After 6 letters to BMW customer service, they rang me recently and offered a full refund on parts (they had already given me 50% off labour (see earlier post for more details)). I settled as I couldn't be bothered any longer. A bit more effort may have got a full refund but it's good to know that it's worth persevering to at least get something. For info, my main points centered around: Relatively new vehicle (under 6 years) low mileage (around 40k at the time of the issue surfacing) Timing chain is supposed to be non-serviceable FSH with MINI/BMW & TLC/XL packages purchased MINI supposed to be a premium (fight corporate with corporate) product EU regs (fault within 6 years of purchase) & SoGA Class-Action in the States on this very matter (no outcome as yet) Safety issue (possibility of engine failure on outside lane of motorway) BBC Watchdog (other BMW vehicles with same fault) Potential for contact with VOSA I also queried the responses I had to my questions, especially when I was told that certain info was private - how many recorded faults on this type of vehicle and so on. I suspect that a lot of my letters were not read in full but it's nice to have a basis on which to continue writing without undue repetition. I also made sure that I asked for a response and a refund at the end of each letter as I did not want THAT part of the letter to be missed. Sorry if this info is overly long, I realise that a lot of it may be obvious but hopefully it's of help to some.

Yes I am & yes.

Hi! I had an issue with my wife's 2007 MCS. We had the infamous "death rattle" so I took the car in to MINI. They diagnosed a problem with the chain, tensioner and other ancillaries and changed the lot. After an offer of "goodwill" from BMW, the bill came to around £600. I am currently in negotiations with BMW regarding this offer of "goodwill". Of note is the fact that there is a class-action ongoing regarding this very issue in the US. In fact a law firm has even set up a website in order to bring in more clients to strengthen their case: bmwminicooperclassaction.com Naturally I'll be very interested to see how this turns out but it doesn't really help us poor Brits here & now. Lastly, Does anybody know of anyone who has filled out a Vehicle Safety Defect Report for VOSA? dft.gov.uk/vosa/onlineservices/vehicledefects.htm Anyway, Good luck & I'll keep you posted... Moi... Ps Sorry that I'm too unimportant to post links...