I need to get my Mini serviced for 100K.

The place I may bring it said it would be about $1,000.
They would replace timing belt, water pump and some other stuff but those were the two expensive things.

Does this sound about right?

I'm a newbie

Gregg

 

If they are doing the water pump because it is making noise fine. But if it is not, 100,000 is not a magic number for that and it is much more expensive than the belt which if never changed needs to be done. And if they do the water pump you should have the supercharger oil serviced also.

Did they say anything about your lower control arm bushings? Strut tower bushings? Oil pan or crank sensor leaks?

I suspect that if those were never done that would be a better place to start.

Rich

 

The MINI doesn't have a timing belt!
There is a timing chain, which should last the life of the car.
Bring in your owners manual, so they can see what is recommended
for inspection I, II, and some other issues (brake fluid flush each 2 years,
spark plugs at 100,000, etc.).

 

+1 on recommendations stated. +1 on timing chain statement. In addition to plugs, O2 sensors are part of the 100K service. Also consider antifreeze flush. I recommend they replace it with the same OEM BMW brand.

The Inspection I/II options are also in the Bentley Manual (if you have one).

 

me guesses a semantics issue and we're talking the serpentine belt aka accessory belt

I concur that replacing a water pump for miles is not needed, you replace it if/when it leaks/fails

the real question is what's been done up to now? Has this been your car or did you just buy it????

potentials: brake pads and rotors, all fluids, shocks and struts, all filters, control arm bushings (mine were bad at about 40k) ... but all this depends on what's been the routine up to now.

 

This spring I hit 90k miles. Not wanting to wait until 100K here's what I have done:

Cooling:

• Replaced radiator fan (I had no low speed)
• Replaced thermostat
• Replaced upper and lower radiator hoses
• Coolant flush

Emissions:

• Replaced PCV valve
• Replaced both O2 sensors
• New exhaust (old one had a rusted out muffler)

Engine:

• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced fuel filter
• Replaced serpentine drive belt
• Replaced air filter
• Oil and oil filter Change

Brakes:

• Bleed brakes/clutch slave
• Replaced brake lines w/Stoptech SS

Other:

• Clean and lube power steering fan
• Replaced manual transmission fluid
• Replaced cabin air filter

With the exception of the exhaust (I needed the lift) and O2 sensors, I did all that myself and saved a boatload of $$$

 

Take your car somewhere else, they don't know about MINI's if they are saying timing belt and water pump. Find an experienced MINI shop.

At 100k, I suggest:
Oil and filter change
A/C cabin filter
Engine air filter
Drive belt replaced
Spark Plugs
Plug Wires

Also remember to replace the brake fluid every 2yrs, and the coolant every 4yrs.

 

That is really cool that you were able to replace your fan, thermostat by yourself. I have avoided getting this fixed due to the quoted costs. My engine does not cool on its own and hasn't for at least two yrs. I just try to avoid driving thru heavily dense areas (NYC or NJ turnpike) in the summer. Or pray if I hit traffic due to an accident. It's horrible! I need to get these fixed.

2003 Mini Cooper S - 90k

 

Replacing the cooling fan is easy! Easier than it might seem at first. You don't have to remove the radiator, which would certainly make it harder. Hardest part is taking the front bumper off and having a helper lean the radiator forward enough so you can slide the old fan out and the new one in.

Check out this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-assembly.html

I took some pictures when I replaced mine...hoping to post sometime soon when I get the chance.

 

To add to some of the great advice besides, you might want to search and read up a bit more on the maint. items and buy those parts yourself and then take them to a more knowledgable MINI mechanic.

Parts have such a big mark-up for mechanics and usually you can buy the "better stuff" for what a mechanic will charge you. Just make sure that the mechanic has in writing (even if on the estimate) that he'll warrant his labor. You can even hand-write it in and just have him initial it, no big deal, but could come in handy if there's any problems as soon as you drive off. Nothing in legalese, just keep it plain and simple.

 

Have you checked the fuse? When my '02 quits working it is usually because the power steering fan has gotten jammed and blown the fuse. I usually have to clean and lube the power steering fan about every 6mo.