I went in to get my 07 MCS serviced for the second time in her life, and was advised that I needed to replace the spark plugs. She only had about 28,000 miles on her, and usually I think of replacing them at around 50,000 if not even later. Has anyone else had this type of advisement or does MINI just do things a little bit differently?

 

I'd think they should be free. I dont' remember plugs mentioned in the warranty but i'd think they'd be covered under the warranty or maintenance plan.. Ask'em.

 

I think the OP was asking whether it's normal for spark plugs to need changing so early in the vehicle's life, not whether they'd be covered under warranty.

 

when a JCW tune kit is installed, they stick a warning on the engine that the plugs HAVE to be changed at roughly 30K. I was told by my SA that this is covered under the scheduled mtce.

 

If anything needs to be done to your car, anything that is required, or suggested by the dealer, should be covered either under the warranty or the maintenance plan (before 36,000 miles, of course).

It is odd that the MINI requires spark plugs so often. Is it a pain to replace spark plugs on the MINI? I heard the coils are right on top of them... do you need to replace those, as well?

 

No you dont have to replace the coils. They just pop out ( be careful). The plugs are 14mm and require a 12 point socket.

 

I was told the same thing by my SA even better was the fact that I am now out of the free maint (a sham if you ask me) by a couple thousand miles.

I went to my independent mech (BMW/Mini shop) and he said it should be closer to 80-90K for replacement. He took at look at them physically and confirmed that. BMW's are normally 80-90 but your mileage may vary.

The quoted price for replacement was $60each. Needless to say I turned it down and had them replace my dash again for the 2nd time under warranty.

 

I talked to the dealership, which is in Canada and is not covered under the MINI Service Warranty, but they were saying that it shouldn't have prompted to change spark plugs so they said I wouldn't have to change them yet.

 

$60 per spark plug? I'm sure there are better plugs for less money for sure. That's a lot of dough for plugs.

 

Yes. It's not BS.

Some new ignition systems eat plugs by 30k, though it may vary a bit by type/brand. I'd pull a plug and check it for erosion, if in doubt.

 

Right know my car millage is 20,800 and I changed my sparks at 20K.

 

The owner's manual specifies spark plug changes at 100k for the base model, and 60k for the S.

 

Aw, c'mon, miniclubman! You know very well that it is a violation of NAM Forum policy for any member to read the owner's manual!

 

I just bought and replaced the plugs in my 2007 MCS for $17.97 per plug.

You should only need to change you plugs at around 30K miles if you have the JCW Package.

The equals approx. every other oil change which is what is recommended by MINI.

I check and was told that it is not covered by the 3/36 warranty.

Other than that you, should be getting 50-60K miles on a set of plugs and a minimum.

 

What's up with the dash???

 

Changing plugs is too easy on this car.

Make sure you have a 12 point 14mm deep-well socketand a six inch extension.

Just use a piece of plastic wrap to capture the plug in th socket. It took me about 30 minutes from start to finish.
The torque specification is right on the box that the plug comes in.

 

Miniclubman is right. Guido CERt BMW/Mini Tech. There is a software error the CBS data has to be corrected. its called conditoning base services. So you do not have to replaced them till 60K. The dealership can go into CBS correction in the GT-1 tester and reset for the plugs to come on @ the correct service interval. ok thats about it. Nothing wrong with the instrument cluster. so lets not beat up our cars soo much thinking there is a problem and always trying to find the wrong thanks. Good luck with
enjoy your rides and happy motoring!

 

Can you describe your use of plastic wrap more thoroughly, please? Never heard of this technique.

Thx.

 

You can buy the expensive 14mm 12 point deep-well socket (Approx $40-$50 dollars) with the rubber insert or magnet in it, or get a $5.00 craftsman 14mm 12 point deep-well socket from Sears.

Then use plastic wrap on the socket splines to create the friction required to hold the spark plug in the socket.

If the plastic stays in the hole after you set the new plug in then just retrieve it with a pair of needle-nose pliers or a small stiff-wire hook.

This method can also be used to remove the old spark plugs!

 

Scottab36,

Where did you pick up your spark plugs from? and are they OEM?

 

These were OEM plugs right from the MINI dealer. They even swing a 10% discount for being a member of one of the local motoring groups. This is great when upgrading the MINI!

 

Not to steal the thread, but some clips keep breaking and the rattles just come out loud and proud. Had it worked on again today (3rd) time. There is a bulletin to add more insulation to the dash near the speedo to cut down the noise/rattles.

 

You do not need plugs at 30k, there is a glitch in the key reader display where it tells the service advisor, that your car needs an oil service connected with spark plugs, air filter, and micro filter. Some advisors don't know well enough, so they try to sell you plugs, and they should be covered under maintenance. 60k to 100k is the recommended service interval, there is a bulletin on this issue, SI M 00 09 07.

 

Thanks zminitech, it is surprising to me that Canada doesn't have the service plan like the states do. It don't really know why they wouldn't but I didn't buy the car up their either so maybe that is it.