Hello, from Chicago. First post on a Mini forum. I just bought a 2013 Cooper S and just wanted to ask if there are steps I should take to ensure the reliability, performance, etc of the car. We've all heard about the carbon problems etc whether or not they are as bad with the N18.

In other words, of you could wind the clock back to just 400 total miles, what would you do differently?

Rod Stewart once said: "I wish I knew what I know now, when I was younger."

Thanks,
Justin

 

Welcome and congrats on your Mini. Your breakin is pretty much over. Just drive and have fun. One of the first things you might want to do is get new tires and get rid of the runflats while they still have some value. In regards to turning the clock back, just before your warranty expires take your car to a independent mechanic and have them look over your car.

 

Not really, assuming that 400miles is his total mileage. The manual specified breakin period is 1400 miles (might have been 1200, but definelty not 400).

As for what I would have done differently, not much since my car is still relatively new, 2013 8K miles and I was religious about the breakin period. The carbon build-up might be less in the newer n18 engines because I have read that there was a slight redesign of the vapor return lines to address the issue. But to make sure you decrease the changes of carbon buildup, make sure your oil is not overfilled. If you have too much oil, it can get sucked more easily into the intake mani, where it turns into carbon. Also, try to get the oil and filter changed or change it yourself right after the breakin period.

 

[QUOTE=J
Rod Stewart once said: "I wish I knew what I know now, when I was younger."

Thanks,
Justin[/QUOTE]


That made me lol.

 

Do a little research on breakin and the one consensus you will find is the very first few miles are the most important.

 

Thanks for the responses so far. I actually sold the run flats back to the dealer as part of the sales deal.

400 total miles, and yes I plan on sticking with my very moderate driving until the 1200 recommended. I like my cars to be pristine, and there is no reason to risk damage because j couldn't relax for a week. I am a big music guy anyway and have been enjoying the Harmon Kardon system. Pretty good for an OE stereo!

Oil change at 1500 is in order. Glad to hear I'm on the right track.

I realize that 2013's are still too new to say what to look out for, but I know Mini's are finicky. My last several car engines were F22C1 (S2000) and LS family engines. Both required absolutely zero maintenance even by my high standards. I found myself doing tune ups just for the sake of doing them.

 

Thumbs up!

 

Congrats, post some pictures of that spice orange!

 

Gota love that spice orange color...awesome choice

 

I'd be happy to post some pictures. Give me a few days. I'm in Macedonia (FYROM) for my girlfriend's sister's wedding. Resources are limited. Plus the mini didn't make the journey.