There's plenty of resources and questions answered about in-warranty stuff. However I've just passed 50k and I'm working with the premise of 'stay out of warranty and make whatever repairs need to be made out of pocket'.

SO.

Admittedly, I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm not really in a position to / interested in replacing brake pads / oil / etc. myself. Should I do my due diligence, pick the parts you guys typically recommend, and just bring them to an auto body I trust? Should I go to a Euro-specific shop?

For the sake of argument, I'm currently just overdue for brake pads and brake fluid I believe.

Thanks in advance for all your help!!

-Brian

 

Brian: You don't say where you live or if there is enough population to support European specialist mechanic shops, multiple MINI dealerships or any such details. Do you have a local or near by MINI club? If you have a local club and attend an event or two I'm sure you will learn from the other MINI club folks where they take their cars and will get some references. I don't think anyone here can help you without knowing where you live. Hope this is of some help.

 

Check out the Club and Regional Forums section of NAM and find a local club. Search, or post a question on good mechanics who specialize in MINIs. I did that and found a Brit with a small shop in Salinas who several folk recommended.

I recommend Carbotech 1521 Bobcat brake pads if this is mainly for street use. They should last longer than OEM, produce very little dust (unlike the very dirty OEM pads), are quiet, and are easy on rotors. They have a slightly different feel than OEM pads in that they don't grab like the OEMs. So, it takes a little more pressure to brake, but I believe they have more stopping power. They have a feel more an my Acura Integra. I didn't like the overly-sensitive OEM pads.

You will probably need to replace both rotors and pads on your MINI. That seems to be how it is with MINIs.

 

I agree with finding a Mini club. There are usually lots of people that are willing to help. You don't have to be super mechanically inclined to perform the tasks you are describing. Learning to DIY will save you sooooooooooo much money in the long run!