I have not yet taken delivery of my Mini (soon i hope). I recall my MA telling me that the first 35K miles of service is covered for free -- assuming I drive the car back to the dealership. Does anyone know what is done aside from oil during these first three services? I would prefer to just bring the car to BMW, 3 miles from my house vs. 150 miles to Mini. I would like to figure out if its cost effective to just shell out for service at BMW.

 

My first 3 visits to the dealership were one oil chang, one "fix the self-opening rear hatch", and one "Check Engine Light on"

Here's what was done:

1. Oil change at 10k: Oil changed, lube hinges etc, fill necessary fluids, change rear wiper blade because it was "worn" (wasn't an issue, this was likely a customer goodwill gesture since it was repeated at the 3rd visit).

2. Self-opening hatch at 11k: Fixed hatch (which I re-fixed, do a search on "boonk" and you'll find it), checked all fluid levels

3. CEL on: Changed out oxygen sensor (this apparently happened on a bunch of other cars as well), changed out rear wiper blade as it appeared "worn".

Observations:
- Oil changes are too far apart, and self-oil changing is easy (many threads on this, I think there's one stickied somewhere)
- Oil changes at BMW/Mini dealers are expensive
- BMW dealers are NOT authorized Mini service facilities! Find yourself a good independent garage if you want to go this route.
- To maintain warranty coverage (primarily goodwill), it IS important to have the Mini folks have an eye on it - or at least keep your receipts!

My Mini service center (Mini of Pittsburgh) has been excellent, always provided good loaners when I've needed them, and not let me down. If they were 150 miles away, I'd have to schedule around it but would definitely consider what a local oil change cost vs. my gas and time costs...

 

I'd have them service it as scheduled just to protect your warranty. You want no excuses when somethig needs to be repaired under warranty. They will give you free wiper blades, front & rear, if you say your blades are streaking. I know it's a pain to drive so far to the dealer, mine is far away too, but I would do it as long as the car is under warranty. My warranty expires next week and I'm looking for a local service center now.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

my '03 had rear brakes replaced at 35xxx mi. This was 'service' not warranty. Also service II includes add'l items.

 

I am going to take it to the local BMW dealer (if I ever get the car that is). The extra cost will be worth skipping the drive to the mini dealer.

 

And after paying for one BMW style oil change you'll end up skipping any dealer service whatsoever.

 

I honestly doubt a BMW dealer would service a Mini - did you ask the BMW service dept?