Have installed JCW Tunning Kit on my R58. Mini says now to replace plugs at every oil change. This seems like overkill, am I wrong? When I go to replace plugs, what should I use, OEM or are there better options, that I won't have warranty issues with. Do I need to set gaps or are recommended plugs pre-gapped.

 

yeah, that's kind of crazy. I use BAVAuto's sheet -
http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/r58mc.pdf

Since I'm tuned, though, I'm planning on replacing them every 30k. If you stuck with the CBS, that'd mean every 15k... Seems silly to me.

 

thanks, what plugs will you use?

 

I use NGK 1422 as recommended for my tune. I forget what the stock plug is, but I'm sure ECS or Pelican can hook you up with the right stuff. I've used both places.

 

Stock plug is here, thats are for the JCW Tuning kit for the Cooper S.


MINI like to maybe follow the change over schedule for those tuning kit like they do for my factory JCW's . But thats every 30K. Do you have the install sheet that states 15K. Never heard that short.

They are pre-gapped, but you should also check them before install encase something was bumped in shipping.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-Cooper_Coupe-R58-Cooper_S-Coupe-N18B16A/Engine/Ignition/



The JCW Factory plugs get changed at 30K each time.

 

This is quite expensive just for plugs. What is the price of an oil change on these Mini?

 

haha, I just looked at the pictures of the plugs - you'd literally be paying $40 more to have the "official MINI" plugs show up in a bag tagged with the MINI logo... literally the exact same plugs.
Oil change depends on your preference - I don't know what the dealer charges, but I pay maybe 30 for the oil (Mobil 1 extended performance) and $15 for the OEM filter and do it myself.

 

I guess an oil change at the dealer may be about $100.00 if not more. An independent shop may be around $75.00.

I always buy new cars with maintenance programs so I really don't know. I am just curious.

As for the plugs, the vendors here may take a big mark-up.

Also, I would like to see an OEM maintenance chart and understand why they need to be replaced at 30K.

 

Nah, not much markup on the Beru plugs. It's a platinum plug so they're about $14 each on their own. MINI / BMW sure has a markup though. I just replaced all the ball joints on my girlfriend's R50 (190k miles, it was DUE!) and went with the OEM supplier for parts, identical to the BMW/MINI but without the logo it was significantly cheaper.

 

Some dealer charge $100+ , some closer to $70. Through there oil change specials they run. They lower there prices to what almost cost is to bring in customers. I get there flyers all the time. Couple years ago it seems no one was near 70.

We have oil change kits here from Genuine to aftermarket to get an idea.

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R55_R56_R57_Gen2_Oil_Service_Kits_2007_2008_2 009_2010_2011_2012_2013_2014/




Ours all come with a reminder ECS window cling also to remind you for shorter service intervals and if you dont want to follow the long CBS intervals.