My wife and I have been BMW and Mini owners for over 17 years and I need your help to resolve a situation. On March 29, 2012 I dropped off my car, a 2006 Mini Cooper S, to find out what was causing a rattling sound in the rear wheel well. I was informed that a nail was in the tire and that I needed two rear tires and a front alignment which I agreed to. The service representative and service manager informed me that the alignment could not be completed correctly due to a rusted tie rod. I was not charged for the alignment, but to find out that the tie rod had rusted on a car that is 6 years old, with 29,000 miles and garage kept is very disappointing. When I contacted Tressa and the manager Jodi in your customer relations department I was informed that it is my responsibility to instruct the service department to do a rust inspection every two years. Two years ago I had a tire replaced front alignment done and there was no mention of rust or a rust inspection. I have always enjoyed owning BMW products but at this time I would not recommend your product to any friends, family or clients. The resolution to this problem would be a redesign of the tie rod to include a protective rubber boot over it to protect it from the environment and replace my rusted tie rod. I paid $1255 for new tires that could not be aligned properly and I now have the concern that the rust on the bottom of my car will be spreading through out the bottom if the part is not replaced. I spoke with Joe Pitts, your service manager, who told me, "This is a common problem.” I would think that this is not a standard for BMW. Needless to say, my wife and I are very unhappy and disappointed with your service and the quality of your Mini Cooper.