I am a little confused. To keep the warranty valid, do we have to get all our maintainence done at BMW/Mini service garages. That is to include, oil changes. Or can we go to a private garage and get it done?

 

I'm pretty sure you will be able to keep your warrenty (don't quote me on that), BUT when you go in for a servicing, they will change the oil back to what they use.
http://store.webbmotorsports.com/for...topic.php?t=10

And just do it yourself, very easy. And click on the thread a bit down about getting ripped off on oil services and car shops.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=71815

-Cody

 

You can do it else where. It is included in the US warranty, but if you don't have a BMW/MINI dealer near you, you can do it yourself or find a garage that is willing to do it.

Here in Germany, we can't really do it ourselves as any bit of oil spillage is a big NO NO... So, off to the dealer. Worst part of it here is that it is not included in the warranty (even US Spec) so we have to pay but at least I can bring my own oil and not pay the German prices.

 

Daflake, yes it is unfortunate that we can't do it ourselves, i.e. oil spill. But this dealer is going to charge me 80euro, that's pretty high if you ask me, but I can't say I won't do it, cuz it's all for the Mini. I have heard, and am planning on doing, that it is good to change your oil at 1500 miles, because of the gunk from new motor and just to flush all that out. Did you do that, and is it really needed? One last thing, do you change every 3K, 5K, or actually got to 10K for the oil?

 

Hello Brethan & welcome to NAM.

Being in the USA I don't know the warranty requirements for Germany. Here in the USA if you keep records & receipts showing that your services have been done at the proper time & mileage all is well. On my car I changed the oil & filter at 2000 miles for the very reasons you've stated. My schedule will now be every 5000 miles. Good luck with your new MINI.