Hi,

Just had my first service and I noticed that the front tires have much more wear on them than the rear. I guess they didn't rotate them.

I just have the standard rims and tires, 2009 Mini Cooper.

I think my local Mini dealer is being run with way too few mechanics and customer service reps. I can never get a person on the phone, my car was returned with grease handprints all over the car and it took 2 full days to complete the service.

 

hi there alexh1,

From what I have read in other postings here, tire rotation is NOT covered with your service appointments. My 2010 manual states that tire rotation is permissive, and i think that is the same for 2009 manuals also. Go ahead and check your driving manual to be sure.

Sorry to hear about the fingerprints left on your car. I would make them wash it again, but that would probably take another day, from what you say.

 

The maint program that they advertise is a joke. They don't even replace your air filter.

 

As soon as the warranty is up I do my own maintenance. Since you can easily get the factory service manual (electronic version) on ebay now for as little as ~$5, you can do everything according to factory specs assuming some mechanical knowledge and tools of course. On modern cars the vast majority of the service consists of visual checks anyhow.

 

Get a pair of wheel change alignment studs like the ones linked in my sig - and DIY.

 

Thanks,

Are there safe places to put a floor jack (safe meaning no damage to vehicle)?

I don't have a pinch weld adapter but I suppose I could get one.

I actually made some adapters out of wood for jackstands but I hate to use wood even if I'm not getting under the car.

 

I go to the subframe mounting points . . . since 2002 no problems

 

They replaced all my air filters.

 

i think I read that the air filters would be replaced under the maintenance program at the 1 year mark.

 

The 2010 manual reads 2 years:


Oil Change 1 Year or CBS
Brake Fluid 2 Years or CBS
Micro-Filter 2 Years
Air Filter 2 Years or Every 2nd Oil Change or CBS
Tires 6 Years
Spark Plugs 60K
Transmission Service 100K
Oxygen Sensor 120K
Coolant N/S ("Long-term rated. Change at system repairs only").
V-Belt N/S
Fuel Filter N/S
Power Steering Fluid N/S