2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Turbo Rust

Do you live in an area of the country where salt is used?

 

Seems abnormal. But salt will do that. I'd still bring it up with the dealer. Seems like it's premature for an 09. Hopefully you have an understanding dealer in your area.

 

The MINI is supposed to come with a 12 year rust protection guarantee. Obviously they're probably referring to the body but I say it should cover every component of the car. Are we expected to rinse off our engines after a drive? :incazzato:

 

Here's mine, May 09 build date. Mine gets parked until Spring at the first sign of snow.

 

Mine's a 07' daily driver and we get moderate snowfall/salt on the road and I have nothing like that

 

My '09 looks like that somewhat as well, although not as bad as yours - 25K and we get tons of salt on our KC roads in the winter. My car is not garaged nor do I wash the engine...definitely looks like salt corrosion to me.

I would run it by the dealer also, and if they won't replace it under warranty, I'd consider buying one to have on hand for when it does start to leak. Either that or take that one off, clean it to bare metal and paint it or powder coat it. An ounce of prevention, as they say....

The front pipe brings water from the water pump to cool the turbo bearing and housing, the one behind it supplies oil to the center bearings.

 

I'd say I do similarly but maybe about every-other-wash.

I'd definitely have the dealer take a look at it

 

Here's the problem!

Don't let them know that... "What you TOUCH your car parts? Warranty claim DENIED!"

Matt

 

It looks like these parts are originally either cad plated or zinc plated, either will normally be fine unless in highly corrosive areas - like those that put a lot of salt down on the roads or near the ocean.

 

Yeah..... they are electroplated. Not sure what the coating is. Cadmium is typically gold in appearance. Chances are its a zinc electroplate.

 

Matt's not having a good day unless he's sarcastic

 

On the... ask Vini Product Manager thread.....

Did you notice the part about shielding the Turbo oil lines? I wonder if the heat shielding will offer some protection against salt corrosion?????


...Vinnie: It was part of a cost-down measure. Sadly, this was one of few things that we fought against but the beancounters prevailed. Luckily, we did win on a few fronts such as getting the MINI logo back on our engines, budgeting for oil feed line heat shields on the turbo engines and even getting new timing chain tensioners....

 

That corrosion is definitely a warranty item.
Just make sure to come in to the dealership asking for help, making friends, and gathering support. Don't go in there with guns a blazin' and demanding everything.

As with everything else, your relationship with the dealership can make all the difference.

Even if they determine it is 'cosmetic or normal' corrosion for the moment and not covered, it is best to get this issue on record during the warranty period. If you highlight as an issue now it very well may still be a warranty item if/when it fails even if beyond the warranty period.

Also, having some pics of other MINIs with greater miles and less corrosion can't hurt.

 

I hope I was being sarcastic...

We'll know when you're back from your visit. But some dealers are real pains in the butt, others are real helpful. I hope you have the latter.

In general though, I think it's best to just say "this doesn't look right to me. Does it to you?" and not given them anything that can be used as an excuse to not cover something.

Matt