I've got a 2010 Clubman S that recently burped its timing chain, resulting in "catastrophic engine failure," as MINI calls it. The well-publicized "death rattle" lasted about 10 seconds before the engine ate itself. I first thought that my car would be covered by the class-action extended warranty (7 years/100k miles), but the cutoff date for that coverage is cars maufactured before September 2009. Since this is my fourth MINI (two new, two used, plus three BMWs) in the last 10 years, I contacted MINI to ask for some help with the $10,000 repair bill. After all, I missed the warranty cutoff date by only a couple of months, and the issue with this engine's tensioners/timing chain is well documented. Although my local mechanic had already pulled the valve covers and diagnosed the problem, MINI said I had to take my car to the nearest authorized dealer 65 miles away to receive any warranty work. So I rented a trailer, hauled the car to the dealer, and agreed to pay the $359 diagnostic charge. Two weeks later, the dealer calls to say my car is not covered because it was manufactured after the cutoff date. REALLY? They couldn't have checked the VIN and made that determination BEFORE charging me $359 to tell me what I already knew? As for help from MINI to a loyal customer, that amounted to, "Sorry, your car is outside the dates of the class-action suit." I have loved my MINIs in the past, but like the company's customer relations, that's a thing of the past. They don't give a hoot about customer loyalty or "happy motoring." They're just reading off a sheet that the lawyers gave them.

 

Mini Cooper S 2010 Hardtop. 33k miles. Well maintained. I have the identical model number car and engine but because it was a 2010 it was excluded from the class action settlement and I was not notified of any dealer arrangements. The car made a funny noise for about 5 minutes and then died. Turns out it was the timing chain issue and my car is now worth $0. I would like to reopen the class action lawsuit or file a new one. Mini has refused to offer anything other than 30% towards a new engine (approximately $2400 of $8000 repair) and no cash settlement. Prior to the engine being destroyed the car was worth approximately $10k. I need approximately 40 co-claimants to get it certified. Please contact me directly davidvener (at) yahoo.com