I bought my 03 manual MINI (non s) at 95+k. Now I'm closing in on the big 100. Aside from the inspection 2 stuff, ignition plugs and wires, and four year coolant change, does anyone know of anything to look out for?
I have not enjoyed a car as much as this one since high school, and I want the thing to last as long as possible. Any words from the +100k club would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'm at 90K with an 05 R50 and you might want to check the front control arm rear bushings and the wheel bearing too. If you have the records of service see if the clutch was done before you got it, if not, and depending on how you drive it that would be the big repair down the road.

 

Yes, I am eyeballing the clutch-it seems not to have been replaced-only brakes and tires. I think I am easy on the clutch, but I expect it to go south at some point.

 

Hey, AutoX-did you have to replace your clutch? I lived in Chi town for 9.5 years...Miss it these days.

 

I had my clutch done when they replaced my trans at 48K. I've seen some get less then 100K on the OEM and some get much more then 100K it's all in how it's driven. I hope to get 100K out of mine but the way I drive I'll be lucky to get 50K.

Also note, the "Avg" life of the brakes, pads and rotors is 55K, so make note of when they were done and then plan on seeing that dash light about 55K later.

Go Cubs!

 

Cool, thanks. Yeah, I lived in Wrigleyville my first year in Chicago.
No parking, ever. My brother still lives on the South side...

 

try this collection for more discussion of high mileage...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-mileage.html

 

Have you changed the gearbox fluid yet? I strongly recommend changing it out for Redline MTL.

Been keeping up with the 2 yr brake fluid flushes?

Belt? (I'm on my 3rd. I try not to run them over 50K)

I've got 132K on my 03 MCS - so far so good. I want to keep it until at least 200K...

 

Thank you, Charlie and Paul.
I will press my mechanic to seek out these areas. He seems to be a straight-up guy. I've only had the car for about a month, so I may be playing catch-up with some maintenance issues.
I am feeling like a dope, here. I thought I had a timing chain, not a belt. Are you referring to some other belt?
Gearbox fluid I probably need.
This is my plan, too. After I realized I couldn't afford a 97 mini (or earlier), I kind of stuck with the MINI I could afford. I am feeling die-hard about the little green monster.

 

The belt I'm talking about is the "accessory" belt - not a timing belt. On your car this would drive the alternator and A/C compressor. (On an S it would also drive the Supercharger)

Replacing it every 50K like I've done is probably overkill, but cars typically don't die from too MUCH maintenance. I think MINI suggests this be replaced at Inspection II, or around 60K/4 years.

 

You are also due for new spark plugs..

 

*Whew*
Okay, The plan is:
1. Coolant and fuel filter change
2. Plugs and wires (the cables are labeled "2002")
3. Full on inspection 2 with belt change
4. Get second job
4a. Gearbox and brake fluid
5. Imminent clutch replace
6. I think suspension is in the mix at this point?

Thanks, all. I want this car to stay healthy, and I believe in preventative medicine.