I've just hit a year since I bought my 2011, so I'm thinking about bringing it to the dealer for its first service. The great news is that I have no issues. The complication is that my closest dealer is 3-1/2 hours away.

I'm not excited about making the drive only to have them change the oil and send me on my way.

So two questions:
~ Is the dealer service required to maintain the warranty?
~ Will the dealer perform other maintenance or checks that are worthwhile?

Thanks.

 

I assume your OBC has not reached the countdown for a mileage based service?

If so, I'm not sure as to whether a one year oil change is required to maintain your warranty coverage. But it would definitely be a good idea to go ahead and change the oil. You could probably do it yourself if even slightly mechanically inclined. Just be sure to keep all of your documentation in case you need to prove you did it if challenged later.

As far as other services, that is probably more a dealer thing. Some dealers are going to check everything over and replace anything that qualifies per the maintenance plan any time you have the vehicle in their shop. Others, maybe not so much. If you have a local club you can reach out to, they may be able to help with regard to how the dealer treats is customers.

 

Thanks, jcauseyfd. I should have mentioned that I'm set up to do oil changes myself. I did the first at about 5,000 miles and plan on keeping to that schedule, dealer or not.

Sadly, I have no confidence in this dealer. They were so unresponsive when I bought my MINI that I ended up buying from a dealer in a neighboring state that is two hours further from my home.

And I called their service department this morning to ask these same questions. I was told that the service reps were busy and would return my call. They never did. Not a good sign.

 

Save your receipts for oil / filter

 

Here's what I would do. I'd go have a talk with the service MANAGER, not the advisor. Tell him what your complaints are/have been. Get the car serviced. If you have any problems, talk to the service manager again. If you still don't feel like you have been buffed up enough, talk to the OWNER. After that Get MINI USA in the loop. They really don't want to have poor customer relations, They really don't..

Then again, I most certainly wouldn't have bought a car where I feel I have to drive it 3+ hours for service... My dealer is 15 mins away, and there are 5 within a 1 hr drive.
(Mini of Baltimore, Montgomery County, Farfax, Sterling, Annapolis) and they all would like the business.. Competition is a great motivator.

 

Got the same deal with my local dealer upon asking about an ECU update.