I live in Phoenix and have a 2003 Mini Cooper. I have taken it to Mini North Scottsdale for my previous services. My oil service is now at 0 miles, but I am over my service warranty. It is $125 to change it there, that seems a little steep. Where do you take your cars? Does the dealership offer anything extra?... lemme know what you think? I have no mechanical experiance, so doing it myself is almost out of the question.

 

Well, I have heard quite a few people doing it themselves. When mine goes out of warranty, I will. It just makes me feel more like "my" car. But, if you dont want to do it your self, I'd pop for the dealers price.

 

screw the dealer for oil changes! Call around to shops that do Minis (Isn't Way Motor Works in your area?) or BMWs. Ask what they charge.

FWIW, the filter is about $8. Mobil 1 is a bit over $5 a quart. Red-Line is about $8 if you search. It takes 5 quarts.... So that's $33 to $48 plus labor, or your time.

In general, dealers should only be used for warranty and recal work. There are rare exceptions, but they are few and far between.

Matt

 

Firestone Service Centers here in the East do it for $60. Theire liftime alignment is a good deal too, if you don't get aggressive in your alignment...

 

It's time to learn how to DIY. The hard work has already been done and documented. Try this writeup or this one. Go forth and practice