Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I just completed an order for my wife's new 2012 MCS.

I wanted to know what (if any) special tools I needed to pick up in order to do general maintenance and such. Also, what type of jacking set up is most appropriate. Is there any thing special about the car and its jack points.

I will have the dealer do the regular schedules...but,for example, I will definitely be replacing the oil and filters every 3,000 miles regardless of there schedule. And preforming any other maintenance as I see fit.

Thanks for the help.

 

A set of low rise ramps is very handy, and/or perhaps a low profile floor jack. A 27mm socket for removing the oil filter housing (low rise if you can find it), and a good set of torx bits should get you started.

 

Great...Thanks!

 

One of those moldable drip catches for changing the oil is nice. That filter is tucked up in there! The low profile jack is a must.

 

Thanks...I'm good to go with jack and stands. have you guys replaced the drain plug for a magnetic? Figured I would do that with the first change. Also wanted to pick up an oil catch can.

 

WaymotorWorks has a greeeat starter kit for oil changes that gives you all the tools you need as well as a new ring and filter (i purchased it). Ive been considering a OCC but i have the mod bug too bad and my next purchase are coil-overs ... good luck with the new mini and dont get the mod bug too bad on your wifes car.

 

The mod bug is one of the best things about owning a MINI!

 

but he said its his wife's car ... so its not his LOL ... i dont have a girlfriend or wife but i wouldnt want to get the mod bug on HER car lol ... call me selfish ?? it is the best part about the MINI just wish aftermarket parts were in the same price range as hondas or acuras ... BMW (bring money withya) :(

 

Thanks...that's a good site. And regarding mods...we got the JCW works pkg, tuning kit, suspension, and breaks.....So, when she let's me drive it...it's going to fun

She only will drive an automatic....so the actual JCW car was out.

 

Make sure you get A 27mm 6 point socket for removing the oil filter housing.

If you want to use a floor jack on your R56 Mini and lift it from the front factory location you can fill the front stock jack point with a block of wood. I used 3/4 plywood. The filler block is small and you can put it in your tool kit in the trunk. Easy! The front jack point will lift both the front and rear wheels on one side of the car.

 

If you can't find a 27mm, look for a 1 1/16", 6-point socket. They're the same size.

 

Check out this blog, scroll down a few pages to the one titled "How a stud lifts a MINI". You'll want to use this method once in a while when you rotate tires and such.
http://www.blimeycabrio.com/?m=200704
Also a good URL to have is http://soopercooperinfo.com/
It has links to everything you can think of concerning MINI how to's and where from's.
Something you will want to add immediately is a Lightinsight lens.
http://www.lightinsight.com/

 

Great Info....THANKS ALL! Nice Hankooks too