[kshapiro]

A few months ago, I posted the thread about trouble at the Gaydon test track with the "S". Here is the text of my sources letter to me (from March 11)

"Part of the BMW deal with Ford when the BMW/Rover fracas broke last year was that BMW were still able to continue using the Gaydon test track for the new Mini. I am reliably informed by a guy I know who is in charge of Track Control that there is a major transmission problem with the "S". The story goes that some major mods have been done to the kingpins. It seems that BMW insisted the outter constant velocity joint should be of a smaller diameter, lighter and cheaper. BMW have dispensed with the original kingpins as designed by Rover which allegedly was robust in the extreme, and have used one of their own design. GKN (CV joint mfg.) claim a joint of this spec is not up to the task of getting engine power to the road without premature failure. I used to work for GKN and know some people working on the Mini project and by all accounts there is something of an impasse. BMW are adamant the new design is allowed to prevail while GKN, with all its euro subsidiaries who make all the O.E. driveline componentry for BMW's other products are claiming the CV joint can't last. To date, continued testing with thge modded assemblies is proving that. CV joints are blowing apart under 5,000 miles and the modified kingpin is showing serious signs of weakness. As GKN make transmission components for about 75% of the world's auto mfgs. and virtually all the CV joints for Toyota and Honda, I incline more to their view than that of BMW"