While I am not "new" to having a Mini (Starbuck is #2, my first was a 2002MCS) - I am interested in keeping Starbuck for as long as possible. I would like her to make it to 200K - so please provide your observations as to life of parts (suspension, supercharger, transmission....). While I am a "spirited" driver at times, I take extra special care of Starbuck (like changing the oil every 5k with Royal Purple...)

I just added the M7 brake rotors, Mintex pads and JCW suspension at around 36K miles. The only engine issue (under warranty) was a warped thermostat housing.

Thanks a bunch.

 

How does one warp a thermostat housing? Just curious...I don't even know what that is lol...

 

Engine mods, suspension mods and so on may tend to shorten the life of the components. You develop more power, turn more rpm, hit bumps harder, twist the chassis, etc. Just a thought, Not looking for a flame session.

Not sure there will be a clear cut plan to follow. Here's what I do -

1) Keep revs down, I've hit red line maybe three times since I got her.
2) Change oil and filter - air filter too ( I've decided to go every 7500) The oil is hardly colored at 5000.
3) Wash once a week
4) Wax every two months
5) Avoid potholes and bumps like the plague. Slow over speed bumps
6) Follow warranty schedule
7) Hard driving kept to a minimum

Mike

 

Thermostat housing leaks on the 05/06 MCS is not uncommon from what I have read on these forums. Kind of like the leaking engine mounts. Not caused by anything the OP did.

 

Why not enjoy the car? There's no harm in hitting redline on every single drive, provided you let the oil reach the normal operating temp first.

 

Okay - I appreciate the advice so far. I realize that my original topic may not have been clear enough. So - round 2:

1) Supercharger lifespan? I've heard that a replacement should happen at 100k miles.

2) JCW suspension - I've only had this for 300 miles or less. How long - assuming I take care of it - should the struts last? (I know this variable).

3) Transmission: Being the 2006 - it's a 6 speed Getrag. I don't abuse my car - when should I consider a clutch replacement?


Obviously, if I have the car up for a clutch replacement - and I have the $$$ for a LSD - that would be the best time to do so.

Thanks again.

 

LSD for a clutch replacement? Maybe a new/lighter clutch, but I don't know about an LSD.

 

What

 

What my sleep deprived mind was trying to communicate is that if I had enough $$$ to add a LSD during a clutch/flywheel replacement - then that would be an ideal time to do so.

 

Yes.

 

You should have some time left. I'm on my original supercharger and clutch and I have over 165,000 miles.

Nik

 

The subject of the thread is long life, I'm not saying never accelerate that would hurt with carbon build up, just keep the max rpms to a minimum. Higher rpms generally equate to more wear. I tend to shift at 3000-3500 with about half throttle for acceleration, if I need to get up and going then its to the floor and shift around 5000. I'm not on a timed course or trying to prove anything, just make it down the road.

It all good

Watch the modifications, your warranty may be voided

Cheers,

Mike

 

How has she been for reliability over those 165,000 ?

 

Faulty design, and the gaskets are a wacky compud and tend to get brittle in a hurry too.
1)There is oil in there MINI calls it lifetime, Eaton makes that SC, they say change that oil every 50k and Eaton says the S/C is desgined for a life of at least 150k mi. The S/Cs going in the 90-100k range tend to have slow leaks, and the gears eat themselves. To change the S/C oil seems like a fairly involved process, I'm gambling until I have 1+ weeks to sort it out in the spring (warmer working weather)

2) Not familiar but keep an eye out for potholes.

3) Clutch on my last car lasted 207k mi, on the MINI the current clutch is 29k the last one went about 45k. It's a poor desgin, it will pick up a click, that's nature of desgin, the squeal is the worry, you can wait until then to replace it.
Engines are designed to run within the rev range, after the oil is warm whether its 3k or 6k RPM, what will happen though is the oil will go through more extensive heat cycles, the oil will "cook" sooner and need to be replaced more often to retain the same "freshness"


How old is the car? An oil change ASAP after break in is on my recommendation list.

My personal goal is a 500k MINImum. in 2.5 years I'm at ~80k mi

Detailing,

• Clay 1-2 times a year (my 3rd wash in the spring and early October is a good time climate wise for me)
• Wax at least once a month (I've been known to do it weekly in my more patient moods) and get your wheels too!
• HAND Wash once a week. (ALWAYS HAND wash)
• Undercarriage steam clean every 1-2 years.
• If in a snowy area salt is OK to have under ~30F above that wash the car ASAP to prevent risk of rust to components, go near the ocean? wash ASAP
• Wash the engine bay regularly, and re-coat the protectant every few years.
• Use a UV protectant to clean interior and plastic bits. Treat leather accordingly.

Mechanical,

• Air Filter. If CAI Keep it oiled (and decently clean side) with the right oil (no K&N on foam) if paper, every 7-10k seems to be about how long they last, the engine is a big air pump, this is where most contaminants will enter.
• 15k on the computer algorithm that can push upward of 20k mi is not an acceptable interval for a multi 100k mi car IMO YMMV. 5k is my rule of thumb, but I adapt it to meet the conditions. I check the oil EVERY week.
• Tire pressures(weekly), tire rotation(with oil), alignment (when notice issue from driving or upon tire inspection at rotation)
• Brake fluid at least annually for street driving esp. if you do spirited runs in warm weather (this is a good late spring task). If you've got a partner two cars can be done in a short amount of time, and done right it can save your life and your MINI. Watch the color, if it gets dark, change it.
• Coolant, 2 years but check the tank weekly, OEM expansion tanks on all MINIs regardless of year have a small amount of leakage, just keep it in the levels on the side and you're good. Again watch the color it will tell you when it's time.
• Clean your IC every 25k mi or so. Not just drain it, but clean it out, will help performance but also helps make sure the dirty oil doesn't linger and higher IC efficiency puts cooler air in the chamber should help MPG too.
• Watch for mushrooming consider re-enforcement here.
• Runs the A/C 5+min every week cold weather

Driving,

• Listen to your MINI, if something isn't running right you'll hear or feel it.
• Track your MPG, big changes without change in driving, something is up
• Try and minimize temp cycles, list of errands,pick the farthest work your way back, take that first start drive until the engine is fully warm, then minimize the coldness of the rest of the starts.
• Be defensive, and ready to handle the unexpected, collision avoidance plays a big part into longevity.

Remember to have fun and enjoy the car, longevity is only one factor in getting the most value out of a MINI, the other is motoring enough in the right mindset that you can with every turn of the key.

 

I would say great. Other than normal maintenance there has been very little that I've had to do as far as repairs. I just replaced the inner CV joint, and I think the only other thing was the coolant tank. The one replaced under warranty leaked too.

As for things I would put in the normal maintenance:
Tires, brakes, various light bulbs, cosmetic stuff (from driving so much). and thats about it.

Its been one of the most reliable cars I have owned.

Nik

 

That's nice to hear So often the only post we see here on NAM is the problem side of things.