Mini Handsfree Kit Rip Off!!

Murray

This could have gone in any number of boards so please feel free to move as necessary!

18 months ago I bought a new mini and one of the options I chose was the bluetooth handsfree kit. This cost just shy of £1000 but did come with a number of extras like cruise control, an armrest, upgraded stereo, better steering wheel.

When I bought this, I was showed a list of (very out of date) handsets that would work with a snap in adaptor but as I wanted to use the bluetooth rather than a 'plug in', I didnt worry about how old the handsets were.

When my next phone upgrade was due (a few months later) I got a bluetooth phone and tried to use it in my car. This is when the problems started. The car kit wouldnt work properly. After taking the car back to Mini/BMW 3 times, they told me that the software wasnt compatible with my phone. I explained that I wasnt informed that I would need software upgrades and after some persuasion (writing to HO & the Dealer Principle) they agreed to update the software for free :T .

The last time I spoke to them I asked them to provide me with a list of phones that would be compatible with the new, upgraded software because my contract is up for renewal.
The following handsets are compatible:

Nokia 6310/6310i - came out at the turn of the century (well early 2000's but turn of the century sounds much longer ago!!) & is no longer available (with main suppliers anyway)

Nokia 6230i - the phone I have now and have not been happy with.

A few Seimens

A few Sony Erickssons

I'm really not happy about this because I would like Nokia or at a push Motorola. I dont mind having a slightly older phone but none of these are younger than 18months/2yrs!! :mad:

My question is (if you're still reading this!!) - what are my rights? I would like to get some of my money back because as far as I am concerned I was mislead and the kit is not fit for the purpose it was sold - do you agree or am I being unfair?

Some people might think 'serves you right for spending so much' but I intended to keep this car for a long time and so it was worth it. Also it does alot of extras that you wouldnt get with a normal handsfree kit (like transferring the phonebook to the car stereo). If I had known that it would be so rubbish I would have stuck with Nokia handsfree kits!

Thanks in advance!!

dyfrigroberts

I know your problem - I got a MINI too and I had a look at it but decided to go and get a 3rd Party kit fitted to my car

Its easier to use and if you change your phone

Mine is integrated into the car - if the phone rings it mutes the radio and it cost less than the official MINI hands free kit

I had some advice off NewMINI Stuff regarding it - he's an electronics guy specialising in all stuff MINI ( http://www.newministuff.com)

HTH

Murray

Thanks for the link - if I ever get Mini to give me some of the money back for my kit, I will give him a try. Interesting to see that NewMINI Stuff have a handsfree kit suitable for all bluetooth phones for just under £100...I've been had!!