East Bay Mini is holding a service clinic and rally to the top of Mt. Diablo on October 7 2007. Service clinic from 10am to 12noon. 12noon a ride to the top of Mt.Diablo. They will have food, Music and drinks available. A service tech will be available for questions. There will be a raffle for a Garmin Portable Navigation system. At the top of Mt. Diablo the first 50 to sign up will recieve a goodie bag containing a hat, water, oil and coupons for service. Register at: eastbayminiinpleasanton@hendrickauto.com They have asked me to collect some questions ahead of time for the service tech. Nows your chance, leave your questions below.

 

I think Im in for this one.

 

sweet! I hope I can make it to this one!

 

I need ten questions for the techs. Come on I know you guys have some .

 

here's a tire question:

I currently have stock OEM 175/65/15 tires. When I have to replace the tires down the line, what tire sizes can fit on my OEM wheels (delta spokes)? I've noticed my options are extremely limited to the 175/65 sizes.

Basically, will 185/xx and 195/xx sized tires fit my OEM wheels? Or does this mean I will have to buy a new set of wheels for those sizes?

 

Larry,
How about asking the techs why we need their special coolant for our Minis.
Frumpysf,
Why waste money buying new tires when you could get a a good set of used wheel and tire combos for a couple hundred bucks? I have a set of R84 cross spokes (16") w/ dunlop tires (still has more then 1/2 the tread) yours for $100 if you come and haul it away.
Jay

 

What is a "service clinic"? Just a lot of talk trying to justify their exorbitant labor rates?

 

Seems awful long between service intervals, most markedly the synthetic oil. How often would you recommend that it actually be changed? Is there a time period if the mileage is low?

 

Larry
1. What should I be doing to prolong the life of my power steering pump?
2. Why doesn't the battery terminal in the engine compartment stay attached to my air cleaner housing?
3. If I get a check engine light while driving in Utah, and it goes out in Nevada, should I make a service appointment when I return to California?
4. Has MINI established the cause, or causal factors, that are contributing to the occurrance of spontaneous engine fires?
5. If I'm a quart low on oil and my next service is in <2000 miles is it OK to use a quality dino oil to carry me over until the service is performed?
6. If the service tech drives a MINI, at what interval does he change his oil and filter?
7. Demonstrate the installation of an OEM alarm in a 2005 MCS - I'll buy the parts!
Pick and choose as you see fit.

Regards,

Alan Fanning
San Jose

 

Thanks for the offer, but I'm not looking for tires at this moment. I was only inquiring for answers so I'd be prepared to spend $XXX if I needed to. My car only has 11k miles!

Still tempted just to get extra wheels for snow tires though.....

 

Anyone?

 

I tink 'dat's where the Johns go to get checked out!?!

 

Well that looks like some good questions. Service Clinic is a term used to get you in the door to ask questions. And they hope you come back to buy something. If we let them know why we go where we do for parts and service they may respond with better pricing. Maybe. They do support the club far more than any other dealer.

 

I have an '03 MC automatic transmission. Do they have the tools to replace the transmission bearing mentioned in the service bulletin?

Sort of related question. If one has been going to a non-dealer shop for repairs since warranty period ended, will they get ripped if they return to the dealer for repairs?

The sad thing is I will be out of town this weekend, otherwise I would be there.

 

I put 205/55/15 on my stock wheels. The car handles alot better and looks a lot better. I did loose about 2mpg tho.

 

The ride will go to Morgan Regonal Preserve instead of Mt.Diablo. The road to the top of Mt.Diablo has been taken over by bikes for the day .

 

Larry, about what time will the run leave the dealership to drive out the Presserve?? Not sure if I'll be there for the shindig at the dealership or not yet, but I would like to go for the run.

 

We leave the dealer at 12noon

 

I know this is last minute, but I'm in.... (just recently got back from my honeymoon, so I didn't know about the run until now)


Sean

 

Thank you East Bay MINI and NorCal Minis for a fun and informative event. It was great to tour East Bay's new facility and hear about our cars and MINI products and services. Nice little run Norcal MINI - next time I hope not to do that run in the Suburban MINI Support Vehicle

Oh!!!! And Thanks for the Great Swag!!!!!

 

Larry, EASTBAY MINI and other NORCAL MINI members,
Thank you for a fantastic weekend with your club. The Dealership did a great job answering our questions, hosting the food and entertainment. NORCAL did a great job with the run and gift bag. All of you were so nice and it was a special weekend for us as it was our wedding anniversary as well.

Thanks again,

Kurt and Marty

 

Nice to meet some new MINI people and see some old friends too. 60 cars made the run to the top. See you all on the Mt.Tam run on Oct 20th.

 

We were a bit late, missed the service clinic, the goody bag =/ , and ran up the Reserve on our own; BUT we did meet some nice people, and our 2-day old baby Paddington Bear got introduced to some of it's older siblings. Fun run, even on the single lane road....

We hope to make it to the Mt. Tam run...hopefully, this time w/ the convoy! Sounds like lots of fun!

 

took a few pictures. wasn't feeling great so i didnt walk around much...

 

Thanks for the pics