[Lorien]

Hi All
A few things:

1. Got my front tires changed this week. Last time it was to replace the horrid Dunlop runflats to the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 205/40/18 Extra Load. They are so great, I got another pair. The back tires are still in great shape. Long run with them!! Highly recommended. Each tire including installation cost me 235 euro including IVA (tax).

2. Had my front brake pads replaced at last. Got a pair of “34116770251” - REPAIR KIT, BRAKE PADS - JURID 612. My question is: how much did you pay for yours? I paid 126.43 Euro not including IVA or installation (which was another 30 euro). Was this a good price? Bad price? Please share your costs so I can compare. Thanks

3. My roof number: Well, they managed to order the “6” which as I reported a while ago, fell off. I was pretty surprised, but they said it would take a few weeks. Will wait and see if it will be under warranty or not. Will report back once I get it.

4. Now, I have noticed some serious rust in the engine bay area. See below photos I took. The dealer (“Target” in ASTI Italy) said (and this is after he checked with the main tech guy there) that this is normal, and happens a lot. Nothing to be done, and they can’t replace it – would mean to take out the complete engine etc. I feel this is bs, and wanted to check with you all and see if you have the same problem and if you managed to get it resolved. I think I should write/contact BMW Mini UK or Italy and see what they say. But If I were out to buy a car and noticed this kind of rust, I would probably stay away. Please let me know. thanks

Cheers,
Lorien

[jimskater]

Go back to your dealer. That is not normal, it doesn't happen a lot & they don't all do it.

They just don't want an expensive warranty claim.

Push, Lorien, push.

(All of the above is based on the assumption that there shouldn't be any rust in the engine bay in a year old car.)

Edit: I just went and opened the hood-- I have the tiniest bit of discoloration on the chamfered edge that you can see in your 3rd photo.

[Lorien]

Thanks Jim
just so I have an easier time explaining things on the phone to Mini UK - any idea what the part if called where i do show the rust?
thanks
Lorien

[Mike Edwards]

That would be the top of the engine block...

[JAMIE1131]

I would not be worried at all by that rust, and I would be inclined not to let a dealer fix it! the amount of tearing apart of the engine bay to get that sorted would more than likely cause far more problems!

[DaFlake]

I agree with Jamie on this. The engine block is iron and surface rust is going to happen (has on mine as well in roughly the same spot). Having the dealer tear into it is likely to cause more problems than it is worth and will probably just happen again.

[Lorien]

ok so it is normal??

[Lorien]

btw any anti rust or anyway to "clean" that ?

[jimskater]

Lorien,

I dunno. I'm in So Cal---rust is more of a color choice than a problem for me. Fire, earthquakes, drought, those I'm used to. But rust?

Jim

[DaFlake]

Depending on how bad the rust is, you could use a WD-40 and a wire brush or some navel jelly to remove it. Then if you don't want it to return use a high temp paint (caliper paint) to cover the offending area.

[Lorien]

hmmm ok. i guess its less of a big deal than i thought.

anyone else have such a problem? anyone?

[AlexF2003]

I've seen loads of W11 engines like that. Its not a issue as such, just cosmetically not pretty.

ROver had a problem with the old Mini A-series at the end of production that caused the same problem. It was put down to not washing the blocks enough and getting rid of all the sand from casting.

Alex

[R1]

Wouldn't worry about that rust. As was stated it is a cast iron block so it will rust. I have the same on my Works. Just rubbed it down a bit where I could and painted it with some silver engine paint about 6 months ago and it it hasn't come back.

[Lorien]

thanks for the feedback all. glad i dont have another thing to worry about