i recently purchased a new 2018 Countryman SE, and i'm trying to decide if i should purchase the extended maintenance plan. i was told by my MA that the brakes will typically need to be replaced every 25K miles, and because of this, the extended maintenance plans will save significant money. i've been trying to find information on the maintenance schedule, and can only find info on oil changes and spark plugs. i realize that the brakes may vary from driver to driver, but i've never had a car where i've needed to change the brakes at 25K miles or anything close to that. This is my first MINI so perhaps this is normal for MINIs. Can anyone tell me if 25K is a reasonable estimate on the lifespan of the brakes in a Countryman? Thanks.

Robert

 

Probably get more life out of the brakes depending on how you drive. It's a sad way to sell an overpriced extended maintenance agreement. Those are usually not a good value IMO. They compute them showing you MINIs overpriced brake jobs. Most people buy them for simplicity sake instead of value.

"significant money" ? Ha, what is the amount they claim?

 

I like to subscribe to this. They tried to sell me the extended warrantee, but didn't mentioned this trash. If they only get 25k out of the breaks, I'd like to know so I can change out everything to quality products. @ 25k, their should be starting to show wear. My old truck gets it's brakes changed at 100k because it's easy to remember to do them then. And they have material left.



Oh, and I just noticed ... Welcome to the forum

 

Thanks for the welcome and quick replies. The dealership told me that front and rear brakes cost $1300. I can pay $600 and that would include brakes and wiper blades for the first 3 years/30K miles. A 7 year/125K plan costs $3299. They said buying the plans (they offered, 4 yr, 5yr and 6 yr plans) would save 30% on average. Oil changes cost $80. Still seemed pretty expensive to me, but I wasn't sure how long the brakes would last. My previous cars had brakes that would last 60 - 80K, so 25K seemed extremely short. Sounds like the extended maintenance is not a good deal, and that maybe I should find someplace else to service the car after 3 years.

 

A warranty for 7 year/125k 3300 inst to bad if it covers all things MINI engine drive train etc if its just for brakes, that a pass for sure.

 

Brakes duration all depend on style of driving and conditions. If you are a highway warrior you may get 5x the life someone racing from light to light in the city. Brakes are also not that expensive especially in the aftermarket (typically there are excellent if not better aftermarket options). Also - if you're driving only about 5k per year (like us) then brakes could last 7 years+! We didn't do the maintenance plan. I felt the standard coverage was already very good.

 

Maintenance Plus and Extended Warranty are two different things. OP is debating the Maintenance Plus program (adds brakes, wiper blades, belts and MT clutch, I believe.)

I added it to mine since I drive like an 18-year old late for a date with a **** star, and most of my driving is local red light to red light.

 

hahaha

 

I replaced pads and discs at 68K with EBC Red Stuff and they're going good 60+K since, for a heck of a lot less that that. They're blowing smoke. Have them take care of scheduled service while it's in warranty then ditch the dealership for a reliable independent.

 

Yes, I meant the maintenance (brakes, fluids, oil change and wipers) not the extended warranty coverage on engine, etc. Based on what I'm hearing, I think I'm going to skip the maintenance and find a good independent shop that works on German imports. This is my first imported car, so was just wondering if brakes wear more often and if maintenance work is best done at a dealer. Still trying to figure out where I can find a complete schedule of maintenance for the SE. Thanks for all the advice.

 

Definitions: Dealerships throw new parts at a problem hoping that fixes it.
Independents analyze problems and find solutions, sometimes not even requiring parts.
The best way to identify a reliable indie is thru a local MINI or BMW club.
Another starting point is here: https://www.minirepairshops.com/
Brake wear is totally dependent on the driver as is the clutch and TO bearing.
The following is the service schedule I try to maintain. Some may disagree but our li'l guy performs as it did when we got it 11 years ago.

Oil change every 5K
Rotate tires every 5K
Brake Fluid every 20K
Coolant every 30K
PCV vent valve every 30K
PS Fluid flush every 30K
Fuel filter Change every 50K
Plugs every 40K
Serpentine belt every 40K
BG-44K every 6 mo.

 

Hello Everyone,

is there an official schedule maintenance for the F60.

Thanks
Valerio