ABS Pump Replacement for 2007 Mini One?

[KBRO]

Hi all

My 2007 Mini One ABS lights came on a few weeks back. I've had 2 diagnostic checks from different dealers, both are telling me the ABS readings are fine, but it's showing an internal fault and the pump will need replaced, costing £1200.

Although the car is 4 years old, it only has 13,000 miles on her. I'm astounded the car needs such a big job with such a low mileage. Can anyone advise me on what to do - I'm out of my 3 year warranty.

Thanks in advance
Katie.

[touche39414]

Hi Katie,

I know how you feel. As at this moment in time my 57 plate Cooper D is in the dealership getting a new ABS Hydro unit.

I too was confronted by an array of warning lights/messages (ABS, runflat, Traction control). After doing some online research, it was looking like it could have been down to a faulty wheel speed sensor, with the front nearside one being the most likely.

Then I came across the most important bit of information on the moneysavingexpert.com website; this being the 'Sales Of Goods Act'. It basically says everything is covered for six years (obviously within reason).

With this information, I dropped an email to Mini UK saying that a car that is only 3 1/2 years old, having covered 36000 miles should not be having these problems, and even though it was outside their warranty period I wanted the problem repaired at no cost to myself. They replied saying that the car should be taken to the dealership to be looked at, and a decision would be made as to whether they would pick up the tab.

Before I took it into the dealers for diagnostics, I enquired about the price of a speed sensor, and was quite plesantly shocked to find that they only cost £16.

When I took the car into the dealers for diagnostics on the fault, I told them about the correspondance I had with Mini Uk. The dealers said they would put in a request for 'Goodwill' with Mini UK, however they said I would have to pay for the diagnostics (£70 ish).

The diagnostics came back saying that the Hydro unit needed replacing, the price of which was £1400. However the dealers said that Mini UK was willing to pay for the parts but not labour; which means I am looking at approx £180 all in.

The Hydro unit had to be ordered in, and it took a couple of weeks to arrive.

I believe I might have been able to argue a bit more and get the labour paid for or reduced, but to be honest I think this is a fair compromise; afterall the service rep at the dealership has been good and kept me upto date at all times.

So my advice would be to get yourself over to Moneysavingexpert.com, and read up on the 'sales of goods act', then speak to Mini UK or your dealership, and if needs be threaten to take it to the small claims court.

Good luck.