to pay $350 for something that is now standard. I got a message from someone who had spec'd the 3-spoke wheel but is now getting it for free.

[MINIAC]

If the 3-spoke wheel was NOT standard when your MINI was built, BMW is not going to give the dealer a replacement steering wheel nor compensate them for the labor to swap steering wheels.

Chalk it up as a matter of "bad timing"

[cellularcoffee]

Lil_Mini,

sorry to hear about your situation. I found out about the "switch" on April 1st and I had to quickly call the dealership because I had spec'd the MCS with 3 spokes steering wheels w/o MF buttons. My order is for the automatic, so production has been pushed back to mid April.

I have to agree with Root Ginger that specs change without notice. For example, my digital camera is becoming less and less valuable....but.....I'm glad that I had it then b/c I get to use it to capture some special moments. In your case, you will pick up your MINI much much sooner than anyone else, and it would be special b/c I have not seen one on the street yet.

[mrweasel]

I'd argue with the dealer that you ordered the "standard" wheel and if they "upgrade" that standard, that's their issue. Your quoted price upon order should stay the same no matter what they decide to change.

The same logic had them lock the CD changer cubby on the dash, even though others have a functional one.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by mrweasel (original)

I'd argue with the dealer that you ordered the "standard" wheel and if they "upgrade" that standard, that's their issue. Your quoted price upon order should stay the same no matter what they decide to change.

The same logic had them lock the CD changer cubby on the dash, even though others have a functional one.

The "locked" CD changer cubby is an altogether different story, because this is a "fault" which will be fixed free of charge under warranty.

A car built with a 2-spoke steering wheel prior to when the 3-spoke steering wheel became "standard" is not "at fault".

If BMW were to upgrade all the 2-spoke steering wheels to 3-spoke wheels free of charge, they'd have to also reimburse those who paid $300 for the option in the first place.

[Lil_Mini]

Thanks Cellular_Coffee and MrWeasel.

Maniac, I know of someone that did get a refund. That's why I don't understand if my Mini isn't delivered yet, why I can't exchange the wheel on delivery. I would pay for labor, but I don't think the $350 for the wheel itself is right.

It's ok, I was just really fustrated and wanted to rant. I guess I'll just be "special" with a "limited-edition 2-spoke wheel".. hehe.

[MINIAC]

When you say you "called into Mini" does this mean your dealer or MINI Customer Service?

If your dealer is not willing to work with you on replacing the steering wheel, you can always request to meet with the Regional Factory Representative to discuss the issue. I did this on something I felt was a warranty item that the dealer wouldn't cover and the Factory Rep said "no problem ... we'll fix it". I'm not sure that in this case, the Factory Rep will be very receptive.

[Lil_Mini]

Thanks Maniac,
I called both my dealer and Mini customer service to ask and they both said the same thing. It's ok. I'm still really happy to be getting a Mini.

[MINIAC]

My 2002 MCS has a 2-spoke steering wheel and it doesn't have the thumb grips and perforated leather of the 2-spoke wheel that became standard in December 2002.

My MCS didn't come with a manual release for the boot. I tried to get MINI USA to retrofit one as a warranty item and they refused. I ended up buying the parts and my dealer was nice enough to install them at no charge.

My MCS also didn't come with the alloy pedals that became standard equipment in December 2002. I bit the bullet and paid for having these fitted.

When you take delivery and drive off from the dealers this situation will be a distant memory

[cellularcoffee]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original)

Thanks Maniac,
I called both my dealer and Mini customer service to ask and they both said the same thing. It's ok. I'm still really happy to be getting a Mini.

The MINI dealerships do have 3 spokes steering wheel as an option item that gets fitted at the dealership instead of the factory.

Since you're paying MSRP and they are making a profit anyway, you should debate with them and maybe get a discount on those special 3 spokes steering wheel. I think they come in with color scheme as seen at the final step in MINIUSA configurator