I purchased my 2004 Cooper CVT two years ago - the prior owner did the Interval I and CVT service right just prior to the sale (at 27K), so I have only had an independent shop do an oil change and a brake job in the past two years of ownership (up to 42.5K)... and had no need to visit the local dealer (MINI of Sterling in No. VA).

I had been planning on doing some work on my own (replacing cracked 3rd brake light, installing AUX input, lubing the noisy sunroof) when the original battery finally gave up the ghost. I took it to the dealer, figuring they'd have the battery in stock - as well as the brake light and AUX input, and I mentioned the noisy sunroof as well. With no appointment, they couldn't give me the quick turnaround I was hoping for and gave me a loaner.

I was pleasantly surprised by the final cost (the reputation of this dealer was "$1000 per visit"). The OEM battery was only a few more dollars than NTB would have charged (with no loaner), the sunroof service (clean, lube, motor reset, etc.) was a reasonable $66, and they even cleaned, vacuumed and shined up my car. They also checked my tires and brakes for free and noticed that the coolant level was low... so they pressure tested the system and overflow tank for free to make sure I didn't have a leak. They finished fairly late, so I kept the loaner overnight.

The loaner was a 2011 Clubman S Auto, and I enjoyed comparing my 2004 R50 CVT to it. The turbocharged Prince engine in the R55 Clubman is clearly smoother and more powerful than the naturally aspirated Pentagon engine in the R50, but just isn't suited to the torque-converter style tranny used in today's MINIs when it comes to driving around town (although it was great on the highway). Despite its bad reputation, I think that the CVT is more fun around town and more suited to the MINI (much like the MINI E users who enjoyed the smooth power delivery of the electric motor). Any ergonomic improvements in the R55 (moving power mirror switch to the door, more info to the tach, usable cup holders, etc.) were tempered by new ergonomic issues (horrible radio and A/C controls, no one-touch sunroof closure, the silly keyfob/start button). Using Sport mode on the tranny in combination with the Sport button results in a seriously wierd/raucous/jarring ride around town. The larger rear headrests and barn doors cause rear visibility issues, but in some sense define the Clubman. Rear seat legroom is good and the club door makes getting in back much easier. The longer wheelbase of the Clubman elevates the ride comfort of the sport suspension with runflat 16" wheels to the comfort of the base suspension and 15" wheels of my R50... while adding more grip and flatter cornering. Overall, the 2011 Clubman S (Auto) was a nice ride, but I was perfectly content to get my R50 CVT back (although I have to admit that my teenage kids who ride in back clearly preferred the roomier Clubman).

 

Sounds like you've got a good dealer, congrats! I took my R50 to the dealer shortly after I bought it, assuming it was out of warranty, and they did a bunch of stuff for me as it turns out I had a few months of warranty remaining. Coolant system flush, new thermostat gasket to fix a leak, and a full inspection.

Strangely enough, I also got a Clubman S Auto loaner (2010) for a few days another time I was in there. It was a great car, lots of fun, but I didn't find it THAT much quicker than my R50 manual, which somewhat dulled my buyers remorse (Should I have gotten an S?) I had been feeling.