I live in Phoenix and have a 2003 Mini Cooper. I have taken it to Mini North Scottsdale for my previous services. My oil service is now at 0 miles, but I am over my service warranty. It is $125 to change it there, that seems a little steep. Where do you take your cars? Does Mini N.S. offer anything extra... lemme know what you think? Do you guys take your car only to the dealership or do you trust other places?

 

Other threads indicate $125 isn't that unusual for having you Mini's oil changed at a dealer, after all they are also BMW dealers. Knowing the cost of the parts, $8.00 for the filter and $20.00 for 5 quarts of full synthetic Mobile 1, I think $125 is rediculous.
I use to change my own oil but, since any quick change oil store will do it on most cars oil for $20 to $25 (non synthetic), hadn't messed with it in 10 years or so. Don't know what a qquick
http://www.tech-esq.com/MINI/MINIOilChange.htm

 

Sorry, hit a wrong key before finishing. Anyway--
Wouldn't trust a quick change oil store on my Mini and don't know if any would have the material (specifically the filter and a 36mm socket.) The link attached in the previous post gives a very detailed step by step on how to change oil in a Mini. It's a little frustrating the first time around but should be a piece of cake the next time. If you have no mechanical ability and/or have never changed a cars oil before I wouldn't recomend doing it yourself. In that case, surely there are other Mini owners in Phoenix that can give you a recomendation on a independant shop.
Good luck!

 

Yes, thanks for your help, I really need a reccomendation for a shop? Any ideas? Anyone?

 

You may want to post a new thread with a more specific title such as "oil change, Phoenix area." I would also recommend posting under "mini talk" instead of "1st gear." I think you'll find a larger pool of Mini owners.
Just a suggestion.

 

You have some really good local MINI owners in your area, so someone should know of an alternative shop that will do it for a reasonable rate.

Or if you like doing a small job yourself, I bet a local MINI owner would show you how. I do mine with less than 10 minutes labor (not including the extra time I wait to drain the pan that no mechanic would do) using the best quality oil and filter for less than $40.

 

Hey there,

Depending on what part of town you live in I would try 2 places -- In Chandler I would call Beyer Motor Works ( they are BMW / MINI / Volvo ), and in Phoenix I would call Mini Works ( they are a sponsor for this website ).


AND since you are a local - check out

www.dynamicminicollective.com


Good luck