Probably covered a million times previously, BUT, here goes:
I just purchased my first MCS, a 2004, used (barely, with 5600 miles!!), and the Chevy salesman who did the "selling" (he filled out the paperwork, at best), didn't know anything, history or otherwise, about this car. He knew the original owner, but she knew less than he.
1.) Is there a website I can plug in my VIN & see which options my S came with from the factory?
2.) Any "preferable" synth oil to use in the S engine? Castrol, Mobil 1, etc.
3.) I have the run-flats - am I screwed? Can I go with better riding tires & not sacrifice my wheels to the Terrible Pavement Gods?
4.) Can I reprogram the DRL myself?
5.) Any source for spare (remote-style) keys? Mine came with exactly ONE KEY.
I'm sure these questions are 205, but I'm new (here) and I ask your forgiveness (search brought me little) in advance.

Sorry for duplicate posting......

 

Mini recomends Castrol 5w30 synthetic. 5qts.

You do not have a spare tire in your car so not having run flats is a risk you have to think about.

The keys for Mini are factory cut and specific for each vehicle, you have up to 13 copies available. Call your nearest BMW/Mini parts department.
sorry but i don't have the answers to the other questions. good luck!

 

I can answer #4 concerning reprograming the DRLs. Nope, you can't do it. A dealer has to do it for you. If you decide to do that, I recommend doing a search on here and finding the thread with the dealer programable options. Go through the list and decide what you want/don't want and get them done all at once as it may save you some money.

A dealer might be able to answer your question about the original vehicle options, also.

 

1. No idea.

2. You can use anything. MINI "recommends" Castrol 5w30 Synthetic like Joey said, but I will be running Mobil 1 Synthetic or Amsoil Synthetic pretty soon in mine.

3. Your screwed if you want performance! I HATE my RF's, they squeal and start to lose grip with anything over 30mph around a turn, and they are brand new. HORRIBLE. As soon as they wear down, I'm switching to non-RF tires, most likely Falken Azenis 215-45-17's. Note like Joey said, MCS' do NOT come with a spare!

4. What is the DRL?

5. That sucks you only get one. I have two! Key's are ~$150 a piece through the dealer, so good luck!

Hope that helps some.
-Cody

 

DRL are daytime running lights(high beam lights on a low setting)

 

As far as the "key" goes, call up the guy that sold you the car and tell him your situation, the original owner should have received 3 keys, 2 with the remote, and 1 valet plastic key. Our valet key was in our owners manual and like I said it is plastic, so check there, you may find it.

 

I disagree with the runflat dissing. I have them on both my MINIs. I tracked the Cooper pretty hard last year and have tried like heck to wear them out but they just won't go...31k and going strong [even after 3 visits to the Dragon]. I have the Goodyears, don't really like the ride as it's wayyyy too harsh, but will stay with them til they finally go.

On my S are Dunlop 5000 DSTs. The ride is MUCH softer, but since the car only has a bit over 3k, I'll reserve judgement on them til later.

The Goodyears tracked really well in rain and dry conditions at Putnam Park, and well at Autobahn in dry, hot weather. The Dunlops did well at Putnam this summer...we'll see how well they do this weekend at Mid-Ohio.

 

Ahhh. I have DRL. You have to take it to your dealer and ask them to program it. If it costs anything (mine was $50) then also look into getting anything else electric wise, like "comfort opening", Follow me home lights, etc. which will be included in the total cost. Unless you JUST want the DRL, you should be able to get everything else like I did.

And Welsh, I have the Pirelli's (205/45/R17 RF) for comparrison sake.

-Cody

 

Ah...my condolences.

I'd go as far as to say that I HATE the Goodyears, but so far those Dunlops are feeling a lot friendlier. In fact, I had bought a used set of Dunlops off eBay for the Cooper for when the Goodyears finally wear out..can't wait.

 

Thanks for all the great answers.

I have the Dunlop SP9000s, and they aren't Michelins, but they aren't Hoosiers either. Understeer I can deal with. Rough ride......
I guess I'll have to get used to the DRL (daytime running lights), never had 'em before. Previous (original) owner was a nitwit that said "I only got one key....." Riiiiiiiiiiiight. Some people.
They key is set up how I like it (1 push, driver's door, second push other doors), and I haven't checked to see if the "follow lights" are set (my 540iT has it, but I go from garage to garage to garage....), and there's an XM radio box in the back, all I have to do is subscribe - bonus.

Giant question - is there a site I can punch in my VIN and find out what service & recalls has already been done? Obviously, on the MINIUSA site, I can keep track of my own records, but what about what has/hasn't been done prior to my taking possession?
thanks again - all.