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MINI Cooper Care & Maintenance

393 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 3:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Hatchback

Messages Page 35 of 40

#335 of 393 Re: 2006 Mini Cooper [katyknock] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 28, 2011 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: katyknock (Jul 28, 2011 6:46 pm)
You know it seems typical German level of quality---spotty at best, but nothing disastrous. In a 5 year span the only item you mention that really suprises me is the AC; otherwise, glitches like locks, trim falling off, electrical faults---that's very MINI, and I wouldn't call it a "lemon".
 
By all means have a private garage do your oil changes, as long as they know how (it's a cannister type filter, and you also have to replace the oil drain plug each time) and the type of oil (synthetic).
 
Not sure why the rotors need replacing! Are they warped or something? If the dealer told you this, get a second opinion at an independent shop. Most any shop that works on BMWs should be able to do most maitenance things on a MINI. Brakes are considered expendable items and really shouldn't be thought of as a "defect".
 
Host & Owner of a 2003 Mini Cooper S

#336 of 393 Fan and temperature gauge by gbwicker

Nov 19, 2011 (7:31 pm)

I have a 2003 MINI Cooper S 6-speed with 160k miles. Had the oil changed 2 days ago at my regular shop, and now the fan stays on (or comes back on) after I turn off the engine. Usually, it goes off and stays off if I start the car and turn it back off.
 
I've read that that is nothing to worry about, but the temp gauge is indicating that the car is running hot after a short 5 - 6 mile drive in 50 degree weather. I popped the hood, and see or feel no indication that the engine is overheating.
 
Any ideas on what could be going on? Could any of this be related to the oil change?
 
I'm in a remote location about 100 miles away from a dealership and about 200 miles away from my hometown mechanic, and of course I have to drive home tomorrow (Sunday) and can't call either of them.
 
Extend my trip by a day, or take a chance and drive home tomorrow?

#337 of 393 Re: Fan and temperature gauge [gbwicker] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 19, 2011 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: gbwicker (Nov 19, 2011 7:31 pm)
I think you are low on coolant. Add some water to the coolant reservoir if you don't have spare coolant lying around--it's okay to add water but no more than say a quart.
 
If you ARE low on coolant, the thermostat housing is always suspect on this year MINI--it's a slow drip so hard to spot. Usually you can only see if after you pressure test the cooling system.
 
the temp gauge on these MINIS show "hot" if there's low coolant, even if the engine isn't overheating. It's a bizarre system but that's what they do.

#338 of 393 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? by fxgmini

Dec 29, 2011 (2:21 am)

I'm purchasing a 2012 mini S cooper within the next few days, any recommendations on upgrading from the standard 3yr/36k maintenance to the 6yr/100k maintenance deal? most of my driving is to and from work which is about 36 freeway miles round trip and inner city driving......any suggestions........Also any advice on the Tire 'N Wheel protection program, sounds like a good deal but not sure how often I'll go through the run flats......anyone now the price of this program, the dealership won't quote me this over the phone or email.

#339 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [fxgmini] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 29, 2011 (8:16 am)

Replying to: fxgmini (Dec 29, 2011 2:21 am)
Well on the First Generation MINIs you couldn't miss making out big time on an extended warranty but I think the newer cars are a great deal better. So it really depends on a) how long do you plan to keep the car and b) have you compared the cost of the extended warranty vs. the likely costs up to 100K? Also you have to read carefully about what is *excluded* from the 100K extension. These extensions are rarely equal to the original warranty--but I haven't read the MINI extension. It's a good question to ask.
 
As for run flats, they, too are getting better but I think you'll probably dispose of them after the first set runs out.

#340 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [fxgmini] by katyknock

Dec 29, 2011 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: fxgmini (Dec 29, 2011 2:21 am)
I love my Mini and am not sure about the extended warranty being offered now. I will share what I have heard and know. I have heard the run flats are not smooth riding tires, you may want to save the $ with them and just opt for a tire protection plan - mine was about 500 for 5 years and I used my $500 worth on tire issues. - Note that the tires are not available everywhere and may have to be special ordered even at TiresPlus...lol.
 
My car was hit from behind in the 1st year I had it, the next summer my air conditioning was found to have a cracked line (after I had settled for having the car repaired) and it was covered. The big thing I think the extended warranty may be good for is if it covers maintenance. My dealer charges about 250 for an oil change. Lord only knows what else might cost. I have had the thermostat replaced and the oxygen sensors twice.
 
I spent much of my first few years with the car in the shop - not completely due to the model, I truly love my car but check what the extension covers, you may find it worth it!

#341 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [katyknock] by busiris

Dec 30, 2011 (8:37 am)

Replying to: katyknock (Dec 29, 2011 6:50 pm)
$250 for an oil change?
 
You have been getting raped!
 
My local MINI dealer does a. Full oil/filter change, fluid check, even washes and vacuums the car for less than $90.

#342 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [katyknock] by fxgmini

Dec 30, 2011 (10:22 am)

Replying to: katyknock (Dec 29, 2011 6:50 pm)
Katyknock, thank you very much for responding and the advice. What year did you purchase the tire protection plan (Tire'N Wheel I believe its called). I Believe I purchased this package for a very high amount and thinking of canceling it...1149.00 for 5 years....yikes.
 
Also the dealer informed me that with these run flat tires, if one were to take them off the original wheel and place them on a new wheel, one runs the risk of decreasing the life of the tire. Is this true???

#343 of 393 Oil change on my Mini by birosen

Dec 30, 2011 (5:48 pm)

I live in South Korea where parts for my 2008 Mini S is double the price. Would like to order parts online. Anyone know what goes into the dealer scheduled oil change maintenance? I believe it is not just the synoil. Oil filter...interior air filter?

#344 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [fxgmini] by busiris

Dec 30, 2011 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: fxgmini (Dec 30, 2011 10:22 am)
If the wheel width is the same, then what you were told is absolutely false.
 
If someone told you tire wear would increase, I would ask for evidence showing such additional wear as well as which tire company makes that claim.

Messages Page 35 of 40

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