Hi,
as everybody knows, the MINI Maintenance System automatically calculates the type and frequency of maintenance intervals, based on miles, driving style and other parameters.
In addition, the Factory Maintenance plan allows for some items to be serviced "because of time", regardless of what the Maintenance System suggests: for example, you can request one oil change per year.

Does anybody know what else can be done "because of time"? I don't know, things like brake flush, radiator flush, transmission oil, etc.

The reason why I ask is because my (extended) maintenance plan expires in one week, and having only 24k miles on the car, I basically got very little out of it. If there is anything I can request "because of time", I'd certainly like to know and get it done.

Thanks,
Alex

 

Brake fluid needs to be flushed at two years and was able to get the coolant flushed at the same time because it had turned brown.
However, I had to be somewhat forceful to get these done by the dealership.

 

Check rubber hoses etc. in the engine compartment, brake pads, etc. Basically anything that is heat sensitive and can break down.

 

Worn parts are certainly covered by the Maintenance Plan, regardless of time or mileage, so I already checked most of them.
What I was referring to, in this thread, was more about things that MINI would allow to be replaced periodically, regardless of actual conditions.
I know about motor oil (1 year) and brake fluid (2 years), and was wondering if there is more.

 

We have a low mileage MSC that basically the same thing happened too. We got oil changes very easily. Like thulchatt, they also did the other fluids the very last time we had it in, but with some reluctance. Also got them to do silly things like change the wipers etc.

 

maintenance will cover oil services and annual oil changes ( once per year not based on mileage ). they will cover coolant flushes every 4 years up to model year 2004. ( after o4 BMW considers this "lifetime coolant" even though it hasnt changed at all. ) they will cover brake flushes every 2 years from the vehicles production date. they will cover inspections ( air filter, belt, trans fluid ) for the entire length of "maintenance" warranty. they will cover 1 clutch ( with a few stipulations ) they will cover plugs if your warranty goes to 100K, they will cover all the brakes you can get so be hard on them and save the clutch. they cover wiper inserts. FYI----->> you are able to get maintenance items "goodwilled" 1 time, so use it wisely.

 

Done: oil, brake fluid, coolant. Service advisor was absolutely ok about this, I didn't have to push at all.

 

I have a similar question. Are brakes and tires covered by the 3 year 36K mile service? If so do they just put the same tires on or can you choose different tires? Thanks.

 

tires are not covered but brakes are

 

Thanks. I will get my brakes checked out.

 

It was the time issue that killed me. I was a month over the time for oil, but still 500 miles away from the maintenance indicator when my motor died. Mini covered nothing, and I got to buy a new motor. So when life hands you lemons.. I made the best of it, and went with the JCW engine. Nothing I hate more than paying money just to get back what I already had.

I dont mind the upgrade....heheh

 

A month over-due on oil change absolutely shouldn't kill the engine. At least I hope not! I don't think BMW or the oil manufacturer have such tight tolerances for oil degradation. Something else must also have went wrong, in which case, even if you do get oil change, your engine would have been dead anyway. I think MINI just use that as excuse not to cover the warranty. :P

Congrats on your JCW engine tho.

 

Looking at his earlier posts on the subject, bigaudio had actually gone 15 months without an oil change, so in the eyes of MINI, he was *three* months past-due. Even still, that's not excessive for a full-synthetic motor oil. I agree that MINI was just looking for an excuse not to cover the repair under warranty.

 

sorry to hear that, good luck in the future and enjoy the upgrade

 

Great thread...I was wondering about this myself.

I just purchased a 2005 MCS with 6600 miles on it. The 1st owner NEVER took it into the dealer for any service because of the low miles....I guess I need to take it in.

Guys...would appreciate it if someone could list out the services I should ask them to do on this 2 yr 8mo old car that's never been to the dealer.

Thanks!