Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Hatchbacks, BMW, MINI
MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S
Let's set the scene: You've just returned from a jaunt to pick up Grandma and parked your 2007-2008 MINI Cooper S in the driveway. After leading the sweet lady up your steps and into the house, you return to the car to unload the assorted goodies and gifts that she's brought for you and the fam. You pop open the hatch, reach over to grab a foil-wrapped plate of her legendary baklava and start to feel a burning sensation on your shin. It's official. You've been indoctrinated into the Club of Cooper S owners who now sport a circular prison tat on their legs.According to the NHTSA, the problem affects some 28,450 2007-08 MINI Cooper S models due to the dual tailpipes that protrude too far from the center of the Cooper's rear bumper. The problem has been documented on several MINI-specific forums, and BMW is stepping up to address the issue and offering Cooper customers a new, shorter exhaust, free of charge. The recall begins in January and owners can contact BMW at 800.831.1117 to schedule a replacement of the offending exhaust.
[Source: InsideLine | Image: Findude]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
chconline 5:02PM (12/23/2008)
On the positive side, they could always incorporate nicer shapes for the tailpipes.
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Kattleox 5:59PM (12/23/2008)
I'm surprised, actually, that a circular shin scar isn't a prerequisite for Mini Cooper club entry.
Flashpoint 9:54AM (12/24/2008)
Imagine what that sounds like...
*pssssssssssss*.... "aaaaargh !"
happy_penguin 5:09PM (12/23/2008)
Yep. Them there Mini Coopers sure are hot!
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vectorbug 5:10PM (12/23/2008)
Tattoos involve ink and needles, brandings involve very hot material striking the skin leaving a burn scar. Just FYI.
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arturo 5:15PM (12/23/2008)
they will probably just make the same design shorter.
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sfast 6:20PM (12/23/2008)
Damn, you're smart! Mini should have a guy like you working for them.
arturo 9:07PM (12/23/2008)
@sfast
Look smart @ss, I was just responding to what chconline mention "On the positive side, they could always incorporate nicer shapes for the tailpipes" that's why I said that they will probably make the tail pipes just shorter. Next time make sure you make a comment relevant to what is been posted.
Izzy Johnson 5:17PM (12/23/2008)
Bah! Old News I received my letter from Mini USA a while ago, I told them to get their dirty hands off my tailpipes. Its an exhaust people it gets hot, if you get burnt its your own dam fault.
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havoc 6:17PM (12/23/2008)
+1
this also goes for people with side pipes.
yahh 6:26PM (12/23/2008)
To be fair, it sticks out a lot. If you regularly use your Mini's trunk and wear shorts, you probably have had this happen to you.
My sister got burnt as in the picture last year. The dealership at the time denied that it was possible and basically accused her of sticking her leg on it intentionally. Nobody at BMW would ever return her calls. Since they were such assholes about it, she has pictures of the injury and if there is class action she will participate.
Concerned Citizen 7:52PM (12/23/2008)
Motorcyclists everywhere just collectively yelled "DUH!" upon reading that exhaust pipes can burn you.
Next step is mandatory warning labels on top of the hood; CAUTION! ENGINE CAN GET HOT!
paul34 8:29PM (12/23/2008)
No offense to Mini owners, but some of you need to stop whining. Viper owners have also known the tale of the hot exhaust pipe in inconvenient locations for years.
bigbear7787 1:52AM (12/24/2008)
come on people... its a burn from a hot exhaust pipe... its your fault for getting too close.. we dont need any lawsuits
Raz 2:20AM (12/24/2008)
Exactly, they know the exhaust is there and its hot, then they should be careful when going near it instead of making stupid complains. Next time they'll pop the hood and get burnt by the turbo and say they need to be changed. Its pathetic. I have a MINI s myself and it looks great the way it is.
Some Stuff 9:28AM (12/24/2008)
to Yahh! Was your sister going to the dealer to see if they could install some common sense? Nope, They were defensive because they recognize someone looking to profit. Tell your sister to stop leaning on your car and stop extorting people.
Mazda FTW! 5:19PM (12/23/2008)
Was he hugging the car or something? Jeez.
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izzy johnson 5:21PM (12/23/2008)
They do stick out a bit but you really have to try to get burnt, I don't recall me ever getting to close to the pipes. When they "fix" them all they do is make them a bit shorter.
Mobius_1 7:56PM (12/23/2008)
He loves it too much...
peter314 5:29PM (12/23/2008)
i got the letter too, and im not going to bring it in, its stupid, i grazed my self but i know now not where to stand and what not, its just one of those things about being a mini owner. hahahah also i like how the second photo (the smaller one) is of a R53 MINI where this "effects" the R56 07-08, the rear of the bumper is all "mesh" grill and the fog lights are at the sides if you have them. im leaving my mini the way it is.
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