Faulty MINI Cooper Clubman - who's to blame?
I have owned from new a MINI Cooper Clubman Diesel which has been supplied and serviced by our local main dealer. The car has been through four turbos under warranty and three months after the last turbo was fitted it has suffered a catastrophic main bearing failure, which now sees our vehicle in bits at the main dealer and completely undriveable and almost worthless.
All previous works except the first turbo which we contributed, were done under warranty, however it is argued that the latest issue is unrelated, plus they have stated that because one service before these issues and warranty works was a little late, this invalidates.
MINI is offering some good will assistance but this is still over £3k when vehicle only worth £4k. We commissioned an engineer's report which states oil pressure issues are relative to the failure and all turbo failures,(apparently common with this engine) but this has been discounted by main dealer.
Currently we have no vehicle, no acceptance of liability or compensation for months and months of being without car. The mileage on the car is circa 71,000 and we have been told this is an acceptable lifespan for this engine. What should we do?
All previous works except the first turbo which we contributed, were done under warranty, however it is argued that the latest issue is unrelated, plus they have stated that because one service before these issues and warranty works was a little late, this invalidates.
MINI is offering some good will assistance but this is still over £3k when vehicle only worth £4k. We commissioned an engineer's report which states oil pressure issues are relative to the failure and all turbo failures,(apparently common with this engine) but this has been discounted by main dealer.
Currently we have no vehicle, no acceptance of liability or compensation for months and months of being without car. The mileage on the car is circa 71,000 and we have been told this is an acceptable lifespan for this engine. What should we do?
Asked on 3 May 2016 by K.A.W
Answered by
Honest John
These are your consumer rights: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
The primary reason for this failure is the crass stupidity of not replacing the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes at the same time as the turbo. Because these get blocked with carbon, oil cannot reach the turbo and that will be the reason for the failure of the subsequent turbos and, by restricting oil flow, will probably have ultimately led to the bearing failure. So, if those 'banjo' pipes were nor replaced with the turbos then a lot of blame can be laid on the dealer who did the work.
The primary reason for this failure is the crass stupidity of not replacing the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes at the same time as the turbo. Because these get blocked with carbon, oil cannot reach the turbo and that will be the reason for the failure of the subsequent turbos and, by restricting oil flow, will probably have ultimately led to the bearing failure. So, if those 'banjo' pipes were nor replaced with the turbos then a lot of blame can be laid on the dealer who did the work.
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