New Rear Latch Design

finally. i'll be making an appointment at Knauz soon.

fix-a-thon – nice

what is the pothole damage on your MINI? we had a cracked strut mount on the front passenger side – it's a plastic piece, you can see it under the bonnet over the wheel well. we didn't know it was there until we hit a bad pothole on the driver's side (which busted both left tires) and our SA pointed out the likely pre-existing damage on the passenger side.

the dealer said it wasn't warranty so we had our own mechanic fix it. one of the mechanics in his shop said it shouldn've been warrantied b/c several MINIs have had the same problem.

I don't have the hatch rattle, but I have every other rattle imaginable. On an '03 MCS with only 7000 miles :(

That happened to us on our Jetta, but not from a pothole, instead when it slid on ice into a curb. They had to replace a bent tie rod. If only the car had DSC like our Mini.

Does anyone have a MINI service bulletin# for the hatch rattle?

This redesigned hatch — how different is it? Any visual differences? If so can someone provide photos?

My flat tire sensor kept coming on because I had two bent wheels that were leaking air. :-)

Don't think this is new – the resdesigned latch was released in 2003. Got one on my 2002 and it solved the rattle and problems closing the hatch wonderfully.

My Mini have that problem, while driving and hitting a humps or pot hole you can hear rattle, I went to my fav. dealer and told them about this rattle issue, they said that it is the muffler shield. they align the shield but, still there, I think you guys are right, but will you please inform me what we can do to this issue? thanks

Thanks for posting this topic.

For a couple of months now I've noticed rattling from the back of the car. More noticeably for sure when I have the back seats folded down for my dog to ride. I thought the noise was coming from the shelf that was placed on the seats. Though I have not done much research, I've often thought that it was something of my doing: i.e., storgae of small plastic items in the back bin.

After reading this, I've come to recognize that it is the car and not something that I'd put into it making the noise.

I've made an appointment to have the latches replaced and at the same time have the computer updated so that some features previously programmed will now be functional again. I'd though about having the back fog lights programmed also, though from my conversation with the dealer, I'd be charged $150.00 for the programming and a new toggle plate that does not even have the front fog light switch.

Again, thanks for posting this topic, as it's relavancy has helped me with a warranty issue.

It is my understanding that it is covered under the warranty for the hatch latch replacment.

Yes, it looks different–its black instead of silver. SA said it was a wee bit thicker too. And, Yes, its covered by the warranty. Just got mine done about a month ago–it definitely eliminates that dull “thud” or “clunk” sound coming from the rear of the car when going over all sized bumps! (If you're wondering what's causing the sound–have someone push down hard on your hatch when stationary–if you hear the same sound–its your latch!! :) )

I'm just back from having the replacement performed on my '02 MCS. The replacement, wish I could've watched, is done though I'm not exactly sure what.

The car is quite. On the way home, I intentionally drove on a road with lot'sa bumps. AND I didn't hear the same ol' rattle coming from the boot area. WOW, nice…Though I hate to say on one our two dips in the road ( I mean this is a realy bad road it more resembles a street in NYC) a little squeak could be heard.

Had the car programmed with the 36 release. A couple of times pressing on the gas after making a turn, I literally thru my head back. The car has more spunk than before. I mentioned to the dealer that I'd found on the release 35 prior to having the car reprogrammed, that I'd found the optimal outside temperature in the 64° range. Otherwise, the car would drive rough and generally felt like that I had to really press the pedal…whick felt lackluster.

As another aside, has anyone seen an issue with the rear latch sill on the bumper losing paint?

This spot would be near the bottom of the hatch opening and the top of the bumper. Mine has lost paint on the right hand side of about a 3 inch long strip and 1/2 inch or so wide.

I have a B/W MC and I don't think I have the problem, I just thought if it was something to worry about in the future I would have them change it…..

Totally out of topic question!

Is the rear fog lamp also cover under warranty? and if not , does anybody know how much it is $$$$ (USA)

Thank you guys!

Thanks…. I've been thinking about this for awhile now…. or to make them into brake lamps…. I still need to see if it is worth doing (What kind of light you get).

Thank you for your response.