I just bought a 2015 S last week. It has 17,000 miles, and when I check the service display it shows me that the next service is due 10/2019 or in 34,000 miles? That can't be right?

Also, on a seperate note, if you replace batteries in a FOB, do they need to be reconfigured to the car by the dealer or is it something the user can do?

 

you may be looking at the next Vehicle Check. can you take a picture of what it's telling you on the screen?
No need for a dealer to program the key. Pop the key open, remove old battery, insert new battery.

 

According to some nameless company engineer, yes, that is right. To anyone who really cares about the health of their MINI, the interval is more like every 5,000. Consider that a pro-active 'turn your head and cough' checkup. Out of warranty ask around for a very reliable BMW/MINI independent service shop. If my main wrench told me the sky turned purple, I wouldn't have to go look.
A dealership sells parts (that's what keeps them in business). The indie finds the problem and fixes it.

 

Oil service interval is not 17,000 miles, more like 10K and yearly so something is amiss.

Sadly all indy mechanics are not "god-like" fixers of cars. Many are as bad if not worse than the dealers so I'm reluctant to 100% approve of Fly'n comments above. I've yet to find a reliable shop that I can trust for all things MINI.

 

Minnie is 100% correct. That's why I employ the word 'reliable'. Best way to find a reliable indie is to ask around of other MINI owners in your area and/or seek out an active MINI club thereabouts.