Where is a good place to have simple service work done on a MINI?

Also what is your favorite Tint / Performance / Vinyl / Detailer Shops in Iowa?

 

I use RK Graphics in Clinton IA ,they did my viper stripes and the John Cooper sig.

 

I do my own Vinyl Appliqués installed my bonnet stripes and have done a few others but I get all my Vinyls cut at Auto Trim and Sign.

AT&S also has some of the best tint staff around. (only at Davenport location though) If you ever need tint I highly recommend AT&S they use Luminar tint and are always good about the way they apply it.

 

Do they do any custom design work? (Been thinking about some custom side stripes; inquired to Aesthetic Creations but have not heard back -- customer demand might be outstripping their ability to keep up).

 

Jim Simpson at Simpson Motorsports (3577 Perch Drive) does BMW work, and he can do simple maintenance service on Minis (oil changes, etc). Not warranty work, but he's pretty good.

 

Hey gang, I am reinvigorating this long dormant thread started by D3m0N as a result of some recent email requests for similar information.

It occurred to me that we are seriously lacking information on independent, MINI-capable service providers in our area. Many of us with 1st Gen models who are out of the factory warranty period have much less incentive to pay the often prohibitive parts costs and labor rates charged by the neighboring dealerships. For that matter, I'm sure everyone within our geographic area of influence would like to know what alternatives are available to them for different varieties of routine and corrective maintenance, as well as supporting both performance and aesthetic modifications.

My vision is to establish and maintain a regional MINI service provider directory that we would host on the EIM website. The directory could include contact information, the scope of services provided, links to website resources, and a library of testimonials from MINI owners who have had work done by the MINI service providers in the directory. This directory might also evolve into a modest revenue-building capability for EIM by offering additional advertising and business development for these service providers at an extremely inexpensive cost.

Let me know what your thoughts and feelings are about this idea.

Also, if you've had work performed on your MINI by a local provider, go ahead and feel free to reply to this thread with the details. We can use the information to populate our service directory with preliminary information and expand from there.

 

I plan to try White Dog Garage in Iowa City for an oil change in 1500 miles.

European Motors Ltd of Cedar Rapids says it does MINI oil changes.

 

Great, that's a start!

'bear, I'm assuming that your planned oil change is "out-of-cycle" based on the mileage in your sig, i.e., it's prior to the first oil maintenance milestone on your MINI's computer?

Please send us your feedback on the experience when complete.

 

Yes, the computer says I have 12,000 miles left before Lolly needs service. Molly got her first oil change at around 20,000 miles. I'm not waiting that long for Lolly's first change. 7500 seems good.

When I went to Patrick for the black wheels and bonnet stripes, I bought 10 quarts of MINI oil and 2 filters. White Dog Garage said they would just charge for labor time. That's fine with me.

 

no one around here in Clinton works on them except me, but for simple things like oil tires and brakes any shop should be able to give them a go

 

I have used of all places Midas in Iowa City the tech there is great

so far
Oil Change
Radiator change
(soon to be suspension change, keeping details close to my chest for now)

 

i do it... expect for reprograming stuff.... but i have done all my own stuff thus far. (minus stuff covered by the extended warrenty). European motors in C.R is good to, talk to Mike.

 

I had alot of suspension stuff done recently, PM me for opinions

 

Talked with Jim Lind of Jim Lind BP on Ridgeway in Waterloo yesterday. His service station has done a lot of work on MINIs/Minis including some emergency situation warranty work for the dealer up North. In fact there was a MINI waiting it's turn while we spoke. Jim welcomes our business and provides 24 hour service work.

If anyone has questions as to his service drop Jim an e-mail: jimlind@dybb.com
or call:
319-2350457

 

Lolly hit 7500 miles this week. The service indicator says 11000 miles left until an oil change is due. I went that route with Molly. Lolly gets better.

So this morning I phoned Whitedog Auto, 424 Highland Court, in Iowa City, http://www.whitedogauto.com/contact.shtml and the gal asked what time I would like to come in today. Nice

I supplied MINI oil and MINI filter. They did the work for $30 -- much cheaper than a drive to Schaumburg. Friendly, efficient, clean. I will be a return customer.

 

What about body/paint work? My MINI got keyed and the roof dented. I have no idea who to trust my MINI with! Help please! :( I can't believe someone decided to sabatoge a MINI!

Thanks! Melinda

 

So sorry that your MINI was violated. Some people can be incredibly thoughtless.

I don't have any knowledge of good body shops in the CR-IC area but we'll try to get the word out to the locals to hopefully give you some good recommendations.

 

I have used Zimmerman Body shop in Cedar Rapids for a rear bumper fix and re-paint, matched perfectly. A BMW dealer, have worked on Minis.

 

Back in the mid 90's, I used to call on White dog Garage. I haven't heard that name since. Do they still have that Morgan in pieces in back?

I'm new, and just found this Eastern Iowa Mini group. I don't have a Mini yet, but that will change next year. While I use to live in Cedar Rapids, I'm now a Des Moines resident. Nice to hear that there are folks in Iowa that are involved with Mini's. Too bad that Mini/BMW in their infinate wisdom have decided that Iowa doesn't exist. Nothing new.

Bill in Iowa

 

Can't you just take it to the nearest BMW dealer?

 

Oh you can get hosed by the local BMW dealer, but they are not authorized to do Mini service details. Might as well take it to Jiffy Lube, you'll get the same treatment, good quality, but at half the price.