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Mini
Maintenance/Service Since BMW took over in 2000 the Minis saw BMW maintenance style implementation, with the early models having similar "Inspection I" and "Inspection II" service interval (minor and major service), while the 2005 newer body style Minis received the corresponding CBS (Condition Based System), where the on board computer determines the service requirements based on driving habits. The service needs of a vehicle driven under severe conditions are different than the average driven vehicle. BMW/Mini regard "severe conditions" those such as stop and go traffic, extreme temperatures, frequent/short trips, dusty/muddy conditions, high altitude. Low mileage vehicles should be serviced at least once a year according to BMW/Mini. "The next service due" appears with the message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION, together with the remaining distance before scheduled service. The computer bases its calculations of the remaining distance on the rate of fuel consumption in the period immediately preceding your data request. A flashing message and a "-" in front of the number mean that the service interval has already been exceeded by the distance shown on the display. |
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Oil and filter change I am making a special notice about oil and filter change for Minis. While you can get away with questionable oil and filters on a different brand, Minis are very sensitive to oil quality. We see perfectly running Minis with 200,000-300,000km on the clock but all too often costly repairs could be avoided by simply using high quality oil and filters. No other European engines in our experience is more affected by oil quality than Minis. From stretched timing chains, to burnt out exhaust valves, high oil consumption, misfires and many other issues are a result of poor maintenance. Either oil is changed too infrequently or cheap, inadequate oils and filters are being used. Just because an oil is synthetic doesn't make it suitable for your Mini engine. BMW/Mini and all other European car manufacturers will test and certify oils and they have to meet very high standards. Always look for the BMW/Mini certification on the oil bottle if you're a DIY-er: BMW LL01FE, LL14FE, or LL17FE+. The LL stands for Long Life and the FE stands for Fuel Economy. |
Air filter, cabin filter
The air filter and cabin filter, just like for the rest of the German brands should be done somewhere in the range of 25,000 to 40,000km depending on driving conditions. They should be at least inspected once every two years. A high quality air filter (we recommend OEM and use Mann, Mahle, Hengst, Purflux) ahd a charcoal coated cabin filters are used exclusively for an effective filtration of the outside combustion gases, mainly carbon monoxide
A clogged engine air filter will impact performance and fuel economy where a dirty cabin filter may reduce air flow at the vents or cause unpleasant odors.
The air filter and cabin filter, just like for the rest of the German brands should be done somewhere in the range of 25,000 to 40,000km depending on driving conditions. They should be at least inspected once every two years. A high quality air filter (we recommend OEM and use Mann, Mahle, Hengst, Purflux) ahd a charcoal coated cabin filters are used exclusively for an effective filtration of the outside combustion gases, mainly carbon monoxide
A clogged engine air filter will impact performance and fuel economy where a dirty cabin filter may reduce air flow at the vents or cause unpleasant odors.
Cabin filter being replace in a Mini. Usually, the cabin filters are located under the passenger side of the dash panel, under a cover.
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Spark plugs Spark plugs wear out and have to be replaced every 100,000km. Neglecting this important service will cause engine misfires, rough idle, engine light will come on and if ignored can lead to further damage to the ignition coils and/or the catalytic converter . They are usually easy to replace, whether it's the four cylinder engine or the newer 3 cylinder. Just because you don't drive your Mini a lot doesn't mean that the spark plugs are going to be good until you reach the recommended mileage. Old spark plugs can seize up in the cylinders, leading to damaged threads and often, expensive, unnecessary repairs. Have them replaced every 6 years regardless of mileage and have piece of mind. |
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Other recommended services
Vehicle inspection: we recommend a full inspection every 50,000 km or 5 years. This will keep you informed of the general health of your vehicle as it's becoming older, revealing potential issues and avoiding further degradation. During this service every suspension, steering and engine component is checked/tested, any fluid leaks noted, other abnormal issues like brakes, tire wear, drive belt and noises are brought to your attention.
Complimentary with this service is a complete lubrication of every hinge and latch from doors, tailgates, hoods is lubricated.
Brake fluid flush: Mini recommends the brake fluid to be replaced/flushed every two years regardless of mileage. An inexpensive service, usually even cheaper if coupled with a regular oil change.
Transmission service: contrary to BMW/Mini alleged lifetime, the fluid in the transmission should be replaced at no later than 150,000km, ideally at 100,000-120,000Km. $500-$600 every 5-6 years is preferable to an automatic transmission rebuild.
Transfer case and differential (for the AWD models): pretty much same interval as the auto transmission, no later than 150,000km. The oil is not expensive and the labor is not intensive, so wallet won't suffer too much. The last thing you want is a shudder from the t-case or differential.
Wheel alignment: Generally speaking, an alignment is recommended after you replace your tires, if the vehicle isn't driving straight (pulling, wandering), or tire wear pattern is uneven or excessive (tires excessively worn on the inside/outside, cupped, etc).
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Other common issues
Oil cooler/oil filter housing leaking A very common issue with R56, R57 engines is the oil filter housing/oil cooler gaskets leaking. It's common for rubber gaskets to loose their flexibility ("hardening") especially under hot conditions. A set of inexpensive gaskets will fix this issue and the labor but the labor is around 5 hours, so not exactly a DIY project unless really ambitious. |
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Oil mixed with coolant We've dealt twice already with this situation where an internal, pressed plug/cover inside the cylinder head came off. This is a serious problem, as it leads to the coolant entering the cylinder head and contaminating the oil by mixing with it. Usually a coolant level light warning will alert the driver and if progressed, the engine will overheat. We successfully replaced the plug "in situ" without the removal of the cylinder head. We call the guys at Precision Automotive Machine Shop to install a new plug. A special glue/sealant is used to prevent future problems. Unfortunately, cleaning/flushing the contaminated coolant from the cooling system is very tedious and time consuming, involving repeated flushing of the cooling system. Left: oil mixed with coolant visibly on the valve cover |