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Using Aftermarket Parts and Independent Repair Shops Won't Void Your MINI Warranty

It's been a rather interesting week for the US branch of BMW and its subsidiary, MINI. The German group just settled a dispute with the Federal Trade Commission that claimed that the user’s manual for the cars sold in the US said owners must use only MINI parts and MINI dealerships for servicing unless they are willing to lose their warranty.
BMW MINI Logos 1 photo
Photo: BMWCLUB.RO
According to the FTC, the MINI brand violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act telling their customers that in case they don’t go through MINI dealerships whenever experiencing minor issues or even for the cars’ periodical servicing, they will lose their manufacturer warranty.

BMW, on the other hand, denies such claims but admits that the language used in the user’s manual might be confusing. Furthermore, BMW and MINI USA claim that they haven’t received any complaints from customers in this regard and wholeheartedly disagreed with the FTC’s claim.

However, in order to keep things from aggravating and to make sure their customers have the optimum choice for their vehicles without any further hassle BMW decided to settle the administrative complaint. Therefore, they will be sending notices to consumers that using aftermarket parts or independent repair shops will not void their warranties.

“It is in the best interest of our customers to send the notices and avoid a potentially lengthy dispute with the FTC,” said a BMW spokesman for Automotive News.

On top of the sending of these letters, under the settlement, BMW will also be barred from violating the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act in the future.
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