I have a 2011 cosmic blue All4 and love it; great fun to drive, large enough for kids' sports events (now that I don't coach) and does about everything I want.

My issue is this is my first German car and have never been to the dealer so much before regarding problems.

@ 2000 miles, the headlamp went out - replaced under warranty.

@ 5000, thermostat went out - replaced under warranty.

@ 36K, 37K, 39K and Finally 40K the Engine Malfunction light keeps going on.
Took into to dealer - amazing service writer by the way and it took them 4 days to diagnose and get approval from Corporate. Bad turbo.

So they said we'll order the turbo and associated parts, should be here by Thurs at 2 (Today) and should have car back not later than Fri night.

I'm like, ok cool. Then an hour later I get a call; bad news - no turbos in US, needs to come from Germany. 2 Weeks!!! WTF???

At least I have a loaner - switching from chick convert to Clubman soon. But still.

Bought All4 April 28, 2011 and it has a lil over 40K miles... I do drive it a lot but hey, isn't that what it's made for?

Someone tell me this will be the end of my problems!

I was thinking about getting an JCW All4 when available but...

 

Its not a German car thing per say but, rather a first year build of a new model thing! Its never a good idea (IMHO) to buy a first year production! I'm already starting to regret buying a second year production!

I hope you start to have better luck with your CM!

 

That sux man

 

Just for anecdotal information's sake, how often do you change the oil?Most all of the turbo failures I've seen reported here were folks who follow the computer based service intervals - IOW when the car tells them too.

Is that you also, or do you change yours according to your own schedule?

 

To be honest, the oil changes get done per the computer. All service done at dealer; bought extended 100K warranty as I knew I'd rack up the miles. AND I don't want to work on it.

I do check the oil and have never had to add any.

Here's how I figure it: MINI (BMW) should know how their cars should be serviced. With all the computer monitoring of the car, I would suspect they know more about the car than I do. It runs synthetic so I would hope the oil retains some of it's properties between changes.

Not having owned a turbo before, wouldn't the computer monitor turbo (bearing) heat? I realize it's a turbo, run on exhaust and all, but couldn't there be a way to see if the operating temp was changing (outside of environmental elements) perhaps indicating lubrication issues?

Just throwing darts...

I get the first year model thing and was hesitant to buy it BUT, it's such a cool car.

 

the engineers at mini/bmw do know more about their cars. unfortunately, the company is run by a bunch of bean counters. they'll take their chances with a few warranty repairs rather than provide everyone with costly maintenance, like reducing the oil change intervals.

 

As you may know, Mini recently changed their oil change intervals (for scheduled maintenance) from around 15K to 10K mi for cars produced from March 2012 on. I suggest that owners of earlier cars take the hint and pay for an intermediate oil change in the 5-10K mi range.

 

Where can that information be found?
Thanks....

 

Good news; picked up my All4 Thursday night - a week earlier than promised. New turbo has two year, unlimited mileage warranty according to my service rep which is cool. I just hope I stay out of their service for a while...

 

That is totally it. Bean Counters find the happy medium between oil change intervals and malfunction.

 

What are you finding MINI dealers are charging when you request an oil and filter change that's not part of the free servicing plan and do they still give you a free loaner in that case?

 

I buy BMW filters online/Amazon and keep a few in my car. Some quick change places don't stock the Mini filter. Plus the BMW filter uses a stronger center core that won't get crushed when they over tighten the housing. Most of the aftermarket filters will crush if over tightened.

I have also found a quick change place I know and trust. That is a huge! I change about every 3-4k.

 

Seriously push that dealer for an extended XXL Mini factory 6 year, 100K warranty

 

Purely anecdotal, as I said before......but from what I've seen if you want your turbo to last, you need to change the oil at least once a year or every 10K.

Be sure to use the correct synthetic oil too, and for god's sake pull the dipstick and check it once in a while - it's not unusual to use a quart or two in 10K.

It's convenient for me, so I buy the filter and oil from the MINI parts counter, it's about $35 for both - I figure as long as I'm in warranty I won't give them any excuse not to do a warranty repair.

 

@ 7000, our thermostat went out and water pump bearing started going out- replaced under warranty.

We do oil changes ever 4500-5000 miles on our N18 motor to try to save the turbo.

 

I use one of our two outstanding local independent BMW/MINI shops, not the dealer, who is 160 miles away. They charge about $90 and use OEM parts & oil. I have never received nor would I expect a loaner from a dealer or indy shop for any scheduled maintenance service (unless there is a concurrent warranty service to be performed).

Thread on MINI's new oil change intervals:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...000-miles.html

 

$90 bucks for an oil change?

My sphinter just puckered up!

I'll do my own thank you.

 

Right!?
$35 and 30 minutes of my time is just fine with me!!

 

Just giving my local shop's price as a reference for my area. Labor rates do vary quite a bit by area and shop expertise. I so urge most people to learn to do their own oil changes and other simple maintenance when they have the time. I've done most maintenance and some serious rebuilds on my street and race cars for 50 years. However at age 66 it does get a little old crawling under the car, and sometimes I now let a trusted shop do it.

 

Please refrain from plugging oil and your puckered up sphincter in the same post.