I have just been told my 2007 Cooper S with 25,000 miles needs a new timing belt. I was quoted $2,500.

After looking over multiple forums, and even finding a petition going around to have this issue recalled, it seems pretty obvious that this is a manufacturing/design problem. There is no way that a car this 'gently used' should need a new timing belt already.

I contacted MINI USA and MINI North America, and was told very quickly by both that MINI will cover the parts, but that still leaves me with $1,400 in service.

Has anyone with this issue been able to get MINI to further address this problem? This car has already had two recalls in its short life, and now with this, it's almost too much to justify fixining or even keeping the car! I love my MINI but this is crazy!

Thanks!!!