Rust never sleeps

Discussion in 'MINI' started by lotsie, Jun 17, 2009.

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  1. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
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    No, sorry, this is not about the album:frown2:

    I found some rust on my 03 Cooper, which now has 105,000 or so miles on it.
    The rust was in 2 places. In the gap between the drivers side tail light and the body, the other was the bottom edge of the hatch, both bottom corners.

    I found paint lifting in the gap about 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser. No rust was showing, but the paint was lifting. The edge of the hatch had a pencil line of rust showing at both bottom corners.

    So I took my Canadian spec. now U.S resident MINI into the dealer to see how they would treat the rust warranty. No problem, just had to make an appointment. Had it fixed last week, don't need the car, as I'm on the road for the next month or so.

    They pulled both tail lamps, the bumper cover, wheel arches, and found no more rust. It seems the hatch had rubbed the OEM black bumper guard I installed, and wore off some paint. They inspected the whole car and found no more rust.

    There is a drip/drainage hole at the bottom of the lamps, guess that got plugged up, forcing water under the seal.

    After removing the loose paint/surface rust, they primed the area, then repainted the whole drivers side rear quarter panel. They removed the rust on the bottom edge of the hatch, primed that area, then repainted the hatch. It looks great, and can now sit under the car port while the paint cures. I will re-wax in a few weeks.

    I do a lot of detailing, on both of our MINIs, and others, and this is the first rust I have seen, except for some rusty threads on bolts on the underside.
    So keep an eye out for it. I have heard of rust on the underside of the doors, but I have never found any.

    If you have a rust story, post about it here.

    No before pics, but here are some after shots.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Mark
     
  2. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

    May 9, 2009
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    Thanks for letting us know. I'll be checking those areas!
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    So the dealer did all this no charge?
     
  4. theCapn

    theCapn New Member

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    I have heard conflicting reports on the corrosion warranty. Can you tell us what the "actual" is based your chat with the dealer?
     
  5. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    Actual warranty covers any rust perforation from the inside out. If you get a nasty stone chip and then rub salt water all over the hole...it will rust and you will run into trouble from the manufacturer...however if you start to notice bubbling paint in an area that shouldnt do that kinda thing, then you know you have a warranty issue and the dealer will be able to file a rust claim.
     
  6. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    There was no charge for the work done. The dealer did have to clear it with the regional service guy, just showed him a photo. Then I just set a time to get the work done with the body shop.

    Mark
     
  7. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    You know what else doesnt sleep?
    _
    _
    _

    Chuck Norris
     
  8. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

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    I know who Chuck Norris is, but I don't get it. :confused5:

    (Late night infomercials?)
     
  9. FERNO

    FERNO New Member

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    1. If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
    2. There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
    3. Apple pays Chuck Norris 99 cents every time he listens to a song.
    4. Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
    5. Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
    6. Chuck Norris is suing Myspace for taking the name of what he calls everything around you.
    7. Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
    8. Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.

    Chuck Norris Facts

    Pop Culture. Now back on topic.

    Thanks for pointing it out, I'll have to check mine out when it comes back from the dealer!
     
  10. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

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    :lol: Well, I guess I don't know Chuck Norris---or what he's become!

    If I ever get any rust, I guess I should invite Chuck over to scare the rust off my MINI.
     
  11. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    Chuck Norris's Car doesnt rust...the rust becomes Chuck Norrised:D
     
  12. Squirlz

    Squirlz New Member

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    I just got a rust bubble repaired that was just above the boot handle. I showed it to MINI of Grand Rapids and they said get it fixed any MINI will pay half. I though that was maybe because I have over 100K miles.

    So I took it to Detroit Tuned, but then MoGR said they were dealing with a different MINI rep now and they refuse to pay because I didn't have MoGR handle the repair. However the good people at the dealer are honoring their word and paying it themselves.

    Next time I talk to Jim McDowell I'll express my disappointment.
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Nice to know your dealer was stand up & took care of you. :Thumbsup:
     
  14. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    As I understand the rust warranty, there is no mileage limit, just years. I think up until the 04's came out it was 6 years, then in 05 it became 12 years. Not sure about 2nd gen.

    Mark
     
  15. Detroit Tuned

    Detroit Tuned Well-Known Member
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    I always thought it was a time limit also, but Motor City Mini Also told me about 100,000 miles warranty. not sure if it'a a dealer thing, or if it actually true.
     

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