im kinda new to the forum. but i just bought a 04 mini cooper. black, dual sunroofs, leather interior, HK sound system, navigation, and auto transmission.with 65000 mile. I paid $13000 for it and was wandering about a couple things.
1. how do i change the transmission fluid/ what kind does it take?
2. when i am in reverse and in first i have to give it a good amount of gas for it to start moving....is this normal?
3. i plan on changing the oil and stuff myself, to make the maitnence counter go back to where it starts do i just disconnect the battery for a little bit?
4. my steering is kinda hard..is this normal....if not, where do you add power steering fluid, and what kind?
i have other questions, but not enough time to post them yet. thanks for the help in advance.

 

I would start by buying the Bentley Manual for the 2002-2005 MINI, it will answer all of your questions and it is extremely user friendly.

Sounds like either the clutch needs replacing (manual transmission) or the transmission fluid is low or bands need adjustment (automatic transmission).

You will need a good OBD II code reader device to reset the computer.


No, it isn't normal, the power steering resevior is at the back of the engine compartment next to the radiator overflow resevior and to the right as you are looking into the engine compartment.

i have other questions, but not enough time to post them yet. thanks for the help in advance.[/quote]

 

For #3, you don't need the OBD II code reader... There is a way to reset it with the key in position 2 and puching the series of buttons.

Here is the link to the oil change how to

Link to reset service indicator

You can always search NAM too for lots of info. What do you mean you're steering is kinda hard? Did you check the tire pressure?

 

what i mean by the steering being hard is, when i turn i have to use a bit of force to turn. not a whole lot, but a good bit more than my pickup and my corrolla. thansk for the help.....and where can i find the bentley manuel?

 

You can find the Bentley manual in lots of places... I think the cheapest that I've found it was Walmart online. Just checked though by doing a quick search and didn't find anything. I'm sure some of the NAM vendors carry it.

As for your steering, my steering is hard when my tire pressure gets low. I'd check that first and then try a search on NAM to see if anyone else has the problem and possible fixes

Here is a link to Out Motoring

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...ce-manual.html

 

Try Amazon.com for the Bentley Manual.

The steering may be a bit harder than the other cars you mention. If it's smooth and there are no unusual noises when you turn the wheel, it's most likely just fine.

 

+1 It's definitely going to be stiffer than on your Toyota. My steering is also a lot stiffer than it was on the Ford Ranger . . . just don't think of it as harder - it's less mushy and more responsive

 

Also when you do turn the wheel and you hear a whine, thats the power steering system itself since its electronic-assisted

 

cool. thanks for the help with the steering. would a light come on if it was low on power steering fluid?...i checked the manuel and it said nothing about power steering fluid or power steering period.

and also with the transmission fluid....how do i check it? it also says nothing about that in the manual.

 

Thanks for the correction Goldcountrymini, I stand corrected.

WHITEchicken, be sure to observe the cautions when resetting the service light or you may cheat yourself out of a MINI service if you decide to change your oil on a more frequent basis (5000 miles vs. the MINI 15000 mile interval). I would still take advantage of any free service MINI owes you. If you're out of warantee then it doesn't matter.

Happy Motoring!

 

I've reset the service indicator many times, but do be careful. As lawmann says, take advantage of the covered services. They may update software or some other things a particular service

 

Sounds like you have the CVT auto trans - most likely needs a software update at a dealer.

 

i do have the cvt tranny. how much does the update cost? I dont have alot of money to spend on the car right now. and the closest mini dealer is 200 miles away from me.

 

It shouldn't cost a thing. I think it's a recall. At least on mine it was. But then again mine is a manual tranny. Mini Coopers are weird cars lol. but they're awesome