R60 Time to refurbish the old girl OR move on
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: Camp Hill, PA
Time to refurbish the old girl OR move on
Hi all,
Been a LONG time since I've posted here. We currently have a 2015 Countryman S All 4 manual, which we love. But it's got 98k miles and it definitely needs mechanical love to traverse another 50k without issues creeping up.
Some items are basic and, to me, some are not very basic. I have a long term Chevelle project occupying my garage so this would be driveway work.
For that reason, I'm looking either for recommendations to move on OR possibly a Mini specialist/independent shop, ideally in or near Pennsylvania, who knows these cars well and could really make it last with a $5-6k investment.
I know it needs simple things like plugs. But it also likely needs timing chain guides and tensioner, valve cover (pcv is whistling), serpentine tensioner, belt, friction pulley...might as well do water pump? Clutch is getting grabby so I'd want to replace that. AWD service. Intake valve cleaning. Anything else the group recommends if I plan on keeping it? Is it best to replace turbo now, just as a "while it's apart" kind of service?
It runs good and drives fine, looks good, but I just don't have a desire to spend $1000-1500 here and there without knowing most items are addressed for the next 50k miles.
Keep as is and drive to death?
Keep and fix some things?
Keep and fix most things?
Get rid of it...not worth the trouble?
Thanks for your advice and guidance.
Been a LONG time since I've posted here. We currently have a 2015 Countryman S All 4 manual, which we love. But it's got 98k miles and it definitely needs mechanical love to traverse another 50k without issues creeping up.
Some items are basic and, to me, some are not very basic. I have a long term Chevelle project occupying my garage so this would be driveway work.
For that reason, I'm looking either for recommendations to move on OR possibly a Mini specialist/independent shop, ideally in or near Pennsylvania, who knows these cars well and could really make it last with a $5-6k investment.
I know it needs simple things like plugs. But it also likely needs timing chain guides and tensioner, valve cover (pcv is whistling), serpentine tensioner, belt, friction pulley...might as well do water pump? Clutch is getting grabby so I'd want to replace that. AWD service. Intake valve cleaning. Anything else the group recommends if I plan on keeping it? Is it best to replace turbo now, just as a "while it's apart" kind of service?
It runs good and drives fine, looks good, but I just don't have a desire to spend $1000-1500 here and there without knowing most items are addressed for the next 50k miles.
Keep as is and drive to death?
Keep and fix some things?
Keep and fix most things?
Get rid of it...not worth the trouble?
Thanks for your advice and guidance.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 23
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
You never mentioned whether you had another vehicle that is your daily driver.
If that is the case then it sounds like this car is an extra luxury, and really only you can decide whether you want to keep it. You said "It runs good and drives fine, looks good ..." so why not drive it until things start to actually go wrong and then get rid of it if you are not willing to work on it yourself. You already have a project taking up space in the garage, so another project on the driveway sounds like something that will never get done ...?
For me, I have a 2014 which I bought in December 2025 with 136k miles. We love it also and it is earmarked for my granddaughter for when she gets her license. Had a bunch of maintenance work done (by others) in it to bring it up to snuff for my comfort level. I have other vehicles to use but as soon as this one starts to cost more money here and there its outta here. I cannot afford to bleed money and while I like to do routine maintenance, I don't have the time or inclination to have a project car that is a money pit.
If that is the case then it sounds like this car is an extra luxury, and really only you can decide whether you want to keep it. You said "It runs good and drives fine, looks good ..." so why not drive it until things start to actually go wrong and then get rid of it if you are not willing to work on it yourself. You already have a project taking up space in the garage, so another project on the driveway sounds like something that will never get done ...?
For me, I have a 2014 which I bought in December 2025 with 136k miles. We love it also and it is earmarked for my granddaughter for when she gets her license. Had a bunch of maintenance work done (by others) in it to bring it up to snuff for my comfort level. I have other vehicles to use but as soon as this one starts to cost more money here and there its outta here. I cannot afford to bleed money and while I like to do routine maintenance, I don't have the time or inclination to have a project car that is a money pit.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: Camp Hill, PA
Thanks, @Grumpy Goat . We have an older x5 that my daughter drives and a big Yukon XL for family trips. The Mini definitely somewhat of an extra, quick town run, commute to kids sports, etc. Four kids, but the younger ones still have 4+ years until they drive. We wouldn't be too inconvenienced if it broke, other than the AAA call and ride home.
I like your idea of just fixing a few things as I go,.weekend type of jobs, and then bail on it when they become bigger jobs. Thanks for the reply.
I like your idea of just fixing a few things as I go,.weekend type of jobs, and then bail on it when they become bigger jobs. Thanks for the reply.
Alliance Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 7,558
Likes: 2,511
From: WNY
Before I throw my opinion into the ring... Does the car NEED attention, or are you thinking it MIGHT need attention because of the mileage? Plugs every 50k miles are good maintenance. Same with the drivetrain fluids. (gearbox, transfer case, differential) If the PCV is making noise, replacing the cam cover is a good idea. AC / Alternator belt and friction wheel are probably not a bad idea, if you can't remember ever changing them. If the water pump isn't weeping, best to just leave it be. If the thermostat isn't leaking, best to leave it be, too. A coolant drain and fill might not be a bad idea. Coolant should be changed every 2 years, same with brake fluid flush.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 12
From: Albuquerque, N.M.
Every car has a story, and mine is no exception. I'll try to keep this brief.
I purchased my 2011 R60 in Feb of 2021, which, if you recall, was right before the COVID scare. I purchased my Countryman S All4 for $2K under Kelly Blue Book. 3 months later similar models were selling for $2K OVER Kelly Blue Book. So, I felt I had $2,000 to play with. I tend to "marry" my vehicles. The Mini is no different. Ergo, I have probably put more time and money into her than most would. But once I LIKE a car, the Blue Book value no longer matters. She's not an investment. She's my work horse.
I do all of the maintenance and roughly half the repairs myself. The rest is done by a trusted independent.
Do I have any regrets? Yes. I used the dealership for ONE job. Their extraordinarily expensive oil leak repair lasted about 2 years. Never again. Do the work yourself or find a good independent. Or, like me, do both.
With about 137,500 miles on the odometer, she runs like a champ. The next "big job" will be the timing set. I will probably have the independent do it.
Worth noting; I use OEM parts 90% of the time. I've had bad luck with third-party and good luck with OEM. So I'm sticking with OEM. Even my wiper blades are now OEM, which cost less than the $60 brand name pieces of crap before them.
This data should tell the story. I did not include all the oil and filter changes, which I do religiously every 5,000 miles. This data is copied from a spreadsheet. It has pasted into this comment as a single column, but you get the idea.
Service done
Parts
Date purchased
Service/install date
Odometer (install)
Cost / Price
Purchased OBD2 scanner
FoxWell NT510 Elite
1/31/2021
N/A
N/A
$120.00
Purchased OBD2 scanner
Autel MaxiAP AP200C
2/3/2021
N/A
N/A
$80.10
Flight to Dallas
To pick up car
2/3/2021
N/A
$174.98
Purchased car
Mini Cooper Countryman S All4
2/3/2021
74,140.0
$7,800.00
Register and title vehicle
Title / Registration 2 years
2/4/2021
N/A
74,740.0
$400.00
Install Wiper Blades (Front only)
Bosch Envision wiper blades
2/5/2021
2/5/2021
74,942.0
$60.00
Engine oil change
STP 5w30 Syth - STP Gold filter
2/8/2021
2/8/2021
75,005.3
$28.00
N/A
Brake piston remover tool
2/8/2021
N/A
$6.99
Install new backup globes
LED Backup Bulbs
2/10/2021
2/20/2021
75,900.0
$15.95
New spare Key Fob and Blade
2/15/2021
N/A
$198.10
Purchased OBD2 scanner
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII
2/17/2021
N/A
N/A
$99.99
Upgrade headlight bulbs
GTR Ultra 2.0 LED Bulbs
2/23/2021
3/2/2021
76,154.0
$239.00
Install new AGM Battery
Duralast AGM Platinum battery
2/24/2021
2/24/2021
76,000.0
$215.74
Install driver-side rear CV Axle
CV Axle - Aftermarket
2/26/2021
2/26/2021
76,009.0
$600.00
Change differential oil
Castrol Syntrax 75w90
3/1/2021
3/11/2021
76,650.0
$16.00
Purchased OBD2 scanner
OBDLink MX+ BlueTooth
3/5/2021
N/A
N/A
$99.95
Purchased OBD2 scanner
BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2
3/5/2021
N/A
N/A
$22.99
Loose transmision bolt
None
3/11/2021
3/11/2021
76,539.0
$123.00
BimmerCode iOS App
3/12/2021
3/12/2021
76,690.0
$34.51
Prestige Plate - HIFLTMED
3/19/2021
$32.00
Engine oil change
STP 5w30 Syth - STP Gold filter
6/25/2021
6/25/2021
80,100.0
$28.00
Install plenum - secure airbox lid
Engine Air Intake Hose
6/25/2021
7/6/2021
80,686.0
$136.67
Serpentine Belt - Oil leaks
Sandia Mini Invoice #133028
7/15/2021
7/14/2021
80,940.0
$1,770.33
Custom European Plate
7/24/2021
$53.00
iPhone
12/6/2021
12/7/2021
$27.05
Install tailgate Struts
Triscan Tailgate/Trunk Struts
9/22/2021
10/5/2021
85,000.0
$37.00
Leaky Engine Disc
Belt, actuator, WP pulley
12/23/2021
12/23/2021
86,500.0
$600.00
Tires (Discount Tires)
Falken 225/25/R17
1/25/2022
1/25/2022
87,008.0
$694.00
Spark plugs
Bosch
5/11/2022
5/11/2022
90,956.0
$60.37
PCV Membrane
PCV Membrane
5/19/2022
5/26/2022
91,500.0
$11.59
Hatchback Latch motor
OEM
5/20/2022
5/20/2022
91,372.0
$133.87
Install High Pressure Fuel Pump
High Pressure Fuel Pump
5/28/2022
6/2/2022
91,870.0
$908.30
Upper passenger motor mount
7/13/2022
7/15/2022
93,414.0
$80.00
iPhone
8/12/2022
8/13/2022
$24.65
Oil filters
Mann Oil Filters (3 pack)
8/23/2022
$23.96
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (x2)
10/1/2022
N/A
$54.48
Oil analysis
1/9/2023
2/1/2023
100,483.0
$35.00
Replace sway bar links
Sway bar links (2)
1/26/2023
1/26/2023
100,891.0
$258.48
Install visor
Driver side door visor
2/11/2023
2/13/2023
101,253.0
$20.00
Install Gasket - Clean engine
Valve Cover Gasket Set
5/31/2023
6/20/2023
106,314.0
$41.78
Install Coil Pack - #3 cylinder
Coil Pack
6/22/2023
6/22/2023
106,337.0
$110.00
Install Coil Pack - #1 cylinder
Coil Pack
7/8/2023
7/11/2023
107,361.0
$35.33
iPhone
7/22/2023
7/23/2023
$28.99
Oil change
Oil and filter
5/6/2024
5/6/2024
115,797.0
$100.00
Replace valve cover
Valve Cover Kit
5/7/2024
5/14/2024
116,110.0
$453.09
Purchase differential / EMCD
Differential / EMCD
5/24/2024
$718.71
Install differential / EMCD
Differential / EMCD
6/6/2024
6/6/2024
116,750.0
$550.00
New Windshield
Windsheild
6/14/2024
6/14/2024
116,920.0
$220.00
Front windshield wiper blades
Windsheild wiper blades
6/14/2024
6/25/2024
117,660.0
$61.34
Rear windshield wiper blade
Windshield wiper blade
6/14/2024
6/25/2024
117,660.0
$17.45
iPhone
7/1/2024
7/2/2024
$19.99
Tires (Discount Tires)
Falken 225/25/R17
7/6/2024
7/6/2024
117,850.0
$266.90
Passenger side turn signal
OEM
7/13/2024
7/18/2024
118,180.0
$36.00
Driver side windshield wiper blade
OEM
8/2/2024
8/2/2024
118,475.0
$19.63
Air filter
STP
???
8/6/2024
118,516.0
$22.00
Oil filters
Mann Oil Filters (3 pack)
9/24/2024
$23.96
Install new Turbocharger Hose
Turbocharger Coolant Hose
9/24/2024
9/27/2024
120,800.0
$61.34
Install new hood struts
New hood struts
10/5/2024
10/11/2024
121,088.0
$26.00
Install
BMW Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
3/10/2025
3/14/2025
125,122.0
$52.50
Store Under Passenger seat
Tow Hook
4/14/2025
N/A
$27.97
Install new AGM Battery
O'Reilly AGM Platinum battery
5/18/2025
5/18/2025
128,031.0
$150.00
Rear Shocks
6/9/2025
6/25/2025
129,524.0
$284.10
Rear Shock mount kit
6/15/2025
6/25/2025
129,524.0
$32.00
DOT 514 LV Brake Fluid
7/15/2025
7/23/2025
130,000.0
$23.01
Front Struts + rebuild kit
7/11/2025
7/29/2025
130,225.0
$463.39
Mini Belt Tensioner
8/11/2025
$69.95
Mini Drive Belt Tensioner
8/11/2025
$118.38
Belt + seals installed
Serpentine Belt + Front main seals
8/20/2025
8/20/2025
130,475.0
$400.00
Manual Transmission Fluid
8/20/2025
8/28/2025
130,667.0
$45.63
Tranny Fluid, AC, Brake adjust
8/28/2025
130,667.0
$200.00
Install WP, clean up tranny leak.
Windshield washer pump
9/4/2025
9/18/2025
131,383.0
$104.79
TPMS sensors (4)
12/26/2025
$90.41
Mann OEM Oil Filters (x5)
1/14/2026
135,005.0
$41.95
Oil drain plug crush washers (x25)
1/14/2026
135,005.0
$24.05
Total: $20,264.69
I purchased my 2011 R60 in Feb of 2021, which, if you recall, was right before the COVID scare. I purchased my Countryman S All4 for $2K under Kelly Blue Book. 3 months later similar models were selling for $2K OVER Kelly Blue Book. So, I felt I had $2,000 to play with. I tend to "marry" my vehicles. The Mini is no different. Ergo, I have probably put more time and money into her than most would. But once I LIKE a car, the Blue Book value no longer matters. She's not an investment. She's my work horse.
I do all of the maintenance and roughly half the repairs myself. The rest is done by a trusted independent.
Do I have any regrets? Yes. I used the dealership for ONE job. Their extraordinarily expensive oil leak repair lasted about 2 years. Never again. Do the work yourself or find a good independent. Or, like me, do both.
With about 137,500 miles on the odometer, she runs like a champ. The next "big job" will be the timing set. I will probably have the independent do it.
Worth noting; I use OEM parts 90% of the time. I've had bad luck with third-party and good luck with OEM. So I'm sticking with OEM. Even my wiper blades are now OEM, which cost less than the $60 brand name pieces of crap before them.
This data should tell the story. I did not include all the oil and filter changes, which I do religiously every 5,000 miles. This data is copied from a spreadsheet. It has pasted into this comment as a single column, but you get the idea.
Service done
Parts
Date purchased
Service/install date
Odometer (install)
Cost / Price
Purchased OBD2 scanner
FoxWell NT510 Elite
1/31/2021
N/A
N/A
$120.00
Purchased OBD2 scanner
Autel MaxiAP AP200C
2/3/2021
N/A
N/A
$80.10
Flight to Dallas
To pick up car
2/3/2021
N/A
$174.98
Purchased car
Mini Cooper Countryman S All4
2/3/2021
74,140.0
$7,800.00
Register and title vehicle
Title / Registration 2 years
2/4/2021
N/A
74,740.0
$400.00
Install Wiper Blades (Front only)
Bosch Envision wiper blades
2/5/2021
2/5/2021
74,942.0
$60.00
Engine oil change
STP 5w30 Syth - STP Gold filter
2/8/2021
2/8/2021
75,005.3
$28.00
N/A
Brake piston remover tool
2/8/2021
N/A
$6.99
Install new backup globes
LED Backup Bulbs
2/10/2021
2/20/2021
75,900.0
$15.95
New spare Key Fob and Blade
2/15/2021
N/A
$198.10
Purchased OBD2 scanner
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII
2/17/2021
N/A
N/A
$99.99
Upgrade headlight bulbs
GTR Ultra 2.0 LED Bulbs
2/23/2021
3/2/2021
76,154.0
$239.00
Install new AGM Battery
Duralast AGM Platinum battery
2/24/2021
2/24/2021
76,000.0
$215.74
Install driver-side rear CV Axle
CV Axle - Aftermarket
2/26/2021
2/26/2021
76,009.0
$600.00
Change differential oil
Castrol Syntrax 75w90
3/1/2021
3/11/2021
76,650.0
$16.00
Purchased OBD2 scanner
OBDLink MX+ BlueTooth
3/5/2021
N/A
N/A
$99.95
Purchased OBD2 scanner
BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2
3/5/2021
N/A
N/A
$22.99
Loose transmision bolt
None
3/11/2021
3/11/2021
76,539.0
$123.00
BimmerCode iOS App
3/12/2021
3/12/2021
76,690.0
$34.51
Prestige Plate - HIFLTMED
3/19/2021
$32.00
Engine oil change
STP 5w30 Syth - STP Gold filter
6/25/2021
6/25/2021
80,100.0
$28.00
Install plenum - secure airbox lid
Engine Air Intake Hose
6/25/2021
7/6/2021
80,686.0
$136.67
Serpentine Belt - Oil leaks
Sandia Mini Invoice #133028
7/15/2021
7/14/2021
80,940.0
$1,770.33
Custom European Plate
7/24/2021
$53.00
iPhone
12/6/2021
12/7/2021
$27.05
Install tailgate Struts
Triscan Tailgate/Trunk Struts
9/22/2021
10/5/2021
85,000.0
$37.00
Leaky Engine Disc
Belt, actuator, WP pulley
12/23/2021
12/23/2021
86,500.0
$600.00
Tires (Discount Tires)
Falken 225/25/R17
1/25/2022
1/25/2022
87,008.0
$694.00
Spark plugs
Bosch
5/11/2022
5/11/2022
90,956.0
$60.37
PCV Membrane
PCV Membrane
5/19/2022
5/26/2022
91,500.0
$11.59
Hatchback Latch motor
OEM
5/20/2022
5/20/2022
91,372.0
$133.87
Install High Pressure Fuel Pump
High Pressure Fuel Pump
5/28/2022
6/2/2022
91,870.0
$908.30
Upper passenger motor mount
7/13/2022
7/15/2022
93,414.0
$80.00
iPhone
8/12/2022
8/13/2022
$24.65
Oil filters
Mann Oil Filters (3 pack)
8/23/2022
$23.96
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (x2)
10/1/2022
N/A
$54.48
Oil analysis
1/9/2023
2/1/2023
100,483.0
$35.00
Replace sway bar links
Sway bar links (2)
1/26/2023
1/26/2023
100,891.0
$258.48
Install visor
Driver side door visor
2/11/2023
2/13/2023
101,253.0
$20.00
Install Gasket - Clean engine
Valve Cover Gasket Set
5/31/2023
6/20/2023
106,314.0
$41.78
Install Coil Pack - #3 cylinder
Coil Pack
6/22/2023
6/22/2023
106,337.0
$110.00
Install Coil Pack - #1 cylinder
Coil Pack
7/8/2023
7/11/2023
107,361.0
$35.33
iPhone
7/22/2023
7/23/2023
$28.99
Oil change
Oil and filter
5/6/2024
5/6/2024
115,797.0
$100.00
Replace valve cover
Valve Cover Kit
5/7/2024
5/14/2024
116,110.0
$453.09
Purchase differential / EMCD
Differential / EMCD
5/24/2024
$718.71
Install differential / EMCD
Differential / EMCD
6/6/2024
6/6/2024
116,750.0
$550.00
New Windshield
Windsheild
6/14/2024
6/14/2024
116,920.0
$220.00
Front windshield wiper blades
Windsheild wiper blades
6/14/2024
6/25/2024
117,660.0
$61.34
Rear windshield wiper blade
Windshield wiper blade
6/14/2024
6/25/2024
117,660.0
$17.45
iPhone
7/1/2024
7/2/2024
$19.99
Tires (Discount Tires)
Falken 225/25/R17
7/6/2024
7/6/2024
117,850.0
$266.90
Passenger side turn signal
OEM
7/13/2024
7/18/2024
118,180.0
$36.00
Driver side windshield wiper blade
OEM
8/2/2024
8/2/2024
118,475.0
$19.63
Air filter
STP
???
8/6/2024
118,516.0
$22.00
Oil filters
Mann Oil Filters (3 pack)
9/24/2024
$23.96
Install new Turbocharger Hose
Turbocharger Coolant Hose
9/24/2024
9/27/2024
120,800.0
$61.34
Install new hood struts
New hood struts
10/5/2024
10/11/2024
121,088.0
$26.00
Install
BMW Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
3/10/2025
3/14/2025
125,122.0
$52.50
Store Under Passenger seat
Tow Hook
4/14/2025
N/A
$27.97
Install new AGM Battery
O'Reilly AGM Platinum battery
5/18/2025
5/18/2025
128,031.0
$150.00
Rear Shocks
6/9/2025
6/25/2025
129,524.0
$284.10
Rear Shock mount kit
6/15/2025
6/25/2025
129,524.0
$32.00
DOT 514 LV Brake Fluid
7/15/2025
7/23/2025
130,000.0
$23.01
Front Struts + rebuild kit
7/11/2025
7/29/2025
130,225.0
$463.39
Mini Belt Tensioner
8/11/2025
$69.95
Mini Drive Belt Tensioner
8/11/2025
$118.38
Belt + seals installed
Serpentine Belt + Front main seals
8/20/2025
8/20/2025
130,475.0
$400.00
Manual Transmission Fluid
8/20/2025
8/28/2025
130,667.0
$45.63
Tranny Fluid, AC, Brake adjust
8/28/2025
130,667.0
$200.00
Install WP, clean up tranny leak.
Windshield washer pump
9/4/2025
9/18/2025
131,383.0
$104.79
TPMS sensors (4)
12/26/2025
$90.41
Mann OEM Oil Filters (x5)
1/14/2026
135,005.0
$41.95
Oil drain plug crush washers (x25)
1/14/2026
135,005.0
$24.05
Total: $20,264.69
Last edited by harleydood; Apr 27, 2026 at 07:12 PM.
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