BMW, including BMW South Africa, is informing owners of Mini Cooper cars that a faulty cable, which could make it difficult to change gears, will have to be replaced.
BMW, including BMW South Africa, is informing owners of Mini Cooper cars that a faulty cable, which could make it difficult to change gears, will have to be replaced.
The reported that the cable had worked loose in fewer than 10 per cent of the Cooper models, making it impossible for drivers to change gears. But the newspaper said that the problem was not dangerous. BMW said it was not a recall, but the company would contact owners to have a new cable installed free of charge.
BMW SA said in a statement that it had been made aware of a potential problem involving gearshift cables on manual Mini Coopers built before the May 8 2002.
“In rare instances, the shift cable can come adrift, making it difficult to shift gears, although the car can still be driven in the gear currently in mesh. The solution involves the fitment of a fastening clip to prevent the shift lever from detaching from the gearbox. The procedure takes a few minutes and is undertaken by a Mini service centre.
“In South Africa, only about 200 Mini Coopers are affected, as preventative action was taken the moment BMW SA became aware of the problem. Of the 400-odd cars with the possible defect, 40 per cent already had the fix implemented at BMW’s Vehicle Distribution Centre. As there is no immediate risk, the remainder will receive the remedy during the next service visit.
“Customers wishing any further information should contact the BMW Customer Care Line on 0800 600 555.”
