MINIUSA Releases Service Bulletin for the Hood Rub Issue

Sections: Recalls/Campaigns Jul 7th, 2003 19 Comments

Update: The fix is Service Measure M41 200 03 and the parts themselves are plastic shields 51 48 7 126 245 & 246

MINIUSA has just released a service bulletin regarding the hood paint rubbing issue. For those who haven't heard of this problem you may want to check out this previous posting on the issue. You can see the photos there as well.

rub

You may also remember reading in the comments of that original story that MINIUSA contacted me about the post and forwarded on the photos to engineers within the company. From that original post, comments, and photos MINI engineers have now come up with a solution. Protective shields have been developed to prevent the rubbing between the plastic above radiator and the underside of the hood. The shields are plastic and will be attached to the underside of the hood with double sided tape and plastic rivets.

Because of the advanced state of the rubbing under my hood I'm actually having the underside repainted. As you can see (not very well) in the photos it had actually rubbed down to the bare metal in four spots. Once that's finished I'll have the plastic shields installed and will post the final photos here.

On a more personal note I was told by a MINIUSA representative that it was my site and this post that got this issue noticed by MINIUSA and eventually led to the service bulletin. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the initial discussion. It's refreshing to see a company reaching out to it's customers, at it's own expense, in an effort to make a product better.

All this from a couple photos taken from my phone :)

Written By: MF Staff

19 Comments

Steve Jul 7th, 2003 Link

It is nice to know that MINI is reading these websites and correcting issues and problems…

Matt Jul 7th, 2003 Link

Does this mean that they're taking appointments for installation of the shields?

Gabe Jul 7th, 2003 Link

Yes – contact your MINI service advisor to see if this bulliten applies to your car.

antsmini Jul 7th, 2003 Link

Does this only apply to the Cooper “S”?

Gabe Jul 7th, 2003 Link

I would imagine since there were reports of this happening to both the MCS and the MC that they both suffer this issue. I know for certain it affects the MC and should know by tomorrow about the MCS.

Ron Jul 8th, 2003 Link

Keep us posted on its application to the “S” and great job Gabe…Making a difference one MINI at a time!

Scott Jul 8th, 2003 Link

Score another victory for Bridger.us/mini.

drew Jul 8th, 2003 Link

MINIUSA engineers should ask Gabe for advice in designing future MINI incarnations. :) Seriously, Gabe, do you know the service bulletin number to reference when talking to our MINI service department? Also, do you know whether applicable service bulletins are implemented automatically at the regular servicing?

Gabe Jul 8th, 2003 Link

No and Yes. I don't have the actual number of the bulletin but all an advisor has to do is turn on their computer and check for new bulletins – it's there. It was confirmed to me by a MINIUSA source and a local MINI service advisor.

Yes it should be implemented automatically when you bring your car in for service. However I recommend asking about the bulletin directly. I'm still not clear what build dates this problem is associated with. I'm awaiting word on that.

Rob Jul 9th, 2003 Link

Yay! Gabe, this is why your website is on my fave list, and I visit quite often. Your MINI info is the best. I'm glad you caught this little problem with you cell-pics! I'm really impressed with MINI getting on the stick so fast, as well. Well done, oh good and faithful son.

 BCNU,

Rob in Dago

Frank Jul 10th, 2003 Link

Although I haven't seen this problem developing in our '02 Cooper CVT (August '02 build), I would be interested to find out whether this latest TSB also applies to a specific VIN or build date range?

Terrific job Gabe. This is the reason why I keep coming back to this site and buying more MINIs ;).

Dave Jul 16th, 2003 Link

Gabe, I have this problem on my '03 MCS (October '02 Build). Thanks

Dave Jul 16th, 2003 Link

Gabe, By the way have you heard anything about the brown antifreeze issue?? Thanks

Gabe Jul 16th, 2003 Link

Yes – I know people that have been battling that issue for over a year now. I'd recommend talking with your service rep at your local MINI dealer. MINI is aware of the issue.

drew Jul 20th, 2003 Link

I took my car in for 10,000 mile maintentance on Friday. I asked about service bulletins, particularly the paint rub issue under the hood. The service rep at Bill Jacobs told me that the fix was implemented at the time of manufacture (11/02). That kinda conflicts with what I've been reading here, but since I haven't seen any paint rubbing off under the hood, I wasn't going to raise a big deal about it. I think I'll consult with one of you who has the fix at the next get together.

gas2hi Mar 20th, 2004 Link

Now if they would offer a “service recall on the sub par defective WINDSHIELDS..it would make a lot of owners happy..!!

Jonathan Cammarata Mar 26th, 2004 Link

Has anyone seen/bought/tested the Mini Mania Cooper S Venturi Hood scoop?

gualter pereira Sep 13th, 2004 Link

Anyone taken delivery of a convertible? My blue top is already wearing out within a week.

trolxblo Jan 25th, 2007 Link

I’m 65 years old retiree. Not too old for man ;) but grandchildren remind every day about my age :)) 45 years-long duty left me several health-presents. Believe me – sometimes i’m almost ready to use my 9mm M9 Beretta, if you know what i mean ;) To reduce pain, I’m trying several options now: HCL tramadol 180- http://www.blogas.lt/tramadol and Pain relief soma watson (what is the correct name of this drug? ultram or tramadol?)

STOP ME, please, if you know why i should not use these medications, but ultram is helping – i feel it, right now – while writing these words – i feel better and better.

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