She just got started on her cruize across the pond, so won't have our 1st MINI for another month, and I cannot find an electronic copy of the MINI maintenance manual. But here is what I gather from the owner's lounge MINI 2006 Owners manual, and Inspection I & II lists.

Our 2010 MINI S will see 6,000 to 8,000 miles a year is all, so I have gone ahead and added oil changes every 1 year, and every 2 years brake fluid flushes, and 4 years coolant flushes where I expect they will pop up.

How does this list look to you more experienced MINI owners? Is there such a maintenance sticky already here at NAM? I don't even see a maintenance section here at NAM.

Oil Change Per CBS or 1 Year
Micro-Filter (Cabin Filter) 15K Service I & II
Brake Fluid 2 Years
Coolant 4 Years
Tires 6 Years
Spark Plugs 100K
Oxygen Sensor 100K
Air Filter Service II
Fuel Filter N/S
Power Steering Fluid N/S
Auto Transmission Service Service I & II

CBS Routine:
Oil Change 1 Year
Service I 2 Years
Oil Change 3 Years
Service II 4 Years

Service I Minor Service 2 Years:
Oil Change
Micro Filter
Auto Transmission service
Brake Fluid

Service II Major Service 4 Years:
Oil Change
Micro Filter
Auto Transmission Service
Brake Fluid
Coolant
Air Filter
V-Belt

I called the stealership to see about what the cost would be on my dime:

Service II at 4 years: $1,000

Oil change at 5 years: $100

Service I again at 6 years: $600

Think I see why the extended 6 Year maintenance agreement could be a good thing.

 

According to your figures that is $1700 for service on your dime. The extended maintenance can be had for $1295. My 2007 hit is 3rd birthday last month and I waited until the week before the original maintenance expired to buy the extended.
Make up your mind later after you decide if you are keeping the car for the long term.
There is a sticky on extended maintenance at the top of the second generation coup talk (this) section.

Here is the link: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...act-terms.html

 

I didn't check, but you should get all of that FREE for the first 3 years...

Once it's past the warranty period, and hell even before if you are going to do extra, take it to an indy mechanic... The dealer is the most expensive place you could ever take your car for anything.

If you are really planning on keeping the car for a long time, learn to do it yourself. No I'm not talking engine rebuilds, but brakes, fluids, filters... All of it's really easy, and you will actually know it was done right.

 

I've already got 32,000 miles on my MCS and it's not even two years old. I'll be getting the extended maintenance...

 

I bought the extended maintenance plan for my '07 MCS. I bought it when my car was at 35,500 miles, and I am very glad I did. Right now, my MCS is sitting at 74,000. Since I bought the car, I haven't had to pay for ANY service at the dealership. All oil changes, brakes, recommended service, etc has all been covered. I recommend buying the plan.

On a side note, I also bought the extended warranty at the same time. I am SUPER glad I bought it.... Here's why:

At 58,000, the vacuum pump (attached to front cam shaft) seized, which caused major damage to the engine. After it was inspected, GE (warranty company) approved the claim for a reconditioned engine. I paid a $200 deductible, they paid $7,900.

Fast forward to last Monday.... I took the car into the shop because the turbo was making wailing noises (sounded like a siren when it boosted). GE again approved this repair (plus the LCD display on the radio was going out). I will pay $200, they will pay $3,500.

I'm a little fed up with the repairs that have been necessary ($11,800 in 9 months), but given that the warranty has covered everything, I'm satisfied, I guess.

I just don't think I'll be keeping this car once I hit 100,000 miles and the warranty expires. I'll start looking at my next MINI.....