What do you expect from a French engine. Oh, and if you think thats a general statement, try working on ANY Renault or Pug product. Junk. What its doing in a Mini engine bay is of course another exec board cost cutting decision. Too bad as this used to be a fun and reliable-ish car.

Too bad I didn’t do the research. Buyer beware.

I took it into Mini and today they tell me that the car needs a new VANOS system. I was and still am in total shock that a brand new car that i still have not finished breaking in needs a new timing chain and valves.

NEVER will i get another mini. I would rather buy a KIA then a Mini.

P.S. And I want a Clubman Diesel by the way.

I think I’ll hold on to my ‘04 R53 a bit longer and maybe wait for the next iteration of MINIs before I replace it. As highly annoying as the freezing door handles and intermittently lopey idle can be on my R53, I’m more willing to deal with that than a clattery engine.

I can live with a few slightly misaligned body panels, an interior rattle or two, or an occasional sticky sun roof, but I just can’t swallow the potential risk of the cold start engine issue manifesting itself as a post-warranty failure for that much $$.

Kevin Kaufman Alexandria, KY

I’m one of those potential customers that is sitting on the fence until there is some resolution. If the issue reduces engine life, a long-term buyer may be stuck with massive repair bills down the road. The resale value will also plummet. The only way to avoid the risk is to lease the car. But, leasing is not a good option for many customers.

BMW needs to fix the issue regardless of cost. Don’t let the green eye shades decide how to handle the problem as the issue directly affects the value of the brand itself.

What gives at BMW? With winter rolling around again, doesn’t BMW realize the issue will be back again and this time with the same engine in its coveted new Clubman? Wait till it hits those who sunk $40k in factory JCWs.

The noise is a downright embarassment when I start the car. BMW should be horrified.

If this persists, I’ll sadly forego any MINI/BMW product and simply trade for a less-troublesome vehicle and brand. I otherwise love the little car, as does my wife who was starting to see one in her future.

Do the math BMW: the rule of thumb is that for every single disgruntled customer, twelve future customers are lost. How many here and on NAM have already posted re: their unanswered complaints?

Gabe and MF Crew, any updates?