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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

#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.

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

Jan 02, 2012 (10:59 am)

Replying to: busiris (Dec 30, 2011 8:37 am)
I pay $130 for a complete 7500 mile service, which includes oil and filter (synthetic oil + OEM filter), tire rotation, diagnostic check with the scanner (to see what's up in there, if anything), safety inspection, check & tighten stem to stern, and a road test and report. Yes, I could change the oil myself for probably $30 bucks, but I don't have a lift or a sophisticated scan tool (one that reads all the systems). Also I really trust the people who work on the car. They've spotted a few issues that could have gotten worse (like the notorious leaking thermostat housing).

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

Jan 07, 2012 (4:03 pm)

Replying to: busiris (Dec 30, 2011 8:37 am)
I'd love to know where you live and who you're dealer is when you say $90 for an oil change on your Mini. My dealer mentioned over $300 to do my oil change and I've been trying to figure out where to go. I don't trust those cheapo places (had a '00 New Beatle turbo that EZ Lube screwed me over on a few times). Any ideas how to get that $90 oil change? Limited time to figure out how to do to it myself and it's overdue.

#347 of 393 Re: 6yr/100k maintenance worth it??? [minicoopermyra] by rlmiller9

Jan 07, 2012 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: minicoopermyra (Jan 07, 2012 4:03 pm)
Hi,
 
There are also other choices besides the ez lube places, ask around there are ussuallly very good independent shops that specialize on Mini's or BMW's that are less expensive and IMO better than the dealer for these things.
 
RM

Messages Page 35 of 40

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