I called the local dealer today to schedule my first oil and filter change (my expense; low miles and only 6 months old). They asked if I'd like to have it done today. I was home an hour later. The service writer said he wished more owners would come in, that they have several slow days coming up.

During the time I was in the MINI showroom (15 minutes?), there were no customers at all...I and a couple of sales reps were the only ones there. Same for the BMW showroom.

I was charged $93.73. Labor was $45, parts $38.76 (presumably oil and filter), shop supplies $7.65 (perhaps a really nice red rag?), and tax of $2.32.

All this is just fyi, for inquiring minds.

 

$45 in labor for an oil change. Probably takes them 10 minutes to do (if they are slow). I'd also say the "Shop Supplies" charge is BS. Just another way to gouge the customer. That's why I change my own. 15 minutes, $35 in oil and filter, and I'm done.

I completely disagree with the way their OBC calculates the time for an oil change, also. My first covered service was at 18k miles, and I tend to drive my MINI pretty hard. When I did my first oil change (at 8k) I was surprised to see just how bad the oil looked. Now I'm doing it every 6k miles. $35 is pretty cheap insurance.

I love my MINI, but I really hate the way dealships (ALL dealerships) gouge their customers.

Steve

 

Last night i went to go pick up my car from the service department and the show room looked like the WAR ROOM. Every sales person on the phone and trying to make monthly numbers. Not a lot of foot traffic though.

 

I thought all oil changes and all service/maintenence was paid for by MINI for 3 years 36000 miles?

 

Only when the OBC tells you that you need a service (or you have gone 1 year without an oil change). Other than that, if you want any other service done (earlier oil change etc) it's out of pocket or you do it yourself.

 

If I go to a lube place to get it done, does that void the warranty?

 

No...

Assuming they use correct-spec synthetic oil and a MINI-brand oil filter, of course. They won't have the filter in stock so you'll have to buy one at the dealer and bring it with you. And make sure they put the proper oil in (no guarantee they will unless you check!)

But seriously, why would you do that? Do it yourself. The MINI oil change is about the easiest maintenance you can ever do. There's nothing to it, even for a complete novice. Plenty of tips and advice here on this forum if you need it, just do a search.

I buy a couple of filters when I'm near my MINI dealer (it's 100km or ~60 miles away) so I'll have them on hand. Watch Walmart or wherever for Castrol Syntech synthetic to go on sale and stock up (I keep 2 or 3 jugs of it in my garage).

Spend the money you would spend on a "lube place" oil change on a good oil drain pan and a couple of appropriate-sized wrenches. Then you're good to go for as long as you own your MINI. No appointments to make, no dealer labour or "shop supplies" to pay, no wondering if that lube place REALLY put the synthetic oil in - just do it whenever you have a few minutes, and be sure it's done right!



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not to thread jack or anything.. but why on my new 09 mini is it due for a front brake pad change at 30,000 miles and 31,000 miles for the rear brake pads? Why didnt they just but both front and back pad changes at 31,000 or 30,000 on the OBC... why the 1k discrepancy?