I did not know MINI offered an anniversary service (oil & oil filter change and replacement of front and rear wiper blades). Great PR. I have had my car for about a year (MINI says I bought it mid April but I received it, I think, in mid May along with other Bay Area NAMmalukes).

When I called BMWSF to ask about an oil change (odometer approaching 5000 miles) a very pleasant voice told me I had another 5000 to go, but that I should bring PW/B#66 in for a free anniversary service! She gave me a choice of ANY week day (instead of 2 weeks in the future).

BMWSF surprised me. The troublesome MA I complained about on NAM was not there. The MA (Stewart Toy) who processed my car was pleasant and thorough (told me what was going to be done and at the end asked me if I knew what was going to be done--I think I passed the MINI exam). I was even offered a ride to work (8 blocks so I walked).

End of the day, Stewart was there again calmly handling 4 customers at once. This was a completely different experience from my previous visits to BMWSF (trying to buy a MINI and trying to get service). I believe individual workers make a difference, but I wonder if BMWSF learned of unhappy MINI owners and made the effort to improve, or was this a fluke (I'm too cynical).

I apologize if BMWSF's good performance has already been covered on NAM. PW/B#66 and I experienced a happy anniversary.

PS: That night I attended a fundraiser for one of our local elected officials and told her about the anniversary service. She got her MCS a month after I got mine and has only a few more miles on it. She did not know about the free service and will make an appointment. My good deed for the year.

 

Actually, the don't in the sense you might be thinking and sorry, its not PR. Rather, if you read your maintenaince manual, they will change your oil free when the counter counts done or one/year (the year being the anniversary of when you bought the car).

You got what I got, I think they called its low mileage service or something like that.

BTW, check your manual, your brakes are supposed to be bled every two years... take it in next year and they will do it FREE! Free is Good!

 

You have free maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles. This includes yearly oil changes (or earlier based on the service indicator in the odometer).

 

Thanks, chows4us and rhawth99, for the information and good advice. I should remove the manual from my glove box and read it. It's about time.

 

For me one year will be June 1st.... Maybe I'll get my change just before heading up to MOT'06. Good timing! :-)

 

Edited: Oops , thought MOTD, not MOT!

Good luck!

 

MOT is in June so he should have no problem.