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 !"
LDMAN 2:24AM (12/24/2008)
Should not all motorcycles be recalled on the same basis? BTW protuberance is such a double entendre word.
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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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Chris 5:50PM (12/23/2008)
I believe a Viper's side pipes are pretty hot. Were those ever recalled?
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Rob 6:47PM (12/23/2008)
Exactly what I was thinking. Mini owners must be stupid. Hrm... trendy posers who buy an overpriced small car that's performance numbers match that of a 1st generation dodge neon? Yeah, definitely stupid.
ambientFLIER 10:01PM (12/23/2008)
Sorry Rob, but a Mini S is much faster and handles much better than any neon, even the acr ones. Nice try, though.
Mike 12:45AM (12/24/2008)
Sorry guys but the words Mini and fast do NOT belong in the same sentence, unless, of course, fast is immediately preceded by the word not. I think the only people who think they are fast are the people who own them and who've never actually owned a car that is fast.
Raz 2:45AM (12/24/2008)
Mike, i think fast in that situation means comparatively fast for its size and engine size without blowing it up. I also own a RS4 myself so i know what fast feels like, thanks for the insult.
Mike 8:05PM (12/26/2008)
No problem Raz,
Whenever you want another insult just ask!
As for fast by vehicle type, I'm sure there are people out there that think their Chevettes are fast compared to other crappy '80s econo cars, that doesn't make them fast, just less slow than the competition.
So like I said, if you used the sentence: Mini's aren't as slow as _____ . I'd allow it, but we should not be using the word Mini and fast together. Nkay? Thanks.
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.