- #242 of 282
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'07+ Mini key fob
by bodble2
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May 30, 2009 (11:12 am)
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The chrome-finish ring that goes around the circumference of the key fob on our '07 Mini just cracked and is falling off. Does anyone know if that thing has any functionality, or is it just ornamental, and I can just rip it off?
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- #243 of 282
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Run flats
by extech2
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Jul 06, 2009 (2:29 pm)
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I'd like to know if the run flat tires on the Cooper S can be changed to normal tires without buying four new wheels as well. Another thing, is there room for a spare in the back of the S model ? Otherwise I might just get the regular Cooper, sometimes next year, when my VW GTI lease is up. Thanks for any advice.
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- #244 of 282
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Re: Run flats [extech2]
by wongkid
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Jul 14, 2009 (8:02 pm)
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Replying to: extech2 (Jul 06, 2009 2:29 pm)
Yes. It is no problem at all. I do not carry a spare because I carry a can of that flat repair/inflator and/or rely on the Auto Club if I get a flat. Depending on waht you buy, you will get better performance at a lower cost with traditional tires.
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- #245 of 282
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Re: Run flats [extech2]
by wongkid
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Jul 14, 2009 (8:10 pm)
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Replying to: extech2 (Jul 06, 2009 2:29 pm)
BTW - Check my posts # 132, 127, 74 on this. Probably some redundancies, but it's everythign I've writen on this topic.
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- #246 of 282
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Re: Another extended Maintenance question [hc519]
by wongkid
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Jul 14, 2009 (8:11 pm)
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Replying to: hc519 (Apr 23, 2009 6:31 am)
See my post #147.
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- #247 of 282
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Questions about my Mini 07 Turbo
by mini007
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Jul 16, 2009 (6:54 pm)
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Hello!
I have the 07 Mini Turbo. I would just like to ask if it's wiser or better to have the dealership do the oil change? How many times do I have to do the oil change anyway? some say every 3-5k, some say 7.5k, some say ONCE a year is enough...I'm confused!
Also, what are some tips on maintaining my turbo engine or the car itself? I would love to just keep this car till the end, and so I would really like to know how to take care of it. I heard that we don't have to worry about anything coz the computer on the car would let us know if there are any problems at all...is this true?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP!
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- #248 of 282
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Re: Questions about my Mini 07 Turbo [mini007]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Jul 17, 2009 (8:24 am)
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Replying to: mini007 (Jul 16, 2009 6:54 pm)
I'd follow your owner's manual recommendations on oil changes and yes, you should take it to the dealer during warranty, at any rate, and simply resist any attempts to add unwanted services. "Just change the oil and filter this time around, please". Of course, a competent independent MINI shop could do all these services as well -- just keep all the service records and guard them with your life during the warranty period. I do not recommend "quick oil change" places for this type of car.
For turbo engines, I like synthetic motor oil, due to superior performance under high heat conditions.
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- #249 of 282
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Re: Questions about my Mini 07 Turbo [Mr_Shiftright]
by shark715
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Jul 17, 2009 (9:07 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 17, 2009 8:24 am)
I agree with everything you said, except I would point out that there is an advantage to the quick oil change places. It's best to change your oil after it's heated to full operating temperature, and that occurs only after 10-15 miles of typical driving. Optimally you want to drive 10-15 miles and have them pull the drain plug within 10 minutes or so before the oil starts to cool off. At anything less than full operating temperatures some of the sludge and other contaminents in your crankcase will still be in solid form and will not get drained with the oil. If you drop off the car at a dealer or elsewhere, the engine might cool for hours before they change the oil, and merely pulling into the garage from the parking lot before the oil change won't get the oil anywhere near it's full operating temperature. Granted most owners won't be that fussy about their oil changes, but if you want to get more miles out of your engine than most owners, it's a good tip.
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- #250 of 282
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Re: Questions about my Mini 07 Turbo [mini007]
by wongkid
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Jul 27, 2009 (6:34 am)
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Replying to: mini007 (Jul 16, 2009 6:54 pm)
See my post #115 about oil changes. Also, even though I've done it myself, be weary of quick-oil-change places on high performance/exotic cars - they can really screw things up and it is expensive to fix a stripped oil pan plug, undo the wrong type of oil, have the engine sieze because of an oil leak, etc, etc. I have also become a convert to the idea that ONLY the recommended manufacturer's oil be used in oil changes, and to never change brands, viscosity, etc. if you are "fanatical" about car maintenance (i.e.- want to keep the car forever). Strange things can happen to high performance engines that aren't pampered just right. NET: I'd do additional dealer oil changes (i.e. - more frequently than recommended), even if I have to pay for them. WWith synthetics, I'd do it every 5,000-7,500 miles, depending on wallet and compulsiveness.
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- #251 of 282
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Re: Questions about my Mini 07 Turbo [wongkid]
by eashley
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Jul 27, 2009 (7:41 am)
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Replying to: wongkid (Jul 27, 2009 6:34 am)
A big plus one on the oil change advice...i have had to replace the oil filter bracket, and ultimately, my oil pan, because of just ONE trip to a local outfit, for an oil change, to save the drive to the dealership. JUST ONCE! I change every 5,000 miles, at the dealer's, I see it as a good investment. I have 97,000 miles on my '03, and figure on a lot more, knock on wood.
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