[Centaur one]

I have the Mini F56 with lots of options, one of which is the E call feature which is faulty. The dealer tells me they are awaiting a software fix. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[GoKart7]

Sorry mate I didn't order this plus I haven't got my car

When did the dealer tell you the fix is coming?

Plus are they 110% sure it's a software fix - have they determined that?

 

[Centaur one]

They have no date but told me it's a software fix. I expected a few issues with the launch of a complete new vehicle. I have already had a number of recalls but that's not so bad. As long as they get my tele services working

 

[GoKart7]

They have no date but told me it's a software fix. I expected a few issues with the launch of a complete new vehicle. I have already had a number of recalls but that's not so bad. As long as they get my tele services working

Okay

Listen up

If they are telling you this then you have to ask them to put it in writing - that it's not just a guess

Also ask them this, it is therefore an issue with all of the emergency systems? - so legally they have to tell people who are ordering it that it's faulty doesn't work properly and a software issue will fix it - correct?

If they do not give you a date tell them what are your rights if you are not happy - because logically something else might go wrong and then you're stuck with the car that you've paid for that you could forseebly not be happy with.

It's a con - I'll give you an example - the problem in my audi was supposedly a software fix which took over 6 months - I fell for something that created a bigger problem for me - at the end the whole system I had (blind spot monitoring) was fully corrupt and it had to be changed altogether 15 months down the line with lies and more lies on Audi's behalf.

Therefore tell Mini that if it's a problem and you are legally declaring it to all customers who are speccing up the e services that it's faulty and they are willing to go on record done.

If not tell them the car is under warranty and you want a replacement - or to prove it to you without doubt with diagnostics that it is what they think it is or say it is.

Don't be afraid to tell them they get away with way too much.

 

[Centaur one]

Yes you make some good points. I had an Audi A6 s line with loads of options bought from new and I am glad I switched to the MCS. I have been pleased so far. If there is no software fix soon then I will be taking it up with Mini. I have the HUD and LED lights and I am really impressed with the technology and the build

I cannot complain about my local dealer yet as they have been good so far, however if you buy options they have to work!

I was hoping others with the e call facility would respond to the post so I can gauge my next move

 

[GoKart7]

Time to press them

It's a legal matter and of upmost importance if they are selling you something which doesn't work

Assuming hey didn't know then when they sold it to you they do now therefore technically and legally either they should be telling people it's faulty or they have to withdraw the option until fixed

I can take dealers up to a point after that it's a con - unfortunately that's been my experience which has led me hear I hope I do find better ones...

 

[MintMark]

GoKart what do you think mini should do for existing customers like centaur? Assuming the feature works at some point in the future then we're talking about compensating people for a delay... I guess if the feature never works then refund the price of it is reasonable? What do you think?

I don't have the emergency call feature but I can see scope for similar problems with, say, support for integration with various phones.

 

[GoKart7]

GoKart what do you think mini should do for existing customers like centaur? Assuming the feature works at some point in the future then we're talking about compensating people for a delay... I guess if the feature never works then refund the price of it is reasonable? What do you think?

I don't have the emergency call feature but I can see scope for similar problems with, say, support for integration with various phones.

This is a brilliant question Mark.

And answering it isn't easy, so if I use my own experience I would have clearly rejected the car asked for a rebuild or an equivalent new one or simply money back.

Later on this year the consumer directive comes into law
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-ne...n-manufacturers-as-car-buyers-get-more-rights

This is how serious the problems with cars are that they don't take seriously - for arguments sake I will not be able to use this against Audi because I've had that bad experience and had to sell the car privately to move on so what I'm saying is that everyone out there should know that their are legit questions we can ask to demand our cars get looked into and fixed. If they can't and something is faulty then either it's a replacement under warranty or as I mentioned above.

I'm not a lawyer or am I anything relating to one but I've learnt a lot about the law when dealing with Audi and it's not clear cut as it seems - until hopefully this directive comes in and changes that.

If it had happened to me now I would just ask the questions because they don't expect you to ask them - keep your calm and cool of course but with a big smile put them under pressure why the other way around - why should we wait for any fix - has the problem been identified or not? It's a never ending roller coaster...

 

[palgt1]

I have the Mini F56 with lots of options, one of which is the E call feature which is faulty. The dealer tells me they are awaiting a software fix. Has anyone else had this problem?

What do you mean by faulty ? I have this option on mine and so far, on 3 occasions, I have had a message come informing me that the E call has been unsuccessful (or words to that effect) - but to my knowledge I never activated it!
Do you think it's something I need to inform the Dealership about ??

 

[Centaur one]

We'll my e call (SOS) is not available and if yours in unsuccessful then we are sharing a common experience. Yes you should contact the dealer and by the way check all the features or options you have paid for.

If i do not hear from the dealer by the end of next week then I will be seeking resolution of the problem as I have no intention of waiting months. Secondly I bough the armrest with chili pack where I am supposed to plug my iPhone in. Unfortunately no cradle as I am told it is not currently available. I would hope this forum would promote such discussion so we can share our experiences. I do appreciate its a new vehicle to market but.... When you advertise and sell features they should work from day one or as soon as possible and there should be compensation for loss of use. That's my view anyway

 

[Washy]

I am sure there are cradles available for all iPhones up to the 5s. They are not cheap though.

 

[Centaur one]

iPhone 5s cradles not currently available for the F56 that has been confirmed by email and phone from two MIni dealers

 

[Washy]

iPhone 5s cradles not currently available for the F56 that has been confirmed by email and phone from two MIni dealers

I had assumed that the BMW one would work in the F56 as with the previous cradles. Learnt something there

 

[Centaur one]

I emailed the dealer stating I want resolution of the e call/ tele services feature with a close out date. Secondly I have asked them for written confirmation of the availability of the iPhone in car armrest cradle. The cradle uses the full car system aerial which the Bluetooth does not as when you are in Bluetooth mode external calls are to the phone and blue toothed to the car (that's how it was explained to me).

I have had my car 6 days, as far as I know/ can confirm SOS does not work, iPhone 5s does not work (no cradle). The dealer replaced the front brakes and discs as I found a groove in the front passenger side disc. The car was an ex demonstrator registered in March.

I do like my MCS but you know what it's like when you spend an awful lot of money. There were some other minor issues but I told the dealer that based on current performance, no I would not recommend Mini at this time - I think I am a becoming a beta tester

 

[GoKart7]

Stick with it mate - I would just ask you to keep your cool and your calm and if you need any help just call it here - car business is just that - business - it's not about friendships though someone being nice to you is always repaid back by continued loyalty - it's a two way street only problem is some cars sell themselves so a lot of them just don't bother or care.

Make your point stand by it and hit the feedback because it's the right thing to do

 

[palgt1]

I have the Mini F56 with lots of options, one of which is the E call feature which is faulty. The dealer tells me they are awaiting a software fix. Has anyone else had this problem?

Not quite sure what the issue is here. My understanding is the E call and Tele service work in the background only becoming operational if it detects a problem ie if a service is due (and identifying issues that may need to be addressed ) or in an accident, sending out a call to BMW/Mini logging what the status of the vehicle is. So how are you aware that you have a problem - has the Dealership advised you and is it just a software update to rectify the problem ??

 

[MintMark]

I discovered today that mini themselves sell many of their accessories on ebay in a mini direct shop, including lots of phone cradles. I'm pretty sure they were all for Rxx models, but cradles for older phones are being sold off cheap (£15 instead of £75).

So the good news is that there are cradles for lots of phones (indication of broad support) and that sometimes bargains can be had. The bad news is that F56 accessories in general seem to be a bit thin on the ground.

 

[Washy]

Surely the phone still works over Bluetooth so whilst I appreciate you want the cradle you are only losing the added nicety of charging, MINI connected and attachment to the car antenna.

I will add I prefer the cradles too as it is more discrete neater than having the phone attached to a cable sat in the cupholders.

 

[MiloMini]

The thing with problems is that we all know by buying a brand new model there is the possibility that there will be a few niggles and by buying we acknowledge the fact. We's all love the car to be perfect of course!

That said if a company allows you to spec a particular option as in this case the E Call service and it doesn't work right from the bat then they have a duty surely to hold their hands up and say it's not working so here's your money back on this service. I think it's the least they can do. A software update may be 6 or 12 months away but by allowing people to add to a brand new car knowing it isn't working is plain stupid.

Like GoKart has said, hang in there, stand your ground but keep cool. I'd actually consider going direct to Mini and bypassing the dealer - or both! I hope they sort it out quickly for you.

 

[Centaur one]

Thanks for all the comments. It's true a new launch model which can be personalised with an array of options and I am sure that Mini/dealer will resolve and I will keep you posted on any response I get.