I am not sure what all is included in the maintenance plan. We have had our MINIs less than a year, so haven't even had anything covered under it yet. Is wheel alignment? I suppose we could rotate tires ourselves, but I am curious. The only experience we have had with the maintenance department so far was an oil change for the MCS at about 5k miles, which we had to pay for... and they left the oil cap off so I am apprehensive about dealing with them again. I am not sure mine really needs alignment yet with only 2100 miles on it, but I have hit a couple bad pot holes so it is on my mind.

 

Nope, nor tire rotation.

 

Figured. Thanks for the reply

 

And find a local reputable shop to do the alignment. You'll have a cow when you hear what the dealer wants for an alignment. (Been there, went elsewhere).

 

Our preferred local shop has a lifetime alignment deal, so it makes sense to stop there early after getting a new car. My 2010 MCS was pretty far out of adjustment when almost new. The tech, who used to work at a dealership, suggested that lots of new cars need alignment work.

 

Almost all cars are out of alignment right off the lot. Due to being clamped down sometime in their travels be it transporter truck or overseas ship. I usually look for deals in the paper for reputable shops who'll do a rotation and alignment for a good price in the first 5k miles.

 

Having never bought a new MINI, I don't know what the policy is on alignments for new cars, but a new car should have an alignment check after the suspension settles.

I never heard that being clamped down threw alignments off before. I don't think factories don't do alignments on new cars anyway; the suspensions just get bolted together. The dealers probably don't do alignment checks/adjustments unless requested either.

 

They wanted $299. I left. Still haven't rotated my tires, it's almost 10K now :-(