I was wondering if the BRM peeps plan on doing any techy kinda session get togethers this fall?

I would like to come - watch - learn - and maybe be brave enough to wrench on my car ALL by myself.

I am 7k away from an oil change and would really like to do it myself. I heard there is a special tool you need (And By that I don't mean "the stem on the apple " ) to reach what you need to, among other things....
Some kinda wrench and maybe even a special socket ..

I have read the socket is a 32mm 3/8 ... Which I am sure if I look, I probably have already amongst my husbands tools

But as for some special wrench .... Not Knowing....

That aside.... As you all know I WILL not be taking my car to Classic to get wrenched on for any reason, let alone the Kaching they charge for an oil change.

Does anyone know any where else in the Cleveland Ohio area that is performing oil changes on JCSMINIS04?

 

That sounds like a good time, haven't been to a mod party in a while.

Oh, and you should NEVER be 7k away from an oil change. Every 5k miles or 3 months.

 

Well, she sat for a long time undriven, so the three month rule doesn't apply and her oil was changed last July. (she slept all winter) and literally a half of this summer because of my travels) ... She probably doesn't need it... They didn't reset the oil counter last time at Classic.... Go Figure, I am the kinda girl that changes it after each driving season. Or ever after she has done me proud on an event like rallies or the Dragon...

 

I would still change it. Did it have a heated winter garage? Odds are there's some condensation from temperature changes and sitting without running. Its cheap insurance to me, 5 qts of Mobil 1, an OEM filter and a new drain plug are under $50 bucks.


I like to change my oil every 3,500 miles, or as soon as the color starts to get dark.

 

So I see many people have taken a look at my post about a tech session yet no one has said anything about it. I would be willing to have it at my house. I do have a lift (presently occupied, but I can remedy that) Since I am probably the one among you with the least amount of knowledge but have a supply of tools, air gun, compressor and the like, I wouldn't be able to be the one teaching, but welcome all.... How bout it? With a one acre front yard - all cut pretty grass, it can double as a tyre kickin get together with a little help of covered dishes I would be glad to do some grillin!

 

I would be happy to show you a few things. I can show how to change your oil. I would have you do it so you can see what tools you will need. We can also do some preventatibe maintenance checks like brakes, fluids, etc. Let me know a good time you would like to do it. We should coordinate what tools I should bring.

You can buy Castrol Syntec oil at you local parts store. This is what BMW sells which is rebranded in the BMW containers. You can get the oil filter at Classic. Use your NAM handle to get a nice discount. OEM oil filter is the best to use at this time.

Let me know I work for food LOL

 

I got socket off ebay real cheap. Buy Castrol Synthetic at Walmart - it is the cheapest there. Sorry for those who are anti-Walmart, I got to pay rent. I buy my filters from Euclid Foreign Motors - again best price locally, we just changed oil last week after trip back from Florida. I'll PM you the costs when I find receipt. I usually buy 1 air filter + 2 oil filters and change air filter when we change the 2nd time. Classic won't give me discount since I live close they said offer NAM discount for shipping reasons. The canister for the oil filter contains 2 pieces that you need to reuse. One is a spring and the other is a perferated plastic piece. Simple oil change. Next would be resetting "count down" meter on odometer I have the trick steps for that too. I'm over 106,000 miles so we have changed oil ourselves a few times now

I'll supervise for beer.

Here is the reset steps:

Resetting Oil Service Light on your 2002 - 2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S, and 2007 - 2008 MINI Convertibles:

1) Press and hold the trip button
2) Insert key and turn to position 1
3) Watch for RESET to appear
4) Release the button, then press & hold it again
5) Wait for the RESET to flash
6) Release the button, and then press & release (once only)
7) Service interval should then be reset to next interval

If that didn't work, try this:
1. Push the Trip Button
2. Turn ignition key to position 1 and 51A will appear to left of mileage
3. Release trip button
4. Wait 3 seconds
5. Push trip button
6. Wait (5-8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner
7. Release trip button
8. Push trip button
9. 15000 will appear as new service interval
10. Release trip button

Or this:
1. Press and hold the trip odometer button.
2. Insert car key and turn it to the fi rst position (not the second position).
3. You will see 51A come up in the trip odometer area.
4. Release, then press and hold again.
5. Watch for the word “RST” to appear on the Odometer indicator.
6. Release, then press and hold again.
7. Wait for the “RST” message to fl ash.
8. Release, and then press & release (once only).

 

i always do my own oil changes and wouldn't mind giving you a hand. i have all tools that are needed. let me know if you need help . my 04 doesn't have the spring in the canister. i believe mini changed that but not sure for what reason

 

My 04 is a November 2003 build date.

Here is the article explaining idle and light and shows picture of pieces. Sorry I can't get pic to insert here:

http://www.promini.com/technical/tec...oil_filter.php

 

I would be in for a tech session/mod party. I said I'd keep mine stock but have been researching pulleys the last two nights. Also thinking about some other cosmetic changes.

 

thanks .
*Tip - screwing of canister about one turn and letting it sit for about a minute will let the oil drain back to the oil pan. This way when it comes to take the canister off there won't be oil everywhere.

also does anyone really use the extractor pump from the video? i'd be worried about particles left behind

 

Sweet that I got replies! I am sooo Down for a tech session, a chance for peeps to come together and hang out and stuff...
It's the first week of school for me so I will have to get back here Thursday ..read up on the posts and get a better post together to answer ya'll!

 

Mark does all the maintance on my 04. Oil changes, brake pads and rotors, he has also done sway bars on several Mini's. We have all the stuff at our house to do the work as well. I am sure if we ask he will also cook us food. I will talk to him tomorrow and set a date for a "tech" day.

 

I am diggin that!

 

They always tell me this, but have ended up giving me the discount every time I've been there to buy parts. Oil filters, accessories, random bolts, plush stuffed bulldog, whatever. In the past ~3 months, I got the discount on a backup light switch and a replacement brake pad sensor (separate trips). It usually goes something like:

Me: "Do you still do the discount for members of NAM"
Classic: "Well, that's really for out-of-town customers, to offset the shipping"
Me: "They gave me the discount here last time"
Classic: "Oh, ok."
Sometimes they ask me my NAM username, but I don't know if they record it anywhere. If it was really to offset the shipping cost, why don't they just have free shipping?

 

I will be glad to bring a covered dish!

I am super excited to do this!
Since I am in school weekends are the best for me, but I could swing a Thursday afternoon or night possibly.... Friday nights of course...
But I really want to do this, not only to learn, but also to get together with my
MINI peeps and de-stress from nursing school...

 

I am sorry you have to go through such ridiculous hoops at Classic. I agree that they lack consistency, skills in dealing with their customers, and really ought to have free shipping. Lord knows they clean up on the money they charge on jobs!
Discounts for NAM members according to how close you live?? That is crazy... Who do they think their customer base is anyway? From Philly? or LA ?
Frankly I think they aren't firing on all cylinders!

All the more reason to buy and service in Pittsburgh... the added perk is you could be a beer mule for people in the club who have a hankering for Yuengling Beer!

I know there are a few of us

They just remodeled the dealership so it's pretty nice ... (last time I was there it was like a greasy old SOHIO gas station with papers and files everywhere and ratty ole furniture.... (Kinda funny) -- It was like Ghetto MINI... But the guys there are all really nice, also give discounts, and don't come up with phantom extra charges if your car is mod'ed out... (Perk for Me)... They know what they are doing there.... And the college area just around the corner is really nice to bang around (beautiful campus)

 

Oh, I responded to the posting for the meeting on the 12th...see you all there! Incidently, I know one of our friends needs a clutch... anyone know or can help with that job?

 

I've never had my MINI serviced at Classic, but have bought parts from them more than a couple of times. Even with paying for shipping it is still a decent discount that I am most happy to get. Their service has been great as far as parts go. I'd recommend them to anyone in need of parts. (Disclaimer) Your mileage may vary.

Classics's policy to only apply their discount to items they ship seems a bit odd to me, but it is their call. Just call & order your parts to get the discount. Have them shipped across town to you, easy. My local dealer has great service that I am most happy with, but they give no discount on parts at all. That is why I buy my parts from Classic.

Sorry you feel you get poor service from your local dealer. I'd hate to have to drive several hours to get service. If you don't mind driving I'd recommend MAG MINI in Dublin.

Another alternative if you don't mind the drive is Chad at Detroit tuned. He is a great tech & a good guy.

I do most all of the service work on my MINI, but there are times when it is beyond my abilities. For that it is the dealer or if it is something I want to improve with aftermarket parts I'll be going to Detroit Tuned.