Just traded my '85 RX-7 GSL-SE for an '09 Cooper S in British Racing Green w/ tan interior. Love the car. It is hard leaving the rotary engine and rear wheel drive and 50/50 weight distribution but the mini makes it easier. Our Murano has a great CVT tranny. Very smooth. Not hard leaving the 18mpg. on the RX-7. Had to have another small light fast car. I cannot find a transmission (manual) dip stick and the salesman said something about there not being one so....? 1)How do you check the transmission oil level? 2) What is the purpose of the key within a key? What does the insertable piece insert into or what is its purpose? 3) I have started searching this forum and have read all my new car owners manuals, etc. I have followed the interesting oil change interval discussions here but is there a general maintenance (fluid change etc.) schedule accessible anywhere? Is the computer service notice just cover oil changes? It recommends 15k mi. at startup. Not sure how other fluid interval notices are given. Amazon was the only non-dealer location I could find the locking wheel studs which were about $30 total from McGuard. It was funny seeing my 50 lb Field Spaniel set off the seat weight sensor in the passenger seat. Dogs love MINIs.

 

1) have no idea 2)key within a key is good if you're going surfin and want to take your key obviosuly to get into your car afterward but don't want to get the whole fob wet...which would destroy it. it's also good if you're just wanting to shove it in your pocket and not carry the rest of your keys around. it lets you get into the driver's side door manually. 3) I believe most people recommend every 3-6k miles for oil changes.

and yes...dogs LOVE minis!

edit: sorry, realized #3 didn't really answer your question...heh heh

 

No transmission dipstick. There may be a check-hole in the side of the transmission, but I will let the dealership worry about that.

The metal key-insert opens your doors if the fob battery or electric lock mechanism fails.

There should be a maintenance schedule in the manual pack, though there is nothing to maintain, except for checking engine oil level and tire pressure, until dealer service time comes.

Depending on how you drive, the 15000 mile service indication may actually INCREASE. My odometer is over 9000 now, and the service indicator shows 10000 yet to go -- likely because I generally drive at least 40 miles at a time, at highway speeds.

MINI claims that the oil and filter are good until the indicator says service is needed. However, I gave Lolly fresh MINI-brand oil and new MINI-brand filter at 7500, mainly for me, I suppose.