BMW has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible vehicles.  They stated that these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire selection and rims.”  The issue involves the vehicle tires and tire pressure label.  The affected vehicles were equipped with 15 inch wheels instead of 16 inch wheels, therefore, the tire label does not correspond to the tires on the vehicle as required by FMVSS 110.

Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications or misprint label could increase the risk of a crash.  Dealers will replace the tires with 16 inch wheels free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin during May 2009.  Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-646-4772.

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain models of the 2007 through 2008 Mini Cooper S vehicles.  They stated that the centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper.  It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a persons leg.

If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.  Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter one free of charge.  The recall is excpected to begin during January 2009.  Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain models of the 2009 JCW (John Cooper Works)  and JCW Clubman vehicles equipped with 16 inch diameter front brake discs rather than 17 inch discs.  They stated that under conditions of intense brake usage, braking preformance could be reduced.  Depending on traffic or road conditions , as well as a driver’s reactions, reduced brake preformance could increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the front brake discsand pads and, if necessary, replace them.  The recall is expected to begin during October 2008.  Owners may contact BMW/Mini at 1-866-275-6464 or by email at mini.assistance@askminiusa.com.

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

BMW of North America, LLC announced that they are recalling certain models of the Mini Cooper S. BMW says on certain convertible vehicles, they fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard NO. 110 ‘Tire Selection and Rims.’ The standard requires that the tire size and corresponding tire pressure be indicated on the label and the label does not correspond to the actual tire mounted on the vehicle.As a result, incorrect tire pressure can cause premature wear and tire damage which could lead to unfavorable driving conditions increasing the risk of a crash. Owners will be provided with new tire information placards and installation instructions. At the customers option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall covers Mini S’s with the manufacturer dates of 3.2.07 thru 8/13/07. Owners may contact Mini Cooper at 1-866-275-6464. 

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The most popular British-made car, it has since been replaced by the New

MINI which was launched in 2001. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s,[2][3][4] and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout influenced a generation of car-makers. In the international poll for the award of the world’s most influential car of the twentieth century the Mini came second only to the Ford Model T.
This revolutionary and distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis.[5][6] It was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in the United Kingdom, and later also in Spain (Authi), Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mk I had three major updates: the Mk II, the Clubman and the Mk III. Within these was a series of variations including an estate car, a pickup truck, a van and the Mini Moke — a jeep-like buggy. The Mini Cooper and Cooper “S” were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

Source: Wikipedia

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

by Jonathon Ramsey

The market for MINIs is huge, affirmed today as MINI announced the production of its one-millionth car, a Cooper S hatchback, at BMW’s Plant Oxford.

When the MINI first went on sale in 2001, predictions were for 100,000 per year to find new owners. By 2005 there were more than 200,000 zipping off of dealer lots, and last month, March, a record 7,854 MINIs were sold. The seven-figure MINI, made-to-order for BMW’s Mobile Tradition heritage division, wore a pepper white paint job and a custom color for the roof called almond green, with matching interior leather. A special graphic on the hood keeps everyone aware of the milestone.

With the new Clubman coming, MINI sales are expected to reach 240,000 per year – enough to keep Plant Oxford’s 4,700 workers going round-the-clock building 700 cars per day. For BMW, that means the future looks small, but bright.

[Source: Just Auto]

If you would like immediate updates, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!