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This comes from frequent contributor Frank Granados:
MINI Model year 2004 Vehicles – Extended Rust Perforation Warranty
The MINI division of BMW of North America, LLC is pleased to inform you that all 2004 model year vehicles will receive upgraded coverage under the Rust Perforation Limited Warranty. The coverage has increased from 6 years to 12 years without mileage limitation commencing on the date of first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever is earlier.
Please note that this increased coverage supercedes all references throughout this booklet to the lesser 6 year coverage.
This is really an interesting development. First off why is this only for '04 models? What happened to that batch of production that would lead MINI to believe there might be some issues with rust after 6 years. Or is there something else at work here? Lots of questions here and so far not many answers. Hopefully we'll have some soon.
<p>“What happened to that batch of production that would lead MINI to believe there might be some issues with rust after 6 years.”
Shouldn't that be, what makes them think there WON'T be issues after 6 years, or 8… or 12..!??! They don't give out warranties if they think it will lose them money. Maybe the 04 production got a different paint or steel. Are MINIs fully galvanised..?</p>
<p>Possibly – but BMW has a history of extending warranties when issues pop-up. Like on the E34 5 series with the V8 or the early E46 M3.</p>
<p>Does this include Canadian models? I now live in Montreal and will be switching to an '05 in the spring. An extra 6 years of rust coverage would help with our snowy/salty winters.</p>
<p>I thought moderrn automobile manufacturers had overcome rust. I hate rust. I've owned Fiats (124s) and they rusted so badly they verged on being qualified as bio-degradable.</p>
<p>Now I have something to worry about, or i guess not worry about, for the next 11 years.</p>
<p>My Gut Reaction:</p>
<p>Something doesn't feel right about this.</p>
<p>I suspect paint problems and this is a “CYA” issue…</p>
<p>It does leave a bad feeling… How do they do rust protection testing?? do they set their cars up in hyper-corrosive environments and calculate how it relates to real world conditions? </p>
<p>IF your car does start to rust out, what will they do? replace your car? </p>
<p>what is the rust protection for the new 2005 models?</p>
<p>I think it's all a lot of worry for nothing! </p>
<p>This sounds more like Mini's matching competitor's rust warranties in order to stay competitive in the marketplace. With the way manufacturers are rust-proofing cars nowdays, adding a few more years probably won't cost them much at all.</p>
<p><em>I thought moderrn automobile manufacturers had overcome rust?</em></p>
<p>No they absolutely have not. I've seen a handful of late 90's E-Class Mercedes recently with rust right around their trunk release to prove that. </p>
<p>I've also seen plenty of 90's era BMW 3 series with rust as well.</p>
<p>Hey Gabe,</p>
<p>Are the rocker areas galvanized?</p>
<p>Maybe they fixed a potential rust problem with the '04 model year and now feel justified in extending the warranty (i.e. the previous model years might be more prone to rust).</p>
<p>what is the warranty on the new 05s? if it is 12 years then fine no problem… if the '05s are still 6 years… well then why?</p>
<p>please don't take offense to this, but sometimes you guys worry to much… I know that some of you plan on owning your car forever… but many owners will have there cars for 2-4 years and move on to something else… it maybe another mini maybe not… </p>
<p>I think the reason why they are extending the warranty is because they want to sell cars… What if the current rust proofing methods that they have in place are so good that they found out that the probabiltiy of a car rusting out in 10-12 years is highly improbable and it will cost them absolutley nothing to beable to out do the competition in the rust warranty area… In other words… its a sales tool… The car can alrady handle it and they might as well take advantage of the opportunity and sell some more cars!</p>
<p>Or I could be wrong and there could be a huge issue with rust… i have no idea… i live in arizona, were having your personal car rust is about the same chance as someone winning th lottery…</p>
<p>So no ones ever been able to find out why no extended protection for 03 and 02 huh? I mean if MINI wanted to use that as a SALE technique why not just offer it to late 04s and 05s why ALL 04's why waste money mailing out thousands of letters letting 04s know? Thay could have just informed them the next time they walk into the dealer.</p>
<p>I have a 2004 Mini that is starting to show rust on the boot, both on the outside and inside. It first appeared on the painted surfaces inside the boot area as small(pin size) areas of rust. Now it is also appearing on the outside. At first it looked like it was just dust and the car needed a wash, but when you look close up, you see the redish rust spots. Makes sense that we received a letter extending the warranty. Now let's see what the dealer has to say, that's always fun.</p>
<p>Not a rust problem and I’m in UK not the US. However I have an 04 Mini in solid black paint that scratches too easily. Even a hand wash/leather will cause minute scratches. Any similar experiences/helpful comments?</p>