R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Change spark plugs myself?

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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:57 AM
  #1  
Stride's Avatar
Stride
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Change spark plugs myself?

I need to change the spark plugs on my mini but I want to know should I do a full tuneup even though I had the oil changed 5k miles ago or should I just do the spark plugs. If just the spark plugs should I just do them myself or take it to pepboys or crevier mini? Yes, I do have a torque wrench but I do not what pressure were supposed to use. So, I would need a guide.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 12:07 PM
  #2  
exocet's Avatar
exocet
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From: SW Colorado
It's certainly a job you can attempt to do yourself. I did with little prior mechanical knowledge. Be sure you start to thread gently when reinstalling and then make sure the boot is correctly seated when reconnecting the wires.

Two resources:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ark-plugs.html

http://www.billswebspace.com/mcs.htm (2/3rds of the way down)
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 02:55 PM
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ZippyNH
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From: Southern NH
"Full tuneup" on a car with electronic ignition is a joke...really....no points to change. "Tune up" on modern cars actually do not exist.....
I kinda understand what you are saying....
Check in the manual....
"Inspections" are done as inspection 1 after about 30,000, then inspection 2 30,000 later...then do it all over....might want to look at the list if items....many are often forgotten....
Things like radiator flush every 36-48 months, and brake fluid flush every 36 months are calendar iitems....
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 03:25 PM
  #4  
Capt_bj's Avatar
Capt_bj
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Melbourne, FL
today's spark plugs are good for 100,000 miles in many cases

changing them is easy

IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOL

today's plugs tend to sit WAY DOWN in a cylinder .... standard spark plug sockets from not too many years ago ALMOST fit down in the hole. ALMOST 'cept they get stuck short of the plug .... and U can not get it out . . . . SURPRISE!!!!! AND let's pile on by saying GEN2 plugs need a SPECIAL socket . . . .

I'm NOT saying pay the dealer

find a local MiniAc and they can steer you 'tween the rocks and shoals as I have and DO for many local folks . . . .
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 03:46 PM
  #5  
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ZippyNH
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From: Southern NH
http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Routin..._I_and_II_2344

Here is a pretty good list...Not technically right...but pretty good.
Mini Coopers have 3 types of service:

Oil Change
Inspection (I)
Inspection (II)
Your Service interval display located in the center of the speedometer will notify you of which service type you need. Each time the vehicle is started the display will show the mileage until the next service is needed.



If the display is flashing and the mileage is displayed as a negative you have gone past the time of service and are overdue.

The services come in this order,

Oil change
Inspection (I)
Oil Change
Inspection (II)
repeat
Inspection (I) is also known as a Minor service and Inspection (II) is also known as a Major service.
Inspection II includes most of the tasks from Inspection I with additional Inspection II tasks.



OIL SERVICE:


Oil and Filter
Reset service interval display
Interior Cabin Filter
Check brake pads
Check brake rotors
Clean brake pad contact points
Grease wheel centering hubs
Check parking brake


INSPECTION I:


Oil and Filter
Check Trasmission Fluid for leaks
Change CVT (automatic transmission) fluid
Check CV joint boots for damage or leaks
Visually check fuel tank, fuel lines and connections for leaks
Check condition, position and mounting of exhaust system. Adjust if necessary.
Check struts and shock absorbers for leaks
Check front control arm bushings for damage or wear
Check power steering system for leaks. Check fluid level and add if necessary.
Check steering rack and tie rods for tightness.
Check condition of steering linkage and steering shaft joints.
Check overall thickness of front and rear brake pads.
If replacement is necessary:

- Examine Brake disc surface
- Clean brake pad contact points in calipers
- Grease wheel centering hubs
- Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads
- Check operation of parking brake and adjust as necessary


Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage and incorrect positioning
Check parking brake actuator. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare if equipped) and correct if necessary.
Check condition of tire tread surface, tread wear pattern. Align if necessary.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty. (Must be performed every 2 years)
Read out on-board diagnostic (OBDII) fault codes
Check engine coolant system / heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level. Add if necessary
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Add if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Replace ventilation mircofilter. (Reduce replacement interval in dusty conditions.)
Reset service interval display.
Check battery state of charge
Check operation of:

- headlights, foglights, parking lights, back-up lights, turn signals,
- emergency flashers, stop lights, license plate lights, interior lights,
- glove compartment light, make-up mirror light, flashlight,
- engine compartment light, trunk light.
Check instrument panel lights
Check warning and indicator lights, check control
Check operation of horn, headlight dimmer and flasher switch
Check wipers and windshield washer system
Check aim of washer jets and adjust if necessary
Visually examine all airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories
Check central locking system
Check operation and condition of door, engine hood and rear hatch latches
Check heater, air-conditioner blower and rear defogger operation
Check operation of rear view mirrors

Check:

braking performance
steering
heating
air-conditioner operation
Check manual transmission and clutch or automatic transmission operation
Inspection 2 is ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS....
INSPECTION II:


Air filter Element
Serpentine Belt - 60,000 miles for Cooper S
Brake Fluid - Every 2 years (dealer recommended)
Coolant - Every 4 years
Oxygen Sensor - Replace at 100,000 miles
Spark Plugs - Replace at 100,000 miles
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 09:45 AM
  #6  
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TheBigChill
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From: NY
Do it yourself, and torque them to 20 ft-lbs.

It's a 15 minute job, 30 for a newb.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinf...stallation.asp
 
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