Hey alls,

Been lurking but never registered since my 2010 Clubman has been holding up great and the closest thing to a problem is the following. It hit 36000 miles after I moved to a different part of Texas. The problem is that the closest dealership is about 5 hours away. I don't have the time to make a ten hour drive all together and however long it takes to service (plus by the time I got there it would be over 37000 miles and I would no longer be eligible for the free service). So I am basically thinking of taking it to Peoboys or some other such service station (I know, what a waste). Question is, does anyone know what is typically or needs to be done at this mileage? Also, can it get serviced at a BMW dealership under the maintenance program? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'm sort of in the same boat as you - I just bought my first Mini Cooper (a used 2011 convertible S), and absolutely LOVE IT!!! I live in the middle of nowhere, so I was always hesitant to go with a Mini seeing that the nearest dealership is 3 hours away. But I decided to get one anyway and *hope* I don't run into too many issues.

I've had it for 3 weeks now, and just got the yellow "check engine light", with diminished power when it comes on. I ran it pretty low on fuel when it came on, so decided to fill it up and see (I only fuel up with Super). Yellow warning light went off, power is restored! But the "check engine light" is still on on the large, middle speedometer, which I understand will always be until I can get it 'cleared' from the shop.

It's now happening again, on and off (the yellow warning and loss of power). I'm hesitant to drive 3 hours just to find out that it was just the gas cap, then 3 hours back. But it *does* need to be checked, and I don't want to break my warranty by waiting too long.

What do others who live so far away from any dealership do? Can other repair shops handle such things, or do I HAVE to go to a Mini dealership? I don't have a problem driving 3 hours for regular maintenance/service/major repairs, but can't see doing that just to SEE what the problem is.

Any advice for us who live in the boonies!?!? ;-)

- Lynn

 

Find a MINI specialist in your area. I would recommend a OBDII scanner also such as ScanGaugeII so you can at least get the codes and clear them. Let us know where you guys are located and I am sure NAM members can recommend some shops for you. Stay away from Pepboys except for basic things.

 

I live just over an hour away

As soon as I decide on another vehicle - I will trade my JCW off - takes half a day to go there and back with service

Love the Mini - they need more dealers

 

Awesome, thanks for the quick response! I've been thinking of getting myself an OBDII reader, so thanks for confirming this. Question: if I get a reader, and say it's something basic, like the gas cap not being on tightly enough, then I clear it, does that void my warranty because I "cleared it" myself?

I'm located in Canada, right on the border of Maine, Quebec, and New Brunswick. My closest dealerships are Quebec City (3 hours away), Moncton, NB (5 hours), and Portland, ME (6 hours). I honestly would be VERY surprised if there was a Mini specialist anywhere near me, but would absolutely welcome it!

I know some other dealerships around (Honda, VW, etc..) that have a few used Mini's on their lots, even though they're not authorized dealers. I would never dare go do a Pepboys or similar for my Mini, but wonder if other true dealerships can handle smaller things (even oil changes), and still be "under warranty".

Honestly, this is all new to me, so any advice would be awesome! I plan on going to the Mini dealership, even for regular maintenance like oil changes, because I like knowing that the internal computer also gets updated by them, and that I can always tell how many miles are left before next service, etc. I can't imagine I would get that if I go somewhere else, right?

Thank you!! SO HAPPY to be part of the Mini Owner's club!! :-D

 

No, you will have no issues. There are plenty of How to's for you to learn and do things like the oil change yourself. Like I said before I am sure someone in your area can recommend someone. I highly recommend you also get the Bentley manual
This will be your best friend.

 

Awesome, thank you so much! I'll look into this book; sounds like a handy one!