Mini Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program (M01 01 04)
Publication date: 2013-02-01Reference number: M01 01 04
MINI TIRE CENTER TARGET SATISFACTION PROGRAM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| MINI: | All Models |
| GROUP: | Warranties |
SERVICE INFORMATION
This bulletin contains important program policy and procedure changes; please read it in its entirety.
SUBJECT
MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program
SITUATION
In a continuing effort to provide service excellence and support your dealer in maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, MINI is pleased to announce several new updates to the MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program. These changes are effective with claim repair dates that are on or after February 1, 2013.
Under this program, MINI dealers are empowered to immediately resolve tire warranty issues for their customers within the terms and conditions described in this bulletin. Eligible tire warranty claims are sent to MINI USA through DCSnet in place of dealing directly with the tire manufacturers.
Additionally, MINI USA will now also facilitate the processing of claims for any "supplemental coverage" that may be offered by each individual tire manufacturer. These are generally tire issues beyond defects in materials or workmanship that can be submitted up to the manufacturer's established limits or as stated in this bulletin, whichever is lower.
Service Department personnel will be responsible for verifying the actual supplemental coverage that is available from the applicable tire manufacturer. Any such coverage may vary or be dependent on the production date of the tire and/or vehicle.
If the tire manufacturer provides you with an authorization number for replacing tires under the supplemental coverage, please ensure that this information, as well as the specific technician's comments, are included on the repair order, in the claim comments and on the corresponding part tag before shipping.
As with a tire warranty claim paid under this program, should a tire manufacturer reject our claim submission as "not covered" or "not applicable" to the supplemental coverage they offer, the tire claim will be debited back to your dealer in full.
PROCEDURE
MINI USA serves as your tire warranty administrator by providing tire claim payments when they are submitted according to the program's guidelines. MINI, in cooperation with Dealer Tire™, will then submit a claim to the corresponding tire manufacturer, thus saving you the time of contacting (unless required to verify the manufacturer's supplemental coverage, as noted above) and submitting tire claims to the individual tire manufacturers' directly.
The Tire Manufacturers' Warranty Guide CD-ROM, supplied with each vehicle, has a compilation of each tire manufacturers' warranty statement, terms, conditions and exclusions.
Please keep in mind, the MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program does not supersede the Original Equipment (OE) Tire Manufacturer's warranty, as detailed in the applicable tire manufacturer's warranty statements; nor does it supersede any optional tire coverage purchased by the vehicle owner, such as the MINI Financial Services Tire & Wheel Protection program.
Coverage available under either scenario takes precedence over any coverage available under this program.
Authorized MINI Dealers Are Eligible To Participate In This Program, If The Dealer
- Actively participates in the MINI Aftersales Tire Center Program.
- Purchases and maintains MINI approved tire mounting, balancing equipment, tools and related mounting and balancing supplies (see SI M36 01 04 Hunter GSP97BMW capabilities and training). Dealers must have purchased - and be utilizing - the optional printer for the GSP97BMW unit.
- Employs one or multiple MINI technicians who meet and maintain MINI tire training requirements (see SI M36 01 04 ).
- Agrees to all terms and conditions contained in the attached MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program agreement form.
- Faxes the signed agreement form to 201-307-4189. Tire claims will not be processed until this form is received and processed by the MINI USA Warranties department.
- Any dealer that does not meet all of the above criteria will be unable to participate in the program.
Dealers that change ownership must re-enroll in the MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program to become eligible to participate again.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
To be eligible for coverage under the MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program, the tire must have a defect in materials or workmanship, or be covered under the tire manufacturer's supplemental coverage, and:
- Be within the first 2/32 (1.6mm) inch of initial tire tread wear for ride disturbance, vibration and noise-related defects - except for Bridgestone, which must be within the first 1/32 inch (see grid above).
- Have more than 2/32 inch of remaining tire tread for all other defects , or - if applicable - meet the tire manufacturer's criteria for their supplemental coverage.
- OE tire(s) are covered for the first 10,000 miles of service or 4 years from the original in-service date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first.
- OE replacement tire(s) are covered for the first 10,000 miles of service or 2 years from the date of the prior installation.
- All replacement tire(s) must be obtained through the MINI Aftersales Tire Center Program.
- The tire(s) must be either the OE or an OE replacement tire (previously replaced for either a defect due to normal wear and tear or coverage under the tire manufacturer's supplemental coverage).
| Tire Manufacturer | Initial Tire Tread | Minimum Tire Tread |
|---|---|---|
| Wear in Inches (mm) | Remaining in Inches | |
| (mm) | ||
| Bridgestone | 1/32nd (0.8) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
| Continental | 2/32nd (1.6) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
| Dunlop | 2/32nd (1.6) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
| Goodyear | 2/32nd (1.6) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
| Michelin | 2/32nd (1.6) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
| Pirelli | 2/32nd (1.6) | 2/32nd (1.6) |
THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIONS APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
- Failures other than tire defects in materials or workmanship (unless covered by a tire manufacturer's supplemental coverage as previously noted)
- Non-approved tires
- Tires that have been plugged, repaired, or modified
- Tires with more than 2/32 inch (1.6mm) of initial tire tread wear for ride disturbance, vibration and noise related defects - except for Bridgestone tires, with more than 1/32 inch (see grid on previous page)
- Tires worn to 2/32 inch (1.6mm) or more of the remaining tread depth
- Tires treated with dressing or incompatible cleaning agents
- Tires used in racing or any competitive event
- Tires injected with sealants, dry or liquid balancers
- Tires rendered unserviceable due to road hazard-type damage such as impact breaks (unless covered by a tire manufacturer's supplemental coverage)
- Tires rendered unserviceable or irregularly worn due to improper tire inflation or mechanical problems
- Irregular wear or damage due to overloading
- Flat spotting caused by improper storage
- Tires with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number removed or rendered illegible
- Any related or consequential costs other than the labor allowance, shipping allowance and tire reimbursement described in the following section, "Program Reimbursement"
PROGRAM - TIME AND MILEAGE LIMITATIO
Original Equipment (OE) Tires
- Up to first 4 years from the original in-service date of the vehicle or up to the first 10,000 of vehicle miles, whichever occurs first. A warranty "type 1" claim must be submitted.
Original Equipment (OE) Replacement Tires
- Replacement tire(s) must be obtained through the MINI Aftersales Tire Center Program and must be no more than 2 years from the installation date of the tire(s) and have less than 10,000 miles of service. A part warranty "type 2" claim must be submitted.
PARTS INFORMATION
| Part Number | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Obtained through MINI Tire Center's website | MINI replacement Tire(s) | As applicable |
TIRE PROGRAM - CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT
Replacement Tires
MINI USA will reimburse approved OE tire claims under this program at 100% of MINI USA Dealer Net price in effect with no handling charge for each tire.
Shipping Sublet - Returning Tire(s) for Inspection
As a result of input we received concerning the insufficiency of our prior shipping fee reimbursement rate ($10 per tire), a shipping cost evaluation was conducted.
The largest and heaviest tire (27 lbs.) being shipped the maximum distance (coast to coast/longest span) was used as the benchmark. Also included are the applicable fuel surcharges and handling fees in effect when the tires are returned as outlined in the "Shipping Procedure" section of this bulletin.
Our evaluation indicates the "maximum" shipping costs are the following:
| One Tire | $32.00 maximum allowable shipping cost in sublet |
| Two Tires | $48.00 maximum allowable shipping cost in sublet |
| Three Tires | $54.00 maximum allowable shipping cost in sublet |
| Four Tires | $68.00 maximum allowable shipping cost in sublet |
In accordance with this analysis, we will reimburse your dealer - up to the applicable dollar amounts indicated above - as long as the shipping procedure outlined in this bulletin is followed.
Documentation supporting the actual shipping charges entered on each claim must be available for review by the Warranties department or Retail Audit.
Upon payment of the claim by MINI, a unique tire part return tag will be created. This new tire part tag will contain a tire claim-specific shipping address and other tire-related data. This tire tag must be affixed securely to the tire being returned to the address identified on the tire part tag.
The specific printout from the GSP97BMW machine showing the defective nature of the tire must also accompany the tire tag that is attached to each tire, when applicable.
Labor Sublet
We have also increased our sublet labor allowance to $50.00 per covered tire from $20.00 per covered tire.
The KSD2 flat rate labor operations are not to be claimed.
Shipping and Labor Sublet - Combined Calculation Maximum Sublet Amount
| One Tire | Up to $32.00 max. | Plus | $50.00 Labor | = | $82.00 Maximum |
| Two Tires | Up to $48.00 max. | Plus | $100.00 Labor | = | $148.00 Maximum |
| Three Tires | Up to $54.00 max. | Plus | $150.00 Labor | = | $204.00 Maximum |
| Four Tires | Up to $68.00 max. | Plus | $200.00 Labor | = | $268.00 Maximum |
CLAIM ENTRY INFORMATION
| Defect Code: | Manufacturer-Specific | See the Tire Defect Codes below |
|---|---|---|
| Sublet Code 4 | Sublet Amount | Reimbursement for labor and shipping fees as applicable to the number of tires replaced |
Please explain and itemize the claimed sublet amount on the repair order and in the claim comments.
Defect Codes by Tire Manufacturer
First, select the manufacturer of the tire(s) being replaced (for the first six digits).
| Defect Code | Tire Manufacturers |
|---|---|
| Defect Code: 36 12 01 | Continental |
| Defect Code: 36 12 02 | Dunlop |
| Defect Code: 36 12 03 | Pirelli |
| Defect Code: 36 12 06 | Goodyear |
| Defect Code: 36 12 07 | Michelin |
| Defect Code: 36 12 08 | Bridgestone |
and
Defect code - Fault code and Vendor Code
Next, select the applicable "Fault Code" below for the 7th and 8th position, together with the required "DT" Vendor Code in the 9th and 10th position.
Tire Defect-Related
| Fault Code | Vendor Code (Required) |
|---|---|
| 22 - Manufacturing Fault | DT |
| 39 - Unpleasant Noise | DT |
| 57 - Vibration/Oscillation | DT |
or
Supplemental Coverage-Related
| Fault Code | Vendor Code (Required) |
|---|---|
| 77 - Continental supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
|
NOTE:
No OE tires; replacement tires only, as outlined in this bulletin
|
|
| 77 - Dunlop supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
| 77 - Pirelli supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
| 77 - Goodyear supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
| 77 - Michelin supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
| 77 - Bridgestone supplemental coverage (if available) | DT |
TIRE-RELATED INFORMATION
Claims are submitted through DCSnet using the Warranty system. The use of the "DT" Vendor Code will enable the opening of additional claim entry fields in DCSnet to record specific tire detail information.
It is imperative that your dealer record this information, as listed below, on the repair order when a tire claim submission is being considered.
The required tire-related information for each tire, based on the position of the tire on the vehicle (Left Front, Right Front, Left Rear, Right Rear), is the following:
- Brand
- Model
- Size
- Speed Rating
- MINI Replaced Part Number
- Tread Depth (inches: three outside, center and inside)
- DOT Number (Full)
- MINI New Part Number
Failure to obtain accurate data as outlined above for each tire will cause the refusal and/or debiting of the tire claim.
Please see the "DCSnet - Tire Program" attachment for more information.
TIRE CLAIMS - PART RETURN REQUEST
After tire claim crediting, a tire part return tag will be generated in DCS with the shipping address of your facing Dealer Tire Warranty Center.
All warranty tires (with the required "DT" vendor code) must be sent directly to a Dealer Tire Warranty Center address listed on the tire part return tag generated by DCSnet. The tire tag will designate your facing Dealer Tire Warranty Center return address.
Please do not send these tires to the MINI Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC).
Upon receipt, the Dealer Tire Warranty Center will make a brief determination to verify the tire warranty or manufacturer's supplemental coverage decision. The Dealer Tire Warranty Center will supply inspection result information (non-defective or non-covered tires) directly back to MINI USA.
The Dealer Tire Warranty Center will send the defective tire or a tire covered under the tire manufacturer's supplemental coverage, based on the preliminary inspection, to the appropriate manufacturer for final inspection and processing.
MINI USA reserves the right to charge back a dealer when the Dealer Tire Warranty Center or the tire manufacturer determines the tire(s) is non-defective or non-covered.
By participating in this program, you agree that tires returned to the Dealer Tire Warranty Center that are deemed not covered (under the manufacturer's warranty or any supplemental coverage in effect) will be scrapped and not returned to your MINI dealer.
All MINI Tire Center Target Satisfaction Program claims must follow established warranty documentation requirements. All claims paid under this program are subject to audit.
DEALER TIRE WARRANTY CENTERS
Eastern Region Centers and Central Region Centers must ship to:
Dealer Tire Warranty Center Warehouse #111
12930 Darice Parkway
Strongsville, Ohio 44149
Southern Region Centers must ship to:
Dealer Tire 510 Dallas Warehouse
410 W. Trinity Blvd. #200
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Western Region Centers must ship to:
Dealer Tire Warranty Center
4981 4th Street
Irwindale, CA 91706
SHIPPING PROCEDURE
Use Federal Express ground service (please do not use Federal Express "2nd" or "3rd" day guaranteed shipping time options).
All dealers have the opportunity to participate in the Federal Express National Dealer Discount Program. This program allows your dealer to receive the MINI USA national freight discount and to easily track your return shipments.
If you have not signed up for this program, you may do so, using the attached form.
- When returning tires, ship them in bundles of two. This will help reduce shipment cost.
- Use your warranty part tag numbers as your reference number for each package. This will allow for quick verification of receipt.
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Any questions concerning tire claims under the MINI Tire Target Satisfaction Program may be addressed to your Area Manager or Aftersales Area Manager or the applicable Warranties General Questions email address listed below.
| Central Region | Central.Questions@bmwna.com |
| Eastern Region | East.Questions@bmwna.com |
| Southern Region | South.Questions@bmwna.com |
| Western Region | West.Questions@bmwna.com |
For additional technical assistance, please submit a PuMA case.
CLAIM APPEA
If you believe that a non-payment decision rendered was unjust, you can appeal that decision with the Warranties department, following regular warranty claim appeal procedures.
A copy of the printout from the GSP97BMW machine must be available if it is needed at a later date.