Motoringfile reader Kim asks this week.
>Is there a quick & easy way to find out all recalls and service bulletins for my 2003 Mini Automatic? (not an “S”)
You could do a quick Google search or even search here at MF. But those won’t give you a complete list like you might be looking for.
The best way that we know of to get a complete list of service bulletins for your MINI is to actually visit your MINI dealer. While you are there, see if they will scan your key to see what work has or has not been done.
This is essential if you are planning on buying or have already purchased a MINI used from a third party.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Ask MF without your feedback or ideas. Any short cuts out there for finding a list of service bulletins?
I am in the process of selling my ’02 MINI. As part of the Cars.com ad deal package, they will give you a free Carfax report for your vehicle. The report shows whether the car has been damaged in an accident, odomoter rolled, etc, etc. Also service history dealer visits are printed including dates and mileage but not actual description of work done on the vehicle. Carfax also searches and lists recalls for your car based on the VIN number.
The report is available to anyone interested in the car as a PDF link on the ad’s page.
But your best bet is to either provide the MINI dealer with the VIN number of the car or have the service advisor scan your key.
I believe <a href="http://www.alldata.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.alldata.com</a> has service bulletin and recall information but you have to be a paid subscriber. Some manufacturers (Like Honda/Acura) do not publish service bulletins to Alldata any longer.
Check out Edmunds Inc. (edmunds.com)
at this link <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/maintenance.do" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/maintenance.do</a>
I am not sure if ALL the Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins are listed, but it is a good starting point.
The rest of their web site may also provide some good background information in determining a fair price for a used vehicle with specific options.
You can also use the The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site. These sites will give you a starting point for discussions with your Motoring Advisor.
<a href="http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/</a>
The NHTSA has an online database of service bulletins, although they tend to be safety-related.
<a href="http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/" rel="nofollow">NHTSA Service Bulletins</a>
Here is the web site for searching for service bulletins. I have used it to check on used cars I have looked to purchase and to check on my 2006 MCS for service bulletins before going in for scheduled maintenance. There are 2. Well worth a look see:
<a href="http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/</a>
Official site (I believe), but there is a fee to use.
<a href="http://www.minitechinfo.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.minitechinfo.com/</a>
Craig: I’m not sure why, but I checked the list for MINI several times and I can’t find it!! I searched under BMW as well. I also have a 2006 MCS so I am curious as to what the service bulletins are. How did you find it? 🙁
Craig: Ok so I can’t find any defects or recalls listed, but I did find the service bulletins. Thank-you!
The New York Times just posted an article about Technical Service Bulletins in general. Link: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/automobiles/03TSB.html" rel="nofollow">Notice Nagging Problems? Here Are Solutions</a> (registration on the nytimes website may be required [free]). They cite <a href="http://alldatapro.com/" rel="nofollow">alldatapro.com</a> as a source for TSBs, and listed examples for various car makes and models. For MINI, they had this:
<blockquote>Some 2007 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models may have been produced without a battery sensor, or with the battery sensor installed but left unplugged. In TSB M611007 issued on Dec. 1, BMW officials said the cars might not be reading the current charge, which could lead to a drained battery. Installing or connecting the sensor should solve the problem.</blockquote>