Howdy folks happy to be back in 1st gear.

My first MINI was a 2006 R53 MCSa, (Royal Grey, Sport Package). After almost 9 years and only 58k miles, a handful of what should have been maintainable issues snowballed into a car that had to be towed back to the dealership for a paltry trade-in.

I drove away that day with a brand new 2015 F55 MCSa 4DR (Blazing Red, cold weather, premium), and i’m determined to not let this new car experience the same kind of neglect and mistreatment that my first MINI suffered.

So, I’m looking for some help.

Can anyone point me at some good sources to learn about the basics of automobile maintenance? I’m not looking for guidance on tuning, performance tweaking, or modding- I would love to just have a better understanding of of how the various systems and subsystems (drivetrain, steering, cooling, transmission, electronic, shocks/stabilization, etc) come together to deliver the full motoring experience.

I’m hoping that armed with a better basic understanding of how this wonderful 30k machine works, I can do a better job of proactively maintaining it, diagnosing problems, and having more informed conversations with *actual* mechanics when required.

Thanks in advance!

 

check your library, Amazon or local book store (if you can find one!) and maybe even an auto parts store

there are plenty of books on the topic and even search on-line for courses

and, check local 'adult education' and you may find something . . .



http://www.autoupkeep.com/

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/home-g...tomobiles.html

also used book stores .... I have a 40 year old high school auto shop text book that still comes in handy at times!

p.s. don't forget the car's owner's manual (et al) .... there is a maintenance schedule buried in there and it gives you a good plan. I'm not saying you have to follow this religiously, but it does give you a good idea of what you look at when . . .

 

X1 on what the Capt said ...It is really about educating yourself on all info available...internet has lots and of course this site.

 

There are some solid basics that will help provide longer life for your vehicle.

1) change your motor oil and filter every 5000 miles.
2) have your engine radiator system serviced at recommended intervals. Many people never do this.
3) change your motors air filter at recommended intervals.
4) change spark plugs per your car recommendation.

Clean air, clean oil, fresh radiator fluid and fresh spark plugs will provide years of happy motoring.

Matt

 

If you have an auto trans, which i believe you do, i recommend a drain/fill of 2.5qts every 10k miles. Numerous threads on here on how to do it. Just put back what you take out (so don't do it with the engine hot) and you should be good.

 

A good automotive book will work. There is no Bentley manual Out for the F55 F56 yet.

Congrats the F55 parts are linked Here: They call it technically per etk a 5 door. 3 Door on the F56.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2015-Cooper-F55-S-5_Door-B46A20A/

The 6 speed auto transmission is an updated version of the Aisin auto 6 speed from before.


Good luck and post up some pics.