Actually, I've only got about 93k on the clock, but figure... why not?



This weekend, I'll be doing the following on my relatively stock 03 MCS:

15% WMW Pulley Package
Stoptech brakes & rotors on the front
Brake Flush
Clutch Flush
Coolant flush and fill
New Thermostat & Housing
New Radiator Hoses
New Coolant Reservoir
Plugs & Wires
Tranny flush & fill
Fuel Filter

Hopefully I didn't overlook anything! I already did an oil change and seafoam treatment last weekend. I'll try to take some pics as I go.

 

ok, i'll bite

what's a clutch flush?

cheers,

Charlie

 

The clutch is hydraulic... I'm simply bleeding and flushing that system as well.

 

do mini radiators have plastic filler necks that crack like the bmw ones do? radiator is a common 100k replacement item on a bmw.

 

You got a days work ahead of you. Should have replaced all the drain plugs with the magnetic ones since your going to have them out. HA HA
http://www.waymotorworks.com/magneti...-cooper-s.html

 

hmm... maybe next time!

ps... that's your pulley puller sitting there. Hopefully I'll have it on it's way back to you this weekend.

 

Well... Got a good bit done tonight. The pulley, belt, tensioner stop, plugs, wires, radiator hoses, Thermostat and housing, and VGS mod are all installed. Enjoy some pics!

Dissassembly -




New Radiator Hoses from eBay -


Hoses Installed -


Top Hoses, Plus VGS Mod -

 

Now that's the way to do it

No point in going over the same ground twice. I like your thinking


For 34 dollars I would consider changing the rubber O-rings for the injectors at some point too.

 

Got a little bit more done today. Got the cooling system flushed and refilled. Although, I think I have a bad radiator fan, as the low speed wasn't coming on as I was bleeding it . The stupid torx bolts on the brake rotors are frozen solid. After a trip to pick up some more T-50 bits, I should be able to finish up the brakes tomorrow. The plugs on the tranny are also a pain! Almost there....

 

Great work! I wonder how many MINIs have no low speed on their cooling fan. I think mine probably quit working years ago and I did not realize it.

 

My 2004 MCS has 92K and I am about to undertake similar maintenance. Dealer parts counter told me that I should not need the thermostat housing, just the thermostat and gasket. Why did you replace yours?

 

The housing is just plastic, and they're notorious for warping and leaking. I figured I was better off just saving myself the hassle.

 

No Supercharger refil?

 

after my recent s/c scare, I'm servicing it this Summer. But that is some good preventive servicing you are doing. It will definitely pay off and you have got to let us know if it runs better after this. I'm thinking like new condition again!!!!

 

I had actually searched for this, and it seemed like a bigger job than I wanted to get into. Looking at it now, it probably wouldn't have been THAT bad. Something to take care of next time I'm in there.

 

Well, it took most of the weekend, but she's finally done!







A couple of lessons learned:

1) I bought WAY too much coolant and brake fluid! Owell, it'll be good to have on hand.
2) Have extra T-50 Torx Bits handy... those rotor screws are horrible.
3) Edges of plastic are SHARP!
4) Having the hands of a toddler is mandatory.
5) The tranny drain & fill plugs are TIGHT!
6) The clutch gets bled with the cylinder compressed...
7) And, if you have a Bentley Manual sitting open on the work bench... USE IT!

All-in-all, I seem to be pretty happy with everything. I got everything done except for the fuel filter... I'll save that for another weekend.

Also, I'm really liking the 15% pulley... ALOT!

 

first of all this is an awesome thread! and im about to undergo my 100,000 mile maintenance and I have looked in the owners manual and did some research but i just had a question...Do mini cooper s need timing belts replaced at 100,000 miles, or does it come with a timing chain? and if you know or anything whats the v belt? is that the timing belt?
any help is much appreciated!
reggie

 

How did you end up getting the transmission drain & fill plugs loose? I was planning to do that fluid last weekend, but went under there with about an 8" allen key and couldn't get either one to budge. Did you have a bit for your breaker bar, and if so how long of a handle?

 

Looking at your whole list I'm surprised a whole new coil pack isn't on there - how corroded is your #3 terminal at 100k?

 

Yea, I started with a regular allen key as well, even with a pipe on it, and that wasn't cutting it. I had to use a hex bit with a long ratchet. I believe that I stayed with 3/8" drive. It just takes some muscle. I didn't have the car up very high, since I was doing the pulley as well, so fitting a breaker bar under wasn't going to work either. I was also hitting them with PB blaster ever few hours as I was working on other things, not sure if that helped or not.

 

I checked the coil out before I ordered everything and it looked good. Didn't have any corrosion on any of the terminals.

 

I admire your work and confidence!

 

Thanks!

 

How much coolant did you end up using?

 

Nice job!