Comments on: Rust! http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:37:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: PauloD http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39567 PauloD Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:15:46 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39567 <p>I keep seeing people post messages saying something like this, "I too found rust on the door sill. But good thing its covered under warranty!". If its under warranty where are the posts that say, "I too found rust on the door sill. Brought it to the dealer and here's what the did to fix it....".</p> I keep seeing people post messages saying something like this, “I too found rust on the door sill. But good thing its covered under warranty!”. If its under warranty where are the posts that say, “I too found rust on the door sill. Brought it to the dealer and here’s what the did to fix it….”.

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » Hi I’m Gabe, and I have a rust problem. http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39407 MotoringFile » Archive » Hi I’m Gabe, and I have a rust problem. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 04:05:56 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39407 <p>[...] Yes it’s true. My 12 month old Cooper S has the dreaded rust door sill rust. For those that haven’t been following the rust saga, a few people over at North American Motoring have been reporting rust on MINIs in the door sill area. While it’s mostly been older cars that have been aflicted, there have been a smattering of 2005’s with rust also. Well you can now add mine to the list. The good news is that is it very much under warranty and just at the earliest of stages. However it’s still rust on a one year old car. Not a particularly pleasant thing to see. [...]</p> [...] Yes it’s true. My 12 month old Cooper S has the dreaded rust door sill rust. For those that haven’t been following the rust saga, a few people over at North American Motoring have been reporting rust on MINIs in the door sill area. While it’s mostly been older cars that have been aflicted, there have been a smattering of 2005’s with rust also. Well you can now add mine to the list. The good news is that is it very much under warranty and just at the earliest of stages. However it’s still rust on a one year old car. Not a particularly pleasant thing to see. [...]

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39312 Mike Wed, 31 May 2006 04:04:38 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39312 <p>My mistake-I was looking at the 06's. I posted this on NAM too but was able to edit when I realized 07's not here yet. Thanks for catching it here.</p> My mistake-I was looking at the 06′s. I posted this on NAM too but was able to edit when I realized 07′s not here yet. Thanks for catching it here.

]]> By: David L. http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39264 David L. Tue, 30 May 2006 22:51:23 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39264 <p>What '07 MINI were you looking at? Current new model MINIs in showrooms are 2006. 2007's will be showing up in 2007.</p> <p>So I'm pretty sure you saw 2006 models and as you say they were fully painted in the area others are seeing rust. Some '05 MINI owners on NAM have said they have rust in the same area. I do not think that having paint on the area will completely prevent rust, but it may delay it a bit. If you have an area of metal that is wet like owners are describing then rust will eventually happen. The painted surface is not impermeable and can be damaged by a ding or scratch. I have not checked my door sill areas yet!</p> <p>However, on my 05 MCS BEP I noticed a paint bubble on the bottom edge of my hatch. It came off easily in my hand when I was drying it after a wash and there is now exposed metal underneath. I'm not sure if this was a rust related issue. I have ordered touch-up paint and will cover it up ASAP to reduce the growth rate of rust in that area.</p> <p>Regards, David 05 MCS BEP</p> What ’07 MINI were you looking at? Current new model MINIs in showrooms are 2006. 2007′s will be showing up in 2007.

So I’m pretty sure you saw 2006 models and as you say they were fully painted in the area others are seeing rust. Some ’05 MINI owners on NAM have said they have rust in the same area. I do not think that having paint on the area will completely prevent rust, but it may delay it a bit. If you have an area of metal that is wet like owners are describing then rust will eventually happen. The painted surface is not impermeable and can be damaged by a ding or scratch. I have not checked my door sill areas yet!

However, on my 05 MCS BEP I noticed a paint bubble on the bottom edge of my hatch. It came off easily in my hand when I was drying it after a wash and there is now exposed metal underneath. I’m not sure if this was a rust related issue. I have ordered touch-up paint and will cover it up ASAP to reduce the growth rate of rust in that area.

Regards, David 05 MCS BEP

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39260 Mike Tue, 30 May 2006 22:35:37 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39260 <p>Here's a quick follow-up on the rust issue from my dealer's perspective. I brought my MINI in for some last minute (Car picked up four years ago tomorrow and 49,500 miles ago) warranty stuff like dash rattle/squeaky sunroof and some other minor stuff. I mentioned the rust issue and showed the area to my SA. He went on NAM to check out the thread and called MINI USA. He told me that MINI was not covering this under the rust warranty at this time, and that I was the first person to raise this issue. While I was there I checked out the area on the 07's on the floor, and the entire door sill is painted. Don't know about the 06's but I'm pretty sure this is an issue for all MINI's at least up to 05 builds. I also asked to have the undercarriage pressure washed as per the service recommendation and was told that they don't have a high-pressure undercarriage wash available. I wonder if I was the first person to ask for this to be done, too. I also wonder if other MINI dealerships offer this or not. It would seem to me that if MINI USA can dictate what the MINI showroom has to look like, I'm sure they have specs for the technical/service/equipment areas of the franchise as well. I don't think that this would have made any difference in the issue at hand, however, as the area in question is actually inside the car. At least the SA made the effort to check NAM and make the call to MINI USA. And yes, my MINI is now ratttle and squeak free :)</p> Here’s a quick follow-up on the rust issue from my dealer’s perspective. I brought my MINI in for some last minute (Car picked up four years ago tomorrow and 49,500 miles ago) warranty stuff like dash rattle/squeaky sunroof and some other minor stuff. I mentioned the rust issue and showed the area to my SA. He went on NAM to check out the thread and called MINI USA. He told me that MINI was not covering this under the rust warranty at this time, and that I was the first person to raise this issue. While I was there I checked out the area on the 07′s on the floor, and the entire door sill is painted. Don’t know about the 06′s but I’m pretty sure this is an issue for all MINI’s at least up to 05 builds. I also asked to have the undercarriage pressure washed as per the service recommendation and was told that they don’t have a high-pressure undercarriage wash available. I wonder if I was the first person to ask for this to be done, too. I also wonder if other MINI dealerships offer this or not. It would seem to me that if MINI USA can dictate what the MINI showroom has to look like, I’m sure they have specs for the technical/service/equipment areas of the franchise as well. I don’t think that this would have made any difference in the issue at hand, however, as the area in question is actually inside the car. At least the SA made the effort to check NAM and make the call to MINI USA. And yes, my MINI is now ratttle and squeak free :)

]]> By: snid http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39135 snid Mon, 29 May 2006 23:04:02 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39135 <p>One last try:</p> <p><img src="http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606_850d8255c6_m.jpg" alt="rust" /></p> One last try:

rust

]]> By: snid http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39134 snid Mon, 29 May 2006 23:02:11 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39134 <p><img src="http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606850d8255c6m.jpg" alt="rust" /></p> rust

]]> By: snid http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39133 snid Mon, 29 May 2006 22:56:48 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39133 <p>I guess my understanding of how to attach an image in these comments isn't quite right.</p> I guess my understanding of how to attach an image in these comments isn’t quite right.

]]> By: snid http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-39112 snid Mon, 29 May 2006 18:16:55 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-39112 <p>I have an 09/02 build 2003 Cooper</p> <p>Here's the "unpainted" area on the passenger's side of my car: !(http://static.flickr.com/45/155702978_d209a77a80_m.jpg)</p> <p>Here's the "unpainted" area on the driver's side of my car, with some rust: !(http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606_850d8255c6_m.jpg)</p> <p>Bigger version of the rust picture: (http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606_850d8255c6_o.jpg)</p> I have an 09/02 build 2003 Cooper

Here’s the “unpainted” area on the passenger’s side of my car: !(http://static.flickr.com/45/155702978_d209a77a80_m.jpg)

Here’s the “unpainted” area on the driver’s side of my car, with some rust: !(http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606_850d8255c6_m.jpg)

Bigger version of the rust picture: (http://static.flickr.com/52/155703606_850d8255c6_o.jpg)

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38600 Mike Sat, 27 May 2006 00:46:49 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38600 <p>Here's a direct link to the discussion, instead of the home page on Scion life, if anybody is interested in seeing how Scion/Toyota has dealt with this situation. www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=116812</p> Here’s a direct link to the discussion, instead of the home page on Scion life, if anybody is interested in seeing how Scion/Toyota has dealt with this situation. http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=116812

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38597 Mike Sat, 27 May 2006 00:44:19 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38597 <p>My 02 has a small amount of rust and the sill under the weatherstripping was moist-and the Coop doesn't go out in the rain or on salted roads. My other vehicle, an 05 Scion xB has rust in a very similar area on the door itself under the weatherstripping. There is a discussion of that situation at www.scionlife.com. What a stroke of luck- two cars less than five years old, washed 2-4 times a week, garaged and covered already developing rust. By the way, rust warranty is for perforation only, and did you know that you need to have your undercarriage washed after the winter? The service manual states that 'your MINI dealer will be happy to do this service at no charge'. What percentage of us have complied with that requirement? Me thinks we're screwed; and that goes double for me. I can accept rust as an inevitablity of the universe, (unless your car is underwater), but not on cars at this stage of use. Seems like we're dealing with a design flaw on both counts. The rust gets its start at the unpainted rectangle on each door sill (probably where the piece was bracketed for the paint job) and the lack of breathing holes in the weatherstripping holds moisture there for a long time. I don't think it is reasonable to expect a car owner, no matter how obsessed, to remove and dry under the weatherstripping after each wash or drive in the rain or snow.</p> My 02 has a small amount of rust and the sill under the weatherstripping was moist-and the Coop doesn’t go out in the rain or on salted roads. My other vehicle, an 05 Scion xB has rust in a very similar area on the door itself under the weatherstripping. There is a discussion of that situation at http://www.scionlife.com. What a stroke of luck- two cars less than five years old, washed 2-4 times a week, garaged and covered already developing rust. By the way, rust warranty is for perforation only, and did you know that you need to have your undercarriage washed after the winter? The service manual states that ‘your MINI dealer will be happy to do this service at no charge’. What percentage of us have complied with that requirement? Me thinks we’re screwed; and that goes double for me. I can accept rust as an inevitablity of the universe, (unless your car is underwater), but not on cars at this stage of use. Seems like we’re dealing with a design flaw on both counts. The rust gets its start at the unpainted rectangle on each door sill (probably where the piece was bracketed for the paint job) and the lack of breathing holes in the weatherstripping holds moisture there for a long time. I don’t think it is reasonable to expect a car owner, no matter how obsessed, to remove and dry under the weatherstripping after each wash or drive in the rain or snow.

]]> By: Karl http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38551 Karl Fri, 26 May 2006 17:18:14 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38551 <p>Have you guys only just figured out that these things rust?</p> <p>I've owned four Mini's, the last three being Cooper S's but the first back in 2002 was a Mini One. I owned this car for only 10 months before changing to the first Cooper S yet it had already started to rust on the door frame. I informed my dealer as soon as i noticed one day whilst cleaning, and they looked at me as though i was stupid... that was until i showed them, at which point they went very quiet!</p> Have you guys only just figured out that these things rust?

I’ve owned four Mini’s, the last three being Cooper S’s but the first back in 2002 was a Mini One. I owned this car for only 10 months before changing to the first Cooper S yet it had already started to rust on the door frame. I informed my dealer as soon as i noticed one day whilst cleaning, and they looked at me as though i was stupid… that was until i showed them, at which point they went very quiet!

]]> By: Greg W http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38500 Greg W Fri, 26 May 2006 09:11:12 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38500 <p>As Z4MINI says - all BMW and MINI vehicles have a 12 year International Body Corrosion warranty, subject to some requirements i.e. annual body checks. But the problem I forsee is that until MINI dealers start looking in this area they won't spot it quick enough. Shame really, because Classic Mini suffered from the same fate in that area. I don't think that the extension from previous BMW 6 years had anything to do with new MINI coming out - BMW issued the warranty first, I guess in reaction to Audi and VW having the 12 year warranty first. What is really heartening is that MINI owners can alert others to problems sometimes before dealers through forums like MF.</p> As Z4MINI says – all BMW and MINI vehicles have a 12 year International Body Corrosion warranty, subject to some requirements i.e. annual body checks. But the problem I forsee is that until MINI dealers start looking in this area they won’t spot it quick enough. Shame really, because Classic Mini suffered from the same fate in that area. I don’t think that the extension from previous BMW 6 years had anything to do with new MINI coming out – BMW issued the warranty first, I guess in reaction to Audi and VW having the 12 year warranty first. What is really heartening is that MINI owners can alert others to problems sometimes before dealers through forums like MF.

]]> By: pete burke http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38460 pete burke Thu, 25 May 2006 21:37:21 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38460 <p>See lots of buzz about this. Went out to my '02 Cooper. Lots of moisture under there. Let it air out. Thankfully no rust yet. Must be channelling down somehow under the rubber.</p> See lots of buzz about this. Went out to my ’02 Cooper. Lots of moisture under there. Let it air out. Thankfully no rust yet. Must be channelling down somehow under the rubber.

]]> By: Jack07734 http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38434 Jack07734 Thu, 25 May 2006 17:49:17 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38434 <p>There is another area for rust. Check your exhaust system. The straps and pipes on my 03mcs (65K miles) have rotted out.</p> <p>Cheers, Jack</p> There is another area for rust. Check your exhaust system. The straps and pipes on my 03mcs (65K miles) have rotted out.

Cheers, Jack

]]> By: mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38413 mike Thu, 25 May 2006 16:22:55 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38413 <p>I have an '03 and have rust on both sides, what do you think the service dept. will say if I point it out next time I go in for service??? do you think they will fix it or do I do it myself.</p> I have an ’03 and have rust on both sides, what do you think the service dept. will say if I point it out next time I go in for service??? do you think they will fix it or do I do it myself.

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38407 Matt Thu, 25 May 2006 15:25:15 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38407 <p>it's not just the 02's. my 03 has it as well.</p> it’s not just the 02′s. my 03 has it as well.

]]> By: 05DSMCS http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38404 05DSMCS Thu, 25 May 2006 15:03:28 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38404 <p>I guess this is why they extended the warranty a while back.</p> I guess this is why they extended the warranty a while back.

]]> By: Z4MINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38377 Z4MINI Thu, 25 May 2006 13:23:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38377 <p>The rust and corrosion warranty is for 12 years folks! No need to get excited.</p> The rust and corrosion warranty is for 12 years folks! No need to get excited.

]]> By: Chad http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/22/rust/comment-page-1/#comment-38371 Chad Thu, 25 May 2006 13:02:02 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/25/rust/#comment-38371 <p>Here's another thread along the same lines as the rust issue: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68821&highlight=washer+fluid</p> <p>This one is interesting. Anybody here have either of the two problems (rust or washer fluid)?</p> Here’s another thread along the same lines as the rust issue: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68821&highlight=washer+fluid

This one is interesting. Anybody here have either of the two problems (rust or washer fluid)?

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