BMW learns not to MINImize car-owners' warranty rights

Mini owners don't need to have their cars serviced at a dealership or buy "genuine" parts from the automaker. And neither does anyone else, as confirmed by the Federal Trade Commission today in a settlement with Mini's parent, BMW.

The Mini warranty booklet claimed that in order to ensure that automaker would honor the car's warranty, owners had to:

"Have maintenance and repair work performed by your Mini dealer. Make sure that the maintenance work is stamped in this Service and Warranty Information Statement. These entries are … a requirement for warranty claims."

And:

"[Mini] is not obligated to pay for repairs that include non-genuine Mini parts."

In the settlement, Mini agreed to remove the language from owners' manuals going forward and to notify Mini owners whose cars are still under warranty that they are under no such obligations.

The Magnusson Moss Warranty Act of 1975 lays out consumer warranty rights and does not allow manufacturers to set warranty coverage conditions on using factory-authorized parts or service. If a problem was caused by an independent mechanic or unauthorized part, it is the manufacturer's obligation to prove it. (Read: "Can an aftermarket part void my car warranty?")

If an automaker or dealer tries to insist that you use only dealer service or manufacturer parts to get warranty service, don't believe it. And don't hesitate to contact the FTC at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

—Eric Evarts