I took my Mini into have some paint defects- bubbles look at to have repaired under warranty. The service rep said the car had a warranty for this type of thing if it was a factory defect. She gave me 2 different preferred body shops to pick from to have them look at the problem. I went to one and they said it probably was paint contaminates in the "e"coat . Their report/estimate( approx. $1,200) was to be sent to the MINI dealer for the claim process. After 3 to 4 months of waiting I went back into the dealer to find the service rep and the service manager had been replaced. The new service manager met me and looked at the car and said immediately that something had dropped on the roof causing the problem. He then asked me if I kept it outside. My answer was -no. It is always garaged when not in use. I also informed him that the 'preferred" body shop indicated that there was no sign of chips that would be from something hitting the paint and that it was probably contamination from the factory. The manager then took pictures and said he would forward it to MINI U.S. for a decision. The decision came back and the claim was declined. I asked him if he sent the "preferred" body shop's report/estimate in with his pictures and opinions and he said he couldn't remember. Great attribute for a "Service Manager" I then got in touch with MINI US to appeal and they deferred to the service manager unfounded assessment.

I have subsequently taken the car back to the first preferred body shop as well as the second and both indicate that it was not chipping. The second opinion was even more resounding that it was contamination to the bare metal as the "e" coat was being applied. I have both reports, an attorney and the resolve to get this corrected. If it was my error, or something that happened while I had the car I would accept it. This car is waxed once every 2 months and detailed with a wax spray every other wash. I don't see how it is anything other that what I claim it is. The Service manager, I feel,has been less than honest and I will pursue this to the end.

If anyone has had similar issues with your paint on your MINI- please respond.

Thanks,

Hickster01