Mini Corrosion Warranty

Hi Everyone

I am new to the forum and would like to say thanks for allowing me to join.

I am looking for some advice if possible about the 12 year Mini corrosion warranty. Firstly I have a 2011 R58 JCW and I have in the last few days noticed some bubbling paintwork on the rear quarter panels in the area just behind the door panel and also along the line of the black plastic moulding. It is from what I understand a reasonably common area for this rust to start appearing so when I booked my appointment with Parks in Hillington I was expecting some positive news as the bubbling is without a doubt coming from within. Anyhow when I booked the car in I was immediately told that this would be very unlikely to pass as a warranty claim which I thought was a strange opening considering that hadn't seen the affected areas at this stage, anyhow the car has now been examined and again I am being told that this will not be successful as the bubbling paint spots are "stone chips" and the rust appearing around the plastic moulding is a paint defect and is only warrantied for 3 years.

In both instances, it is so plainly obvious both these conclusions are wrong and that I feel that Mini is ducking their warranty obligations. Has anyone else seen Mini behave like this as Parks did later confirm had this car come in 2-3 years ago it would have been repaired with almost 95% certainty but not nowadays?

I’ve not had to claim on the corrosion warranty in the past few years but when I did it was a fairly easy process on the Clubvan with the rear doors corroding which is an extremely common spot for the clubman to rust.

If your unhappy with the decision and explanation given to you by Parks, I’d suggest phoning MINI customer services who may be able to give further clarification or overturn the section given.

Thanks for the replys. I think what I found most strange was Parks immediately "setting my expectations" that the claim will fail even before looking and then the verdict being that they are Stone chips on both panels in a very similar location. The suggestion also from Parks that this will be how Mini will interpret the claim. So even if I disagree who would be able to change Mini UKs mind. I fear I will hit a brick wall with this.

Looking on other forums I see similar cases being thrown out by other manufacturers so it appears Mini aren't alone and I feel that maybe the car manufacturers are trying to hold onto their money more firmly in light of supply issues, diesel gate punishment and the Pandemic.

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