6 replies to this topic

[cathy18]

Hi Can I ask for some advice please? My daughter bought a 04 mini one convertable only 26000 miles beautiful condition. On the first day she drove it someone pointed out there was a large layer of rust hanging by the exhaust. Anyway took it back to the mini dealer she had it from they examined it and told us its just the cover of the exhaust and it doest affect the car at all and to replace it would mean replacing the whole system! Now we are not experts on anything car wise so is what they told us about right? I did tell them I am writing to Mini head office to ask them their advice as the last mini my daughte had same problem and it was replaced. Is there a cover????

[Tinkerbelle]

Exactly the same happened to my wife's 52 Cooper and just about evryone else in our club. I have been told it is normal for them, it happened to hers about 2 years ago and does not cause an MOT failure or any problems with leaks. A new system is around £300 and I was toying with doing it but then recently sold it for a new Cooper D Clubman in ICe Blue - very nice car.

Best of luck getting anything from BMW/Mini. They are unhelpful and act as if they are not responsible for common faults on their vehicles.


Matt

[cathy18]

Many thanks for your reply! is there a cover under there then? Just makes me so mad because the car is so nice and cost enough!

[Tinkerbelle]

No, the cover is just a sacrificial extra skin of such around the rear box (I believe). Looks rubbish though when it rusts, I agree. Maybe stick it back up with some exhuast paste/tape for asthetic reasons.

Matt

[Brigbeale]

No, the cover is just a sacrificial extra skin of such around the rear box (I believe). Looks rubbish though when it rusts, I agree. Maybe stick it back up with some exhuast paste/tape for asthetic reasons.

Matt

Son's Ford Focus did the same.
I trimmed the loose bits off with tin-snips (scissors for metal) and that was that.
He had the car for 3 years and it passed the MOT everytime it went for one.

[ianbatch]

Just had to replace exhaust on the Mrs' '02 cooper. Had exactly the same issue as you but it ran for 3 years and 11,000 miles and didn't fail the MOT. When you do replace it you don't need the full exhaust. You need the back box and middle section. Had mine done at ATS for £157 and it's spot on.

[cathy18]

Thanks for all your replies, feel a little better now about it x