According to the article:
BMW Group has dodged a fine and criminal charges in its settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over warranty practices within its Mini division.
The agency had accused the company of violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act by telling customers that their warranty would be void if they did not use official Mini parts and go directly to franchised dealers for maintenance. Such demands can only be made if the parts and services are provided by the company without charge. . . .
