It gets even better, the convertibles through 08 I believe use the same great POS power steering gear. My car was built in November of 2005. So far so good for my 06, err I mean 05. :smilewinkgrin:
I wish this had come about a year sooner. Mine stopped working last year. I won't get any reimbursement since I took it apart and fixed it (thanks for the tips, Minidave). I'm glad I did because I learned some new things -- added life-education, always good -- but I definitely would have taken advantage of the new warranty and saved myself the trouble. Plus then I'd have a new pump in there instead of one that's nearly 11 years old. Now I almost hope it craps out again, and soon, so I can get a fresh one installed for free.
I know a LOT of people who have simply replaced their pump rather than have the potential of a failure while driving....this will be very good news for them.
I've fixed (at least temporarily) a bunch of pumps over the years (glad I could help, Steve) and I don't do it anymore cause it's such a not fun job to do. I also found that the life of the pump could be extended greatly just by blowing the brush dust out of the pump and reassembling it.
On the other hand, to me cracking it open and fiddling with the bits inside was the easy part. Given I have no lift and have to work with ramps and stands, I consider the process of draining, pulling and replacing and then refilling the system to be quite a bit more than half the battle, so even just replacing with a new one would be a pain in the buttocks.
That's what worried me most as I was putting things back together. If I got everything buttoned up and it still wouldn't work I would admit defeat (after much swearing, etc) and buy a new pump but then I'd have to do the crappy part of the job all over again.
Fortunately, it's working like a champ. (thanks again Dave)
What if you bought your pump from an aftermarket supplier (like Way) instead of MINI, do you think they'll still pay you back? It'll cost them less.....
Don't get your hopes up yet. I just called Mini USA to get the particulars on how to file for this reimbursement and was told that my 2005 does not qualify. Two weeks ago I spent almost $1400.00 to get my PS system replace because of failure. I don't think they're playing very fair on this one. I hope others don't get the shaft. Shame on you you Mini USA.
My build date is 8/05 but I had the Pump and Fan failure like all others according to my mechanic. I have filed a complaint with Mini USA but I'm not holding my breath. Don't get me wrong, I love my car but am distrustful of the organization behind it. It took them far to long to put this maintenance bulletin in place and they were playing with owners pocketbooks and lives when you think about the safety aspect. To many times we turn our heads and we end up with the coin facing down. When it's wrong, we need to fix it and not create ******** within your brand. But then again, here's the sad truth 80,000 possibly affected X $700.00 for the pump alone $56,000,000.00 BMW Class Action Lawsuit Complaint Filed Over Allegedly Defective Mini Cooper Power Steering - Class Action Lawsuits In The News | Class Action Lawsuits In The News
