I am pretty sure I already know the answer to this question but here goes. I generally take my cars to get the oil change at any place that is close when I need a change. Lots of Jiffy Lube and no problems. The mini seems to be more specialized. Is it reasonable to assume if I purchase all the parts for the oil change, would Jiffy Lube do an oil change. If they never did one and I had the instructions and they were competent, do you think this would be a problem. $120.00+ for an oil change not to mention the more time to take it to the dealer seems like a lot of work for an oil change.

 

If you dont want to do it your self and you dont want to pay the ripoff price of the dealer, you should bring it to one of the auto stores,( Pep boys, Sears, etc) At least they have trained mechanics on site. Bring your own parts and talk to the service manager about your concerns. Anything is better than the Fast Lube places.

 

The last time I went to Jiffy Lube, they charged me the full price for an oil change, even though I brought my own oil, filter, and ended up installing the filter myself becauase they were unsure how to do it (This was on a BMW Z3 roadster) It was the last time I went to a Jiffy Lube...

Best would be to join the BMWCCA, which welcomes MINI owners, and then participate in a DYI event, of which there are many during the year. Bring your own parts, get to use a lift and the advice of a mechanic for about $15. It's well worth it, and working on my cars always gives me a great sense of accomplishment and a better understanding (most of the time) of how they work.

 

Try changing it yourself once. Take a road trip with the money you save. Buy a bag of ice for the spot where you kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
Its not rocket science, its rocket maintenance.

 

So where's the hydrazine pump?

 

Hmmm. Did they ever figure out what that little black box under the passenger seat was?

 

DSC computer. Romi has a nice styrofoam block where that black box would be.

 

Don't forget oil changes are covered under 3yrs/30k maintenance, right?? And stick with fully synthetic.