Hi everyone,

I'm a new MINI owner and have a few questions regarding maintenace items. I apologize if I'm being repetative.

I bought my 03 MCS in June with 52K miles, I absolutely love the car. It's by far the most fun car I've ever owned. I now have 57K miles on the car and my only complaint is that the maintanance items are not very clear in the book and that's why I'm seeking your opinion/advice.

I've owned several German made cars in the past (3 VWs, 2 BMWs) and they all required fuel filter change every 50K miles or so (Inspection II) and also manual transmission fluid change, however the MINI does not . Maybe I need meds but this really bothers me. Please let me know what you think about the following regardless of what the dealership says:

-Is Fuel filter change a waste of money? Have you done this?
-Any thoughts on changing the Manual Tranny fluid?
-Has anyone cleaned the fuel system/valves, etc.. using BG44K from Redline? Is it safe?
-Any other items that need to be maintained? If so at what mileage intervals? By the way I change my oil every 5K miles! I know they say every 15K but I just can't go that long!

Thank you very much for your help and again I'm sorry if this is repatative.

 

The fuel filter should be replaced, someone on here had one in bad shape. I have used a Valvoline total fuel system cleaner every 3k miles since the car was new. And its still here at 37k, so its safe. Costly? yes, but i want my car to last. Check the cabin airfilter.

 

1. Never a waste of money as they do get dirty and should be changed.
2. I have heard that this is a PITA but you might want to do it since you bought the car used. Just a good maintenance thing that could prevent problems later.
3. Not done this, sorry...
4. Air filter.
5. Personally I think that you are tossing good money and oil away. Many folks have had lab tests done on oil at the 5K mark only to find that it was fine and had lots of life left in it. Synthetics don't break down like the older mineral oils thus they last longer. If you want to be conservative and not run the 15, then change at 8 or 9K but 5 is just way early if you are not tracking the car. Don't believe me? Send a sample to blackstone labs yourself.

 

I changed the manual tranny fluid on my 03 MC. Very easy job. I switched to Amsoil, the label is, "Amsoil Synthetic Manual Tansmission Oil, SAE 5W-30". My Midland 5-speed shifts even smoother now..and the old fluid looked like it needed changing. I would change the tranny fluid.

 

Hey guys,

Thank you very much for the tips, I really appreciate it. I'm going to change my fuel filter and tranny fluid soon. As for the air filter, I have a cold air box, so I only have to clean it every 10K or so.

I do have one more question, what do you guys think of these Oil Catch cans? Are they necessary for just normal everyday driving? Or is the sludge build up in the intake tract that serious? Thanks again!

 

I don't have one personally and i do spirited driving. I think that they are more bling than anything. I might get one later down the line.

 

I think an oil catch can is a good investment. To see why, pull off your intercooler and look at the thin film of oil coating the insides.

 

Yes, but I have also seen guys with CC's and have been on for a year or so with absolutely nothing in them...

 

I think is falls into the same category of just stuff you want, whatever it may be. I buy musical equipment and stuff all the time. A friend told me I have GAS, "Gear Aquisition Syndrome." I think it applies to MINI also.

 

The can might not get pools of oil in it, but it smells of oil. Oil catch cans are good, if properly routed. I have had mine for a while, and my IC remains oil film free. When I installed my catch can at a mere 16 or 17k miles, oil poured from my intercooler. Carb and throttle body cleaner helped remedy this.

 

How many times have you pulled the IC to inspect it since installing the catch can?

 

eh...a few times id say, most resently about 5k ago...no smell of oil at all. I still sprayed carb/throttle body cleaner in there. Came out clean.

That routing i reffered to was not the way alta intended. there was some thread about this...who'd have guessed i cant find it, or rather im to lazy to look.

 

I think that the key here is properly routing it as you mentioned.

I have yet to pull my IC but may very soon. (mostly worked on others). Who knows, I may actually be needing one.