I am the proud new owner of an 03 cooper s with 68k miles, and I want to do anything preventative maintenance that I can in order to maximize the life of my mini.

If you purchased a mini with this sort of mileage, what would you do? Change trans fluid? Replace any certain parts?

And how much do these kinds of things cost? I am just trying to make sure I don't have trans/engine issues down the road.

 

If the serp belt hasn't been changed yet, that would be at the top of my list. The brake fluid should have been changed every two years, so it would be due this year. Coolant every 4 years, so as long as that was done in 07, you're good for another couple of years.

 

I change all fluids when I buy a used car unless the previous owner has documentation of the change. I also don't trust life time fluids like MINI says for the transmission.

Change belt
change oil (best to know what you have)
Brake fluid
Coolant
Check belt tensioner
Change trans fluid
Change plugs unless they are good
Make sure power steering fan is good
Get a 15% pulley (not maint but you will sure enjoy it)

 

wash & wax it including clay bar.. make sure to wash everywhere

Refresh parts that take a lot of wear - your shocks if they are original, bushings - will breath new life into the car

drive smoothly.. learn to rev match, heel & toe, not ride the clutch.. im on my original clutch at 170,000km (105,000miles) and doesnt feel like its giving up anytime soon.

 

front lower control arm bushings are usually completely shot around this time, u should def change those, i changed mine and it was definately a good thing i have about the same amount of miles.

 

I changes all fluids when I got mine home last year.

I also changed the rotors and pads as they were getting thin. I had a clicking noise which was the crank pulley so I had that changed along with the belt and OD Pulley.

Last week I had the struts changed out to Koni Sports and replaced the front Control bushings.

Feels like a brand new car.

 

Change all fluids, keep clean (eye maintenance!), keep on TOP of service and it's a good idea to go to a good mechanic and let him inspect the car if it hasn't been already. Maintain it regularly and you'll be in good shape!

 

I'm at 73k miles, and bought it at 35k, and being a mechanical newbie (and a cheapskate) I'm now learning about all the maintenance issues that may pop up because I didn't do anything except oil changes since I first bought the car.

First, log into miniusa.com's Owners Lounge, and if the previous owner went to a dealership for service, the record will show up once you put in the VIN, so you'll know if they did the Inspection II service at 60,000 miles.

Off the top of my head:

- Check tire wear - not just tread depth but turn the front wheels to get a look on the inside of the tire. If it's more or less worn down than the outside, you'll want an alignment.
- I'd also echo the front control arm bushings, they don't usually last past 75,000 miles.
- If your state has/offers good state inspections those are often very competitively priced and will tip you off to anything major
- Check/replace fluids - Jiffy Lube can probably do most of this
- Oil/filter change - some owners don't put in full synthetic. Also check the oil pan for leakage.
- Cabin air filter - an easy DIY
-Reset the ECU (optional) so it learns your driving style. Also an easy DYI (involves holding the reset button at certain times while turning the key).
- Have a tire shop check the brakes and rotors. I just found out mine were worn - I'm used to brakes squeaking before they go bad - the ones on my '02 MCS didn't make any sound at all.
- Inspect the belts. If the Inspection II was done this was already done, and belts should have been replaced.

 

Air filter!!