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MINI Club Of WNY -> Garage -> 2007 Mini Multifunction Steering Wheel Order Mixup
Post Info TOPIC: 2007 Mini Multifunction Steering Wheel Order Mixup
venus


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2007 Mini Multifunction Steering Wheel Order Mixup
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I placed and order for my 2007 Mini Cooper in Dec and was expecting delivery around the 3rd week of Feb and I was SOOOOOOOO excited about this.

And then I came across a thread on NorthAmericanMotoring.com where I found that lots of folks who had ordered their 07 Minis with a Multifunction steering wheel will actually be getting their Minis without the multifuction wheel. This means no cruise control in their cars at all which is a MAJOR issue. I checked with Mini and found out that my order is screwed up too. If I’m going to pay about 27K for a new car, not having cruise is NOT AN option. How could Mini make sure a critical mistake? I’m going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAD if I have to wait another 6 - 8 weeks to re-order and get the correct car. If Mini doesn’t figure out a way to retrofit the wheel or give some major incentive to customers who have to wait extra, that is going to make them look really bad. I can imagine what sort of ratings they will get in different car surverys like JD Powers if they don’t figure out a way to address this major issue. I for one plan on letting them know of my displeasure in every survey and forum I can come across.

Following are some questions I have for Mini and there are many others who have the same questions posted in different Mini forums:

- Is a retrofit of the multifunction wheel even possible at the dealerships or VDC?
- If the retrofit is possible, will it be as reliable as the factory installation
- If retrofit is possible, will there be a delay in getting the car?
- If we need to re-order, will Mini put priority on our orders?
- What will Mini do to make it up to us for the extra wait?
- Mini has known about this issue for at least a week now, so when should we expect to hear an answer as this uncertainty is painful

Soon we will find out if Mini will do the responsible thing and turn a lemon into lemonade or will this turn out to be a classic case of a global giant that has an almost monpoly whee they won’t care about their customers and make it up to them for this critical mixup. If I have to wait longer to get my Mini, I'm expecting Mini to expedite my re-order and also give me about $1000 discount off the MSRP.

There is a theard on NorthAmericanMotoring.com that is trying to get a headcount of folks whose ordered has been messed up and so far there are 17 people listed just on one thread in one forum. How many more are out there? Here is a link to that thread: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91071

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rsb


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venus: This happened to me too

I had ordered a Leather Sports Steering Wheel with Multifunction. I checked with my MA and it appears that Mini has built it without the Multifunction wheel and my MCS is on a ship waiting to dock at NY one of these days. Having cruise is so important for long trips (and I plan on taking lots of long trips) and also to avoid un-intentional over speeding. And anyone who is used to havig radio & cruise controls on the wheels will tell you that it is quite hard to live without it.

My understanding of this issue is that Mini is well aware of it and they are trying to figure out a solution - so we should find out soon. I'll be so thankful if they can figure out a way to install the multifunction wheel here at the dealerships.

I agree with you - if we have to re-order, the least Mini should be able to do is expedite the order and offer a discount.

-- Edited by rsb at 11:00, 2007-02-04

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Pamlico


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venus wrote:


.......... snip .........

My scholarly responses are all obviously based upon previous model years, but I'd think there would be a pretty good chance that they would apply to the latest and greatest.


- Is a retrofit of the multifunction wheel even possible at the dealerships or VDC?
Should be possible. The wiring for a number of options are all included in the car when it is built so many times installation isn't as major a job as may be presumed. However, I'm not sure if all the hooks to the different components addressable from the wheel (speed control, radio) are available.

- If the retrofit is possible, will it be as reliable as the factory installation
Should be, especially if the situation is as described above.

- If retrofit is possible, will there be a delay in getting the car?
Depends upon parts availability and your willingness to wait. If the parts aren't available at delivery you could have the install performed at a later time.

- If we need to re-order, will Mini put priority on our orders?
Only MINI and The Shadow knows.

- What will Mini do to make it up to us for the extra wait?
If previous experiences are a prediction of this - nothing.

- Mini has known about this issue for at least a week now, so when should we expect to hear an answer as this uncertainty is painful
Unfortunately, whenever BMW / MINI in it's infinite wisdom decides to release the information.


 



I think it all comes down to how much of the circuitry involved is included when the car is assembled. It seems more cost effective to build all the cars with the appropriate wiring rather than have to keep track of different configurations. If this is the case, the dealer should be able to install the correct wheel without much difficulty.

Do keep with it though, as the multifunction wheel is a handy thing to have. Good luck.

- dl

-- Edited by Pamlico at 11:40, 2007-02-04

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Pamlico


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UPDATE: 2007 Mini Multifunction Steering Wheel Order Mixup
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You're probably aware of the following, but if not this was posted on Motoringfile.com today. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good for those who are affected by the MFSW ordering glitch:


There has (sic) been some problems with the early R56 orders that were supposed to have Multi-Function Steering Wheel in December and January.

When ordering the MFSW on an R50/R53, the Motoring Advisor only had to select 1 item from the order sheet. For the R56, 2 items needed to be selected. The first for the steering wheel, the 2nd for the multi-function.

The confusion has caused quite a few MINIs so far to be ordered without multi-function. For those cars that are affected, they will only have the leather sports wheel installed. There is not an option at this time to retrofit those cars without MFSW due to changes in the wiring harness for the stereo, Bluetooth and cruise control.

Last week MINI issued a bulletin to all dealers to make them aware of the problem. If you think you might be affected, you should contact your Sales Advisor right away. The only option to correct the lack of MFSW at this time is to completely rebuild your MINI.

Update: According to Gabe (who spoke to MINI executives about the issue this past weekend) MINI USA is working on a fix for the MFSW ordering snafu that affected around 40 orders. However, at this time they can’t confirm at that will be as they’re still working out some logistics in the process.

MINI USA employees let it be known that they are very aware of the issue and they will do everything they can to create a solution to the issue. Look for more information over the next week or so.


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rsb


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RE: 2007 Mini Multifunction Steering Wheel Order Mixup
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Yes I saw this on MF.
I re-ordered today
Now I wait another 6 weeks


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Pamlico


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Sorry to hear you're back at the end of the line, Discouraging, but in 6 weeks you won't have to worry about all the salt, etc. Right now our car looks like a salt lick. Impossible to keep clean.

Seems hard to believe that only 40 orders were affected, sounded like a lot more than that.

When you do finally pick up your car, work them over for some complimentary accessories to compensate you for the problem you had.

Good luck.

- dl

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venus


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rsb wrote:

Yes I saw this on MF.
I re-ordered today
Now I wait another 6 weeks


 



Has Mini offered you anything to make it up to you for making you wait longer?

I'm expecting Mini to give me lots of free accessories for my pain.

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Rocketboy


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Venus / RSB...

Would either of you care to explain how and why 2 people with the same problem, have the same IP address when they post on the same day?

Feb 4
Venus - 129.21.11.40
RSB - 129.21.11.40

Feb 5
Venus - 24.169.125.182
RSB - 24.169.125.182

(24.169.125.182 is a common IP address for RSB)

Also, you both seem to like to use the word 'so' in a similar manner:
RSB:
"It's so awesome"
Venus:
"I was SOOOOOOOO excited"

You both used the same style lists

Quote RSB:
yellowmininy: So you found half of the posts, now you just have to find the other half :) The more exposure the better - who know, if enough people email Mini and complain, they might release the cars sooner - the power of consumers you know...And Mini isn't making money by holding cars either.

Unless you can explain yourself, you will be banned.

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