Just wanted to get a recommendation from folks in the Pittsburgh area for a local independent shop that could just do an oil change for me in a week or so. Mine is about due for an annual change, I really don't have the time or equipment to do it myself right now, I'm a bit reluctant to take it to a 30-minute oil change chain, and I'm certainly not going to pay ~$150 to MINI of Pittsburgh to do it...

 

You might have some more luck searching or posting a new thread in the Pittsburgh local subforum: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-mini-club-61/

 

We have three listed on the independent shop tab for the Pittsburgh area on the site below.

 

I've had my '03 S inspected and repaired at C&G Performance on Big Sewickley Creek Road (Red Belt) for several years. They can do a good job and cost less than the dealer. Call Champ, the owner, and see what he'd charge.

 

Good idea! I didn't know about those sub-forums. If the other leads don't pan out, I'll do as you suggest.

Thanks! Appreciate the information!

In reviewing the shops you have listed for the Pittsburgh area, I'll make the following comment concerning Bill Ballon at Bill Ballon Automotive: while my experience with him has been positive (I also own a BMW X3), and Bill seems quite knowledgeable about BMW's, he apparently doesn't service MINI's. I asked him that question, point-blank, and he said that, despite MINI being owned by BMW, they're just different enough mechanically from BMW's to require additional equipment and such, so he made a business decision not to further specialize in the MINI brand. That being said, I think I'll give him a call anyway and ask if he can do an oil change on a MINI, which is more a maintenance action than a service/repair action...

Thanks! I'll give Champ a shout if Bill can't help me!

 

Call Steve at Schade's in Irwin. Steve's been an officer with the PittStopMINI Club since forever, honest as the day is long, does about anything you'd need, fair prices, and a good friend.
508 U.S. 30 Irwin, PA 15642
(724) 863-5788

 

Irwin is a bit of a hike from the South Hills, but that may be the best option in the end; it sounds like Steve would be thoroughly familiar with MINI's -- which would make me more comfortable. Plus it would be a good excuse to get the car out for a bit of a run over to Irwin! Thanks!