I took my Mini in for its first major servicing at 19K miles (2 years). Here's what was done:

- Oil/filter change
- Cabin filter change
- brake fluid change (not brake pads)
- wiper blades (front/rear), only per my request

Does this seem really minimal to you? What about the air filter, fuel filter, anti-freeze, etc... I pretty much get the feeling that the 36 months maintanence free intervals are designed to "put it to you" at 48 - 60 months! I have been completely happy with my Mini so far, but I can't help but feel that the maintanence period should really cover at least 48 months.

 

My first service (minus oil changes) was at 17k. It was the same service as yours. I don't think they are shorting you.

Usually they will recommend changing the air filter every 30k miles, coolant every 4 years, brake fluid every 2 years, and annual inspections (if you choose to do those). The fuel filter, last I checked, is in the tank with the pump and is not serviceable.

IMO, the best thing to do if you're **** like a lot of us, is to make your own scheduled maintenance plans. You'll get different suggestions from everyone as far as when and what to do for maintenance.

 

I actually have a spreadsheet with all my **** scheduled maintenence items also. Its hard to know what Mini actually recommends for each, because (IMO), they don't want you to know and just want us to be "dumb and happy" taking it in and paying up. The newly reset computer now suggests 11K more for the front brakes, but I'm not sure it really knows how I brake at all. Its probably just an estimate and if the wear indicators touch, it will probably light up the service light.

 

I just completed my 30K service at 26K miles. They did all of the above. The only extra thing they did was to do a coolant flush for me. I run the car a little hard and the head mechanic thought there is some oil in the coolant so he changed it.

It will be expensive after the 3 years/36K free maintenance program.

 

Dumb and happy - I think you've hit it on the head. MINI is the first car I've had that really doesn't recommend when to do certain maintenance, like air filters, microfilters, etc etc. They count on people to depend on the silly service countdown.

 

Sure it does in the service manual booklet.....

Hears what I have gleaned for a maintenance schedule from the 2010 manual:

Oil Change 1 Year or CBS
Micro-Filter 2 years
Brake Fluid 2 Years or CBS
Air Filter 2 Years or every 2nd oil change or CBS
Tires 6 Years
Spark Plugs 60K
Auto Transmission Service 100K
Oxygen Sensor 120K
Coolant N/S "..long term rating as does not need to be changed except for system repairs".
V-Belt N/S
Fuel Filter N/S
Power Steering Fluid N/S

 

Still would rather trust my own maintenance schedule.

But it's nice to know it's in the manual