MINI Cooper: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

522 messages, Last post on Oct 13, 2006 at 8:27 AM

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#453 of 522 Re: Mini Cooper - Need new brakes after 11,000 km [bodble2] by markjenn Sep 08, 2006 (11:40 pm)
Replying to: bodble2 (Sep 08, 2006 6:46 pm) Are you expecting less than $85 Cad in a dealer's service bay for an oil change? Sounds pretty reasonable to me. These guys just don't have the economies of scale like Jiffy Lube and hopefully pay more than minimum wage to their mechanics. - Mark Replies to this message: bodble2 (Sep 09, 2006 9:28 am) markjenn (Sep 09, 2006 11:08 am) bodble2 (Sep 10, 2006 10:14 am) and 1 more...
#454 of 522 Re: Mini Cooper - Need new brakes after 11,000 km [markjenn] by bodble2 Sep 09, 2006 (9:28 am)
Replying to: markjenn (Sep 08, 2006 11:40 pm) For our Hondas and Acuras, we have often been able to get, from the dealers, "Oil Change Specials", or "Winterization Special" which includes oil/filter change, and the usual fluid top-ups, wiper refill replacement, etc. for anywhere from $39.95 to $59.95. In fact, in the first couple of years (of the car's life), the scheduled services for Hondas and Acuras don't cost more than about $75 each. Replies to this message: markjenn (Sep 09, 2006 11:08 am) bodble2 (Sep 10, 2006 10:14 am) markjenn (Sep 10, 2006 11:12 am)
#455 of 522 Re: Mini Cooper - Need new brakes after 11,000 km [bodble2] by markjenn Sep 09, 2006 (11:08 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Sep 09, 2006 9:28 am) The key word is "specials" here. These are loss leaders with the idea of generating extra service revenue from the visits. Believe me, no full-line dealership service department can make a living on $40 Cnd oil changes. Also keep in mind that Mini's require synthetic oil. I doubt the Honda dealer is using synthetic oil at this price. - Mark Replies to this message: bodble2 (Sep 10, 2006 10:14 am) markjenn (Sep 10, 2006 11:12 am)
#456 of 522 Re: Mini Cooper - Need new brakes after 11,000 km [markjenn] by bodble2 Sep 10, 2006 (10:14 am)
Replying to: markjenn (Sep 09, 2006 11:08 am) You're right about the additional cost for synthetic oil, although I wonder if that is an overkill for the base Cooper's Chrysler engine, which is none too exotic. Replies to this message: markjenn (Sep 10, 2006 11:12 am)
#457 of 522 Re: Mini Cooper - Need new brakes after 11,000 km [bodble2] by markjenn Sep 10, 2006 (11:12 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Sep 10, 2006 10:14 am) If you were doing 5K changes, synthetic is probably overkill, but with most of the Euro mfgs offering free maintenance plans, they do everything in their power to see the car as little as possible and extended oil change intervals are vital to this strategy. And you don't want coventional oil in there for 10K+. - Mark
#458 of 522 Re: beancounter bob at one year [beancounterbob] by golf4tattoos Sep 11, 2006 (7:58 am)
Replying to: beancounterbob (Apr 17, 2006 4:07 pm) I have an 02 MCS. It was awesome, til six months ago.. Service Engine light and EML light come on (OUT OF WARRANTY).. then it sputters and won't go more than 5-MPH. I took it to the Dealer who reset the computer. It did it the next day in bumper to bumper traffic. Anyway, the service manager at my local dealer said he does not get a good diagnoses from the computer and he said he'll have to start replacing good parts starting with the CPU Harness? Why would the dealer not recommend the computer programming upgrade? Or maybe MAP sensors or O2 sensors. I Love my car and I'm dead in the water right now. Do you think your early problem was similar (MAP sensors?)any advice would be appreciated. Painful Upkeep= Serpentine Belt($400) Gear Fork broke in tranny, Whole transmission($3500) Clutch($1200) Power Window Motor($300) Throttle body($400) .. still doesn't run Replies to this message: markjenn (Sep 11, 2006 9:36 pm) heidi910 (Sep 13, 2006 4:35 pm) sconant (Sep 14, 2006 4:46 am)
#459 of 522 Re: beancounter bob at one year [golf4tattoos] by markjenn Sep 11, 2006 (9:36 pm)
Replying to: golf4tattoos (Sep 11, 2006 7:58 am) A computer programming upgrade is unlikely to cure a problem where the car doesn't run. Likewise, when MAP and O2 sensors go, the car typically goes into some kind of "open loop" mode for the FI system, but it still runs Okay. Mini has good troubleshooting charts for problems. I don't see any reason the dealer should have to go into total trial/error mode, but I'm not an expert. Do you have any other dealers close enough to give them a shot at it? Or a good independent shop? - Mark
#460 of 522 Re: beancounter bob at one year [golf4tattoos] by heidi910 Sep 13, 2006 (4:35 pm)
Replying to: golf4tattoos (Sep 11, 2006 7:58 am) "Service Engine light and EML light come on" -- this happened to my MINI. The dealer replaced the O2 sensor and solved the problem. Soon later, car stalled when i was at a red light. They found the purge valve was defective. Have them look into it on your car.
#461 of 522 Re: beancounter bob at one year [beancounterbob] by sconant Sep 14, 2006 (4:38 am)
Replying to: beancounterbob (Apr 17, 2006 4:07 pm) Coopers are not only for the rich, etc. you just have not had yours long enough. Wait for the clutches, water pumps and power steering pumpsd. Get you check book ready!!!Mini Cooper will not help you. Why have to go ??? miles to get this junk fixed? It's a BMW thing, that's why!!! ANY BMW dealer can fix any Mini, but BMW will NOT send them the parts!!! For those who read this DO NOT BUY A Mini. You will be THROWING your well earned $$ away.
#462 of 522 Re: To Buy or not too. [sc1] by sconant Sep 14, 2006 (4:42 am)
Replying to: sc1 (Nov 07, 2005 1:09 pm) NO-No-No They are junk!!!!