So my '05 R53 is about to hit 60k and just wanted the opinion of some of "MINI" brothers on what would be some good maintenance to keep it crisp and healthy at this mileage. Just some suggestions on what might me appropriate for this mileage and any suggestions in general as well.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

So my '05 R53 is about to hit 60k and just wanted the opinion of some of "MINI" brothers on what would be some good maintenance to keep it crisp and healthy at this mileage. Just some suggestions on what might me appropriate for this mileage and any suggestions in general as well.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

On top of standard stuff, I'd say:
- Replace SC belt (and inspect tensioner)
- Replace front CA bushings (and front sway bar bushings while you're in there)

 

I can sum it up in two words: routine maintenance!

Keep the MINI clean, keep changing that oil regularly, and follow the maintenance schedule. Here is a synopsis posted by ScottRiqui back in April '09:

Originally Posted by ScottRiqui
MINI Inspection I:

Undercarriage
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature.
We recommend MINI Synthetic Motor Oil, p/n 07 51 0 143 829
Check transmission for leaks.
Change CVT (automatic) transmission fluid.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads (outer pads only) using special tool.
If replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surfaces. clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system.
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Note:Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).
Check level of brake fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Interval Indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license plate, interior, glove box, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage area lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check windshield and tailgate wipers and washer systems; wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Check central locking system.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, automatic transmission.
Visually check shock absorbers for leaks.


MINI Inspection II:

Undercarriage
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature.
We recommend MINI Synthetic Motor Oil, p/n 07 51 0 143 829
Check transmission for leaks.
Change CVT (automatic) transmission fluid.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads (outer pads only) using special tool.
If replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surfaces. clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system.
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Note:Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).
Check level of brake fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Interval Indicator.
Replace intake air cleaner element.
Note: Reduce replace interval in dusty operating conditions.
Replace poly V-belt.

Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license plate, interior, glove box, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage area lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check windshield and tailgate wipers and washer systems; wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Check central locking system.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, automatic transmission.
Visually check shock absorbers for leaks.

 

Imagine, show these items to the dealer?

You need a wheel borrow of silvers.
BMW store will light up like a Christmas tree.

 

You local mini guy can do the inspections pretty cheap ...none of it is too hard. The real art is catching the odd wear items....with barely 35,000 miles some of my bushings were worn, and changing them made a big differance. Find a guy who knows mini's, and he will know the trouble areas, and check them out for you....it will save you $$$$ in the long run to catch stuff early.

 

Just a note....I drive an hour and fifteen minutes to get to my local mini guy....actually 15 minutes more than the dealer, but it well worth the time, both in convience and $$$ saved.

 

Check the power steering cooling fan....cheap fix for a potentialy expensive problem.

 

We do a belt, oil change, air filter, A/C filter on that service. Plus look everything over. But typically you'll also need control arm bushings.

Feel free to call us, we can do the service in Indianapolis if you need.

WAY
317.201.8670

 

Way,

Do to travel to Indianapolis often to do service?

 

Yes usually about once a month. I still have a shop space I use there.

 

Is there anywhere that I can print out a maintenance schedule, you know, the kind that used to be in the back of every owners manual for every vehicle before we depended on computers? My Mini has just over 40,000 miles on it and my local dealer (Momentum Mini) quoted me $686.93 for an oil/filter change. It was at this point that I decided to find a place not so "proud" of their work, but I need a schedule that reflects at what mile I should perform what tasks. Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

The car came with a maintenance booklet in which everything is spelled out. If you don't have one, you should get one through the dealer.

 

The owner's manual and the owner's website (http://ol.miniusa.com) do provide the 'official' schedule - oil changes are in the manual, the Inspection I and II (explained above) are on the site.

Officially you're supposed to alternate between Inspection I and II every 30k, and oil/filter changes 15k after each Inspection (so halfway through each). The only other official recommendation (as far as I recall) is O2 sensor and spark plugs every 100k. No timing belt, so no worries on that (the supercharger belt should be inspected/changed at Inspection II). The fluids (power steering, transmission, etc) are considered 'lifetime' fluids by BMW and aren't ever recommended for changing.

Unofficially, I think most people follow the above but with more frequent oil changes. And I always hear to look for mushrooming at the struts and check your front control arm bushings by 75k as 'no one' ever makes it past that - although mine are okay at 80k.

Other than that, there's the usual brakes/tires (front brakes are easier and will need to be done before the back).

My local dealer wanted roughly $700 for Inspection II, and an independent shop (specializing in British cars no less) did it for $325 or so.

 

I bet that quote was for Inpection #1.
If you change the oil according to the counter...1st oil change. Is about 15,000 miles, then about 15000 later, insp #1, then 15000 miles, an oil change, then 15000 later insp #2.
So loosly...the ispections Are at 30,000 miles, and 60,000.....jow hard you drive, will affect the actual milage the computer calls for the inspection, and IMO you should change the oil at 7500 mile interval.

 

Great information! Thank you Much!

 

It was all the 'inspection' parts of Inspection II, so it didn't include the poly belt and air filter replacements.

 

What exactly is the Poly V Belt? Could I change this myself or does it require the dealer/certified MINI mechanic?

 

How much did you guys pay to replace front LCA bushings?
I got a quote for $500 from a private shop using OEM parts.
I did this same work on my neon for about $60 in parts. But with the mini needing to drop the subframe, need special tools to pull ball joints, and all that crap it's beyond my driveway/toolbox capabilities.