That's the quote from my dealer. They told me when I bought the car so I'm not in shock, but man what is the high-cost for?

I'm taking it in on Monday morning. I have 14000 km.

 

Bloody hell, that's like $10.00 American.

Honestly though, didn't your MINI come with a certain amount of scheduled maintenance in Canada?

Get the shallow 36mm socket a pair of Rhino ramps, filter and some synthetic oil, and get at it.

 

>>Get the shallow 36mm socket a pair of Rhino ramps, filter and some synthetic oil, and get at it.<<

Agreed. There are good how-tos posted here and on MINI2. I'd never changed oil before I bought this car, and it was a breeze. Think of how much money you'll save over the course of your life (even beyond the MINI) once you're comfortable doing it on your own! Not to mention the comfort of knowing it's being done right - that the filter is actually being changed, etc. The MINI dealers are a pretty scummy bunch overall, and taking this sort of thing into your own hands is a smart thing to do. Good luck!

PS I'm more than happy to provide help over the phone (although I don't take int'l collect calls ); just send me a PM.

_________________
"Meine dispatcher says there is something wrong with deine cable"

 

On the other hand, you can buy a few filters online from mossmini or any other place, and get the oil changed at your local oil change joint. Prbly 1/4th the price

 

>>On the other hand, you can buy a few filters online from mossmini or any other place, and get the oil changed at your local oil change joint. Prbly 1/4th the price

...except for the shallow 36mm socket part. Might have to supply them with that as well!

 

Actually, I'm not sure that they get the free maintenance in Canada. If they don't, then this "oil change" price might include charges for other maintenance...and if that's so, then it's sort of a bargain. I think oil changes alone at my dealer are over $60 (US). So, yeah, I'll be doing my own once MINI stops giving them to me for free...

 

First time I had my oil change at the dealer, it was a little over $80 CDN. After that, I bought my own oil and filter when the time interval came to do it again.
What kind of other 'service' are you getting with that oil change? $120 still seems a bit high for a routine oil/lube service. But I'm guessing you're asking them to maybe do a check on everything as well???
I'm out here in BC. But the cost is still pretty high enough. That $96/hour mechanic labour rate hurts the pocket book.
Cheers,

 

The only thing complementary I got from my dealer is a washed car after they did my warranty stuff.


I will definitely be tracking what is being charged for.

 

Across the border here in the States...they do this at your first 10K service, all complementary:

Oil & filter change
Microfilter change (what is this??)
Vacuum and hand wash car

They also run your VIN to see if there are any Service Enhancements (i.e.: RECALLS or Technical Service Bulletins) on your car. My car had two TSBs: Replace power steering fan diode and some wiring bits; Reflash the DME with new software version 36 to address "driveability issues" such as yo-yo/surging/rough idle.

They will also address any other issues you have with your car at this time.

For most MINI owners, the first 10K service is the first time they've been back to the dealer since delivery...so there are many things you'll probably want them to do/check out.

Rock On,

-Joe

 

>>
>>
>>For most MINI owners, the first 10K service is the first time they've been back to the dealer since delivery...so there are many things you'll probably want them to do/check out.
>>

Oh Joe...I wish that were true. Maybe for some 2003 and (more?) 2004 cars... I think I was there about 3 or 4 times before 10K. All warranty, and all relatively minor, but out-of-my-way unplanned trips to the dealer nonetheless.

 

Not Fair!

 

>>Not Fair!
>>
>>I want a free oil change too - wah.
>>
Nothing to cry about. US Mini owners have probably paid for their oil changes in advance.....included in the price of the beastie.......

 

I just took my car in Friday to have the radio and amplifier replaced after it blew up. I have the Harmon Kardon too. They also had to replace the radiator fluid bucket because it was cracked and leaking. Had no anitfreeze in my car and did not know it. So watch out. Saw no leaks. The heat shield caught and dried all of it. Anyway they did my first oil change with out asking me which was fine they wanted to save me a trip of 100 miles. They also said they upgraded the computer for cold weather starts and this would improve gas mileage and improve the way the car runs. I can tell no difference. My oil change was free and will be free untill the warrenty is up.

 

>>Not Fair! :smile: