Comments on: Hi I’m Gabe, and I have a rust problem. http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:19:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #247 http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-222469 MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #247 Mon, 26 May 2008 05:40:41 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-222469 <p>[...] Gabe has rust…I’m sure so does most everybody [...]</p> [...] Gabe has rust…I’m sure so does most everybody [...]

]]> By: whiteroofradio.com - The MINI Cooper Podcast » Woofcast #66 http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-150469 whiteroofradio.com - The MINI Cooper Podcast » Woofcast #66 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:13:24 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-150469 <p>[...] Gabe has rust…I’m sure so does most everybody [...]</p> [...] Gabe has rust…I’m sure so does most everybody [...]

]]> By: brian http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-99111 brian Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:14:50 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-99111 <p>Has anyone got this issue successfully resolved via Mini USA? Mine has been "on record" for about 6 months and I'm ready to slap a coat of POR-15 on it myself unless Mini USA has an official fix.</p> Has anyone got this issue successfully resolved via Mini USA? Mine has been “on record” for about 6 months and I’m ready to slap a coat of POR-15 on it myself unless Mini USA has an official fix.

]]> By: Timmee http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-65874 Timmee Thu, 30 Nov 2006 06:14:30 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-65874 <p>Any update on this issue?</p> Any update on this issue?

]]> By: Copoly http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-55727 Copoly Mon, 16 Oct 2006 01:01:47 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-55727 <p>I agree Mike. I'm planning on writting a letter to MINI and compain with pictures.</p> I agree Mike. I’m planning on writting a letter to MINI and compain with pictures.

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-54227 Mike Mon, 09 Oct 2006 04:11:44 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-54227 <p>It's been over three months since MINI learned about this issue. What's been done to notify owners and repair their cars? The silence has been deafening. Looks like this is going to be one of those silent recall items. The vast majority of MINI owners will never find out about this issue.</p> It’s been over three months since MINI learned about this issue. What’s been done to notify owners and repair their cars? The silence has been deafening. Looks like this is going to be one of those silent recall items. The vast majority of MINI owners will never find out about this issue.

]]> By: Adam http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-41571 Adam Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:39:38 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-41571 <p>I have not had time to investigate this myself so I asked Morristown Mini to do this for me when they had my car in for the four year coolant flush.</p> <p>My car is a May build 2002 that has its share of woes so I am very nervous. Morristown Mini refused to check per the SA because the rep from miniusa said they could not break the rocker panels to investigate this.</p> <p>Am I crazy or is this a bogus line? What has everyone else done to investigate the issue without braking the car?</p> I have not had time to investigate this myself so I asked Morristown Mini to do this for me when they had my car in for the four year coolant flush.

My car is a May build 2002 that has its share of woes so I am very nervous. Morristown Mini refused to check per the SA because the rep from miniusa said they could not break the rocker panels to investigate this.

Am I crazy or is this a bogus line? What has everyone else done to investigate the issue without braking the car?

]]> By: Rich http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40836 Rich Wed, 14 Jun 2006 09:42:32 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40836 <p>Hi All,</p> <p>I'm in the UK and have an 05 convertible. The warranty here says 2 years for paint and 6 years for perforation by rust. That suggests the rust warranty wouldn't apply unless it was holed. The paint warranty says "..against defects such as blistering, discoloration or staining of the visible surface of all painted body panels.." So, it seems they could argue their way out of that one too as it's not usually visible.</p> <p>Bottom line over here though is the 1979 Sale of Goods Act which says the item should be of "satisfactory quality". This is regardless of any manufacturer warranty. It also covers things that might arise after the sale date that the purchaser could not be expected to check for at that time. On a car of this price rust would not be satisfactory imo but they still might argue it was not usually visible and make you wait to claim until it was. Problem then is that you should fix any problems as soon as they are known.</p> <p>My exp is that car manu's will shirk anything they can after they have your money so hit them with this NOW and don't let them off 'til they commit themselves to a line of procedure you are happy with. These are expensive cars and we have a right in sales law to expect them to be better than cheaper cars. The residuals will soon dive if they become known as rust buckets and the maker does not support them. I have a rust issue with our 4 year old VW Passat at the moment. Check your household insurance to see if you have legal cover and give them a ring to see how to progress. Rich.</p> Hi All,

I’m in the UK and have an 05 convertible. The warranty here says 2 years for paint and 6 years for perforation by rust. That suggests the rust warranty wouldn’t apply unless it was holed. The paint warranty says “..against defects such as blistering, discoloration or staining of the visible surface of all painted body panels..” So, it seems they could argue their way out of that one too as it’s not usually visible.

Bottom line over here though is the 1979 Sale of Goods Act which says the item should be of “satisfactory quality”. This is regardless of any manufacturer warranty. It also covers things that might arise after the sale date that the purchaser could not be expected to check for at that time. On a car of this price rust would not be satisfactory imo but they still might argue it was not usually visible and make you wait to claim until it was. Problem then is that you should fix any problems as soon as they are known.

My exp is that car manu’s will shirk anything they can after they have your money so hit them with this NOW and don’t let them off ’til they commit themselves to a line of procedure you are happy with. These are expensive cars and we have a right in sales law to expect them to be better than cheaper cars. The residuals will soon dive if they become known as rust buckets and the maker does not support them. I have a rust issue with our 4 year old VW Passat at the moment. Check your household insurance to see if you have legal cover and give them a ring to see how to progress. Rich.

]]> By: Ken http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40383 Ken Sat, 10 Jun 2006 17:27:43 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40383 <p>I am going to repeat a question from an earlier post, because I have not seen an answer, and I have the same question:</p> <p>what’s the best way to lift up the seal to check without damaging the seal?</p> <p>I have tried lifting the seal, and it won't budge. Maybe the real question is:</p> <p>Why are some folks' seals coming up so easily?</p> <p>Ken</p> I am going to repeat a question from an earlier post, because I have not seen an answer, and I have the same question:

what’s the best way to lift up the seal to check without damaging the seal?

I have tried lifting the seal, and it won’t budge. Maybe the real question is:

Why are some folks’ seals coming up so easily?

Ken

]]> By: Randy http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40219 Randy Thu, 08 Jun 2006 16:03:01 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40219 <p><em>While some have gone overboard on this issue without giving BMW a chance to respond, I must admit that this is in fact a big deal. Rust on a 1 year old car is a HUGE deal (totally unacceptable). Let’s not downplay the seriousness of the issue. At the same time, let’s not shout the world is ending from every corner either. Some valid points have been made, however. People considering the MINI who do their online research will find these posts and some may think twice while others will buy the car for the same reasons most of us own ours.</p> <p><strong>Let’s give BMW a chance to investigate and announce their findings/plan for correction. If we don’t hear anything within a month or so I would then suggest cranking up the heat a notch.</strong></em></p> <p>Gang, if you are waiting for some announcement from BMW/MINI, you may be waiting for a long time. IMHO, the best we can hope for is a silent recall, i.e., the dealers getting the OK to repair rust on an as needed basis. Since this is not a safety issue, they aren't going to announce this to all current owners worldwide - that's just asking for expensive grief. Most owners have no clue about this (hidden) problem and BMW would have to be nuts to send everyone out to pull up their weatherstripping. It looks like most would find some degree of rust. This will be a fix on demand problem. (But, there is probably a team of engineers scrambling to fix this for '07 and beyond.)</p> While some have gone overboard on this issue without giving BMW a chance to respond, I must admit that this is in fact a big deal. Rust on a 1 year old car is a HUGE deal (totally unacceptable). Let’s not downplay the seriousness of the issue. At the same time, let’s not shout the world is ending from every corner either. Some valid points have been made, however. People considering the MINI who do their online research will find these posts and some may think twice while others will buy the car for the same reasons most of us own ours.

Let’s give BMW a chance to investigate and announce their findings/plan for correction. If we don’t hear anything within a month or so I would then suggest cranking up the heat a notch.

Gang, if you are waiting for some announcement from BMW/MINI, you may be waiting for a long time. IMHO, the best we can hope for is a silent recall, i.e., the dealers getting the OK to repair rust on an as needed basis. Since this is not a safety issue, they aren’t going to announce this to all current owners worldwide – that’s just asking for expensive grief. Most owners have no clue about this (hidden) problem and BMW would have to be nuts to send everyone out to pull up their weatherstripping. It looks like most would find some degree of rust. This will be a fix on demand problem. (But, there is probably a team of engineers scrambling to fix this for ‘07 and beyond.)

]]> By: ZipZIp http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40200 ZipZIp Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:40:08 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40200 <p>It didn't post the year for some reason. It's a 2002</p> It didn’t post the year for some reason. It’s a 2002

]]> By: ZipZIp http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40199 ZipZIp Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:39:12 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40199 <ol> <li>Never been in an accident, garage kept, yearly dealership inspections performed. Couldn't believe the amount of moisture underneath the seal after just washing it. Previous posts seem to indicate dealers are agreeing it's a warrantied fix whereas mine wants this additional Mini field rep to look at it to determine if it's a covered fix. It's crazy but I now know I'll have to pull up the seal after every wash or after driving in the rain for the area to dry out to prevent future rust. Just wondering what response other owners wanting the rust repaired under warranty are getting from their dealerships. Thanks.</li> </ol>
  • Never been in an accident, garage kept, yearly dealership inspections performed. Couldn’t believe the amount of moisture underneath the seal after just washing it. Previous posts seem to indicate dealers are agreeing it’s a warrantied fix whereas mine wants this additional Mini field rep to look at it to determine if it’s a covered fix. It’s crazy but I now know I’ll have to pull up the seal after every wash or after driving in the rain for the area to dry out to prevent future rust. Just wondering what response other owners wanting the rust repaired under warranty are getting from their dealerships. Thanks.
    • ]]>         By: Copoly http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40192 Copoly Thu, 08 Jun 2006 07:49:05 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40192 <p>zipzip,</p> <p>What year is your?</p> zipzip,

    What year is your?

    ]]>         By: zipzip http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-40169 zipzip Wed, 07 Jun 2006 22:29:41 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-40169 <p>This past weekend after washing the car I pulled up the rubber door seals and found rust spots on both sides. Whipping out the warranty book and seeing the vehicle is warranted "against defects in materials or workmanship which will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body for a period of 6 years, without milage limitation" I called the dealship. They said they needed to see the car so I brought it in today. We pulled up the seals, he saw the rust spots and said that he needed to speak to the service manager. He came back saying I'd need to come back on later in the month when the regional Mini technician is there. He said this guy needs to see, and approve, any warranty claims against paint. I figured the dealership should have been able to make a determination, but I guess not. Anybody else have to go through this. Any warranty claims disapproved?</p> This past weekend after washing the car I pulled up the rubber door seals and found rust spots on both sides. Whipping out the warranty book and seeing the vehicle is warranted “against defects in materials or workmanship which will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body for a period of 6 years, without milage limitation” I called the dealship. They said they needed to see the car so I brought it in today. We pulled up the seals, he saw the rust spots and said that he needed to speak to the service manager. He came back saying I’d need to come back on later in the month when the regional Mini technician is there. He said this guy needs to see, and approve, any warranty claims against paint. I figured the dealership should have been able to make a determination, but I guess not. Anybody else have to go through this. Any warranty claims disapproved?

    ]]>         By: Liam http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39969 Liam Tue, 06 Jun 2006 04:41:01 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39969 <p>I have an Australian spec 2004 MCS (April build) at this stage my car has just one tiny spot on the passenger's side. The driver's side is all clear. Quite a few Australian owners posting on MINI2 have the issue as well, some not so bad, others worse.</p> <p>When checking my car I also had a very quick look at the rear hatch opening. I did not remove the rubber strip completely so I could see the entire hatch opening, however the areas I did see were all okay. Also of note while doing this was the fact that some sort of wax-like substance was evident between the painted metal and the rubber strip. Perhaps a substance like this on the door sills may have prevented, or at least prolonged, the rust issues there???</p> I have an Australian spec 2004 MCS (April build) at this stage my car has just one tiny spot on the passenger’s side. The driver’s side is all clear. Quite a few Australian owners posting on MINI2 have the issue as well, some not so bad, others worse.

    When checking my car I also had a very quick look at the rear hatch opening. I did not remove the rubber strip completely so I could see the entire hatch opening, however the areas I did see were all okay. Also of note while doing this was the fact that some sort of wax-like substance was evident between the painted metal and the rubber strip. Perhaps a substance like this on the door sills may have prevented, or at least prolonged, the rust issues there???

    ]]>         By: Pedro http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39968 Pedro Tue, 06 Jun 2006 04:12:11 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39968 <p>While some have gone overboard on this issue without giving BMW a chance to respond, I must admit that this is in fact a big deal. Rust on a 1 year old car is a HUGE deal (totally unacceptable). Let's not downplay the seriousness of the issue. At the same time, let's not shout the world is ending from every corner either. Some valid points have been made, however. People considering the MINI who do their online research will find these posts and some may think twice while others will buy the car for the same reasons most of us own ours.</p> <p>Let's give BMW a chance to investigate and announce their findings/plan for correction. If we don't hear anything within a month or so I would then suggest cranking up the heat a notch.</p> While some have gone overboard on this issue without giving BMW a chance to respond, I must admit that this is in fact a big deal. Rust on a 1 year old car is a HUGE deal (totally unacceptable). Let’s not downplay the seriousness of the issue. At the same time, let’s not shout the world is ending from every corner either. Some valid points have been made, however. People considering the MINI who do their online research will find these posts and some may think twice while others will buy the car for the same reasons most of us own ours.

    Let’s give BMW a chance to investigate and announce their findings/plan for correction. If we don’t hear anything within a month or so I would then suggest cranking up the heat a notch.

    ]]>         By: Copoly http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39945 Copoly Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:46:22 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39945 <p>Danno,</p> <p>Please chill out man! This is not as big of a deal as you think, yet. I'm sure BMW is going to make us all proud at the end. We just have to keep them inform, as quickly as we can.</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Copoly</p> Danno,

    Please chill out man! This is not as big of a deal as you think, yet. I’m sure BMW is going to make us all proud at the end. We just have to keep them inform, as quickly as we can.

    Cheers,

    Copoly

    ]]>         By: danno http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39937 danno Mon, 05 Jun 2006 16:39:17 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39937 <p>Unbelievable! Old world craftsmanship at its worst. Some things never change. Even Hyundai figured out how to keep its paper-thin sheetmetal from rusting for more than one year. BMW has a growing problem on its hands and they'd better make this right - fast. This has the potential to drop their high profit little darling into a deep and expensive hole. A rust problem on a new BMW designed car?! WOW!</p> <p>The future of the MINI if BMW doesn't fix this fast:</p> <p>"Hi, I'm calling about the MINI you have for sale in the paper...is it all rusty?"</p> <p>"Sorry, we can't take a MINI trade-in. People think they rust and now we can't give them away..."</p> Unbelievable! Old world craftsmanship at its worst. Some things never change. Even Hyundai figured out how to keep its paper-thin sheetmetal from rusting for more than one year. BMW has a growing problem on its hands and they’d better make this right – fast. This has the potential to drop their high profit little darling into a deep and expensive hole. A rust problem on a new BMW designed car?! WOW!

    The future of the MINI if BMW doesn’t fix this fast:

    “Hi, I’m calling about the MINI you have for sale in the paper…is it all rusty?”

    “Sorry, we can’t take a MINI trade-in. People think they rust and now we can’t give them away…”

    ]]>         By: David http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39785 David Sun, 04 Jun 2006 15:44:22 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39785 <p>This is very disappointing. No the sky isn't falling, but I'm surprised at the lengths some people go to forgive design mistakes. This is BMW. How long have they been designing cars? Weatherstripping ventilation/rust should be a non-issue. I'm someone who is considering this car after 15 years with Acura products. My current 9 year old Integra has no rust whatsoever. This is just the sort of thing that makes me want to stay with what I know and not risk having this kind on nonsense cropping up an a PREMIUM priced car. I've been burned by German engineering in the past and I'm starting to get that "run away" feeling.</p> <p>If I had a one year old car in the year 2006 that was rusting, I would be p*ssed!!!!! This is BS folks!</p> This is very disappointing. No the sky isn’t falling, but I’m surprised at the lengths some people go to forgive design mistakes. This is BMW. How long have they been designing cars? Weatherstripping ventilation/rust should be a non-issue. I’m someone who is considering this car after 15 years with Acura products. My current 9 year old Integra has no rust whatsoever. This is just the sort of thing that makes me want to stay with what I know and not risk having this kind on nonsense cropping up an a PREMIUM priced car. I’ve been burned by German engineering in the past and I’m starting to get that “run away” feeling.

    If I had a one year old car in the year 2006 that was rusting, I would be p*ssed!!!!! This is BS folks!

    ]]>         By: andrew http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/comment-page-2/#comment-39729 andrew Sun, 04 Jun 2006 02:16:04 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/05/31/hi-im-gabe-and-i-have-a-rust-problem/#comment-39729 <p>Just checked for this on my 04, and sure enough there was a little bit of rust starting under the seal. Thanks for the tip!</p> Just checked for this on my 04, and sure enough there was a little bit of rust starting under the seal. Thanks for the tip!

    ]]>