Greetings everyone! I recently purchased a '05 Mini Cooper S from a local dealer. After owning it for just a few days, I can tell you I really love this car.

Here's where I am at the moment. There wasn't much along the lines of a maintenance history. The dealership installed new tires, brakes, and rotors on all four corners. Aside from that, I immediately began doing service items; oil change, coolant flush, A/C service, new K&N filter in the factory airbox, and a new cabin filter. The factory cup holder was cracked, so I purchased a MiniFini and it's working great.

After a little research, i took a peak at the coil and sure enough, pins 3 (the usual suspect) and 4 were badly corroded. So I am awaiting delivery of a new MSD coil, MSD wires, NGK Iridium plugs (same heat range as stock), a bottle of trusty Seafoam, and a new torque wrench for safety's sake.

The paint is in nice shape. 3M clear bra on the nose helped over the years. Since the weather is so nice over the long weekend, i'm thinking a claybar is in order. Other than that, aesthetically, she's in pretty good shape. The trim was faded, reminding me of a Jeep I once had. I used Mother's "Back to Black" and it cleaned it right up. Is there anything that works better, lasts longer, etc? Overall, the exterior is in good shape. Just looks like this one slept outside it's whole life.

I think that's about it for now. Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

Hello from just up the road in MD.

Sounds like that MINI is in good hands.

You want a trim dressing that works great and lasts longer... try Black Wow. Do a search in the detailing forum and you'll find plenty of vendors.

It's expensive but a pea size drop will do an entire car. Too much of it will lead to attracting dust. Let it soak in a few minutes then wipe off any excess. Will last weeks or even months, depending on weather conditions.

 

Agreed on Black Wow and it's application. Really great stuff! Seriously.

Bought mine through the creator of Black Wow website: http://www.showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=96

The link above is for the big bottle version - Will last a VERY long time.

Happy Motoring and congrats on your MINI!