I've been trying for a week to find a repair manual on Google and all I can find are manuals for the original "new" MINI, not the latest R56 version. Does anyone know of a source for the specs for those of us who would like to do basic maintenance on our own cars? The owner's manual doesn't even list the basics, instead telling you to take the car to the dealer for everything.

Thanks...

 

if you find one let the rest of us know.

I suspect too few of the GEN1 version sold so no one is interested. It does not show up as a work in progress at the Haynes sites (US or UK).

Only choice right now seems to be a copy of the factory disks which also means $$$ or bootleg.

of course I'm still hard pressed to find brake rotors for a GEN2 either . . . a few pads but nothing on rotors . . .

 

Word is that Bentley will have the 2nd gen's manual out later this year.

 

The current options are:

The BMW TIS service manual on DVD. Search motors.ebay.com for BMW TIS. Yes, they are dirt cheap pirated copies (less than $10). It might not be completely up to date for newest cars, but covers R56/R55 and should get you through almost everything you might want to do. The information is very complete but the user interface is primitive and awkward. The 1st gen version of the Bentley manual was clearly based on the TIS and was actually less complete.

Wiring diagrams are available online here: http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/index.htm. This also might not be up to date for newest cars but there have been very few wiring changes since the original R56 and you can't complain about the price.

The ultimate source of information is minitechinfo: http://minitechinfo.com/. It gives you full access to everything available to a dealer. It costs $30 for a one day subscription, but some of the information is not available elsewhere and you can spend the day downloading what you think you might need for the future.

 

bootleg cd's of the tis software off ebay if you're lucky, rotors for the Gen 2 are much easier, autoxcooper has them as do a few of other NAM vendors.

 

NAPA has the rotors(in store) for the R56 MCS. They're the same ones that come on the R53 JCW. Part # UP880605 Around $48 each

I get my pads from Autozone(in store) for around $60. Duralast Gold Part # DG1204

Sure beats $300 plus from the dealer and waiting for mail order.

 

Do the brake pads from NAPA and Auto Zone create as much brake dust as the OEM pads?

 

They probably won't make as much dust, but they're not going to stop the same either and odds are they don't come w/ the same quality shim kit. I would NEVER use napa or autozone parts on my own car. Leave that crap for the hillbillies and they're chevy cavaliers.
If you're after less dust, talk to Dustin at AutoxCooper.com, don't skimp on your brakes (or tires), even the most expensive ones are still very very inexpensive when you look at how long they last and how important they are.

 

Not near as much