Does anybody know where I can find a "Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models" for my 2005 Mini?


It seems there ought to be an online PDF version somewhere.


I'm about to do a brake fluid flush and noticed Mini says to refer to this booklet that I don't have.


Thanks,
Peter

 

If you're doing the fluid flush yourself, a service & warranty "booklet" isn't going to help you much other than suggesting you take it in to an "authorized dealer" to do it for you. What you need is "the bible": The Bentley Mini Cooper Repair Manual. It's an investment, but far better than all the rest and it will pay for itself over time if you intend to DIY most of your repairs.

There are also myriad DIY threads all over NAM. Someone with the knowledge could probably show you the way through it.

 

Thank you. Yes, I have the Bentley manual and it does explain it more clearly.


Basically, the service indicator says "inspection" or "oil change" and number of miles to service. The inspection is typical stuff and also done during an oil change.


The last page in Bentley (020-40) mentions that some things are mileage or date specific.

1. Accessory belt 100,000 miles Cooper, 60,000 Cooper S
2. Brake Flush every 2 years
3. Coolant flush every 4 years
4. Oxygen Sensor at 100,000 miles
5. Spark Plugs at 100,000 miles

Peter

 

A brake fluid flush is something most people ignore - like regular coolant flushes. The service itself isn't any different on a Mini than with any other car I've worked on. Thing is, it's potentially messy, and just a PITA if you're doing it by yourself. There will be pumps, or a "One-Man Brake Bleeder" kit needed - and they're all potentially messy. Brake fluid is also caustic, so you can't get it on anything - paint, for instance - and you have to contain the used fluid and recycle it properly... Just a PITA. If you have an indoor garage with clean, smooth floors, a lift or the ability to lift all 4 corners of the car off the ground, it's not as bad.

It's one of those things that I let a shop do. I think a local [reputable Mini] place quoted me $75, which is worth it for me.

 

Yes, everything is difficult. I really don't like to work on cars but I'm good at it and have found simple mistakes by repair shops and dealers so... I still work on my cars myself. Oh well.


I guess I need to flush some brakes.


Peter

 

I flushed my brake fluid when I upgraded my brakes and it wasn't too bad. I used the Motive European bleeder with the aluminum cap. Just make sure the cap is on correctly and you use some Teflon tape on the hose fitting of the pump. The only issue I had was with the last caliper when I didn't have the cap on correctly and the fluid started leaking out of the reservoir. Now I can't even remember why I didn't leave the cap until all 4 calipers were done.

I think the scan tool from ECS Tuning is supposed to be able to activate the ABS pump so you can bleed that, too.

 

there is a recent thread from a DIY who got air in his ABS unit . . . .

not a happy camper

how much does a brake fluid replacement cost?

I like turning my own wrenches too - for fun, not a cost issue - but SOME things are higher risk either in bad outcome (break and crash) or higher cost to fix if you futz it . . .

 

Hi Ptacik!

Here's a handy maintenance and service guide you can apply to various first and second Gen MINI models:

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_COOPER...NERATION_MINIs

Also, brake fluid info:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMB106...ot4-Lv-1-Liter

Please let us know if we can help!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.