I am due for my first scheduled maintenance . . .what is done EXACTLY ?
Is it even worth it for me to take it in? I can change my oen oil (I did it at 5,000 miles)

How many people do take their cars in?

 

While I change my own oil and filter at regular intervals, its worth going in for the scheduled maintenance to get a freebie; also they will reset the service interval odometer (15,000 until the next), you can have your car's convenience features programmed (follow me home lights, DRL, etc.) and have any troubling problems (i.e. sunroof rattle) attended to. Remember, don't cost nuthin', so it's worth at least your time.

 

Yes I took mine in. Having a 02 there were some thing that needed to be checked for possible problems or upgrades. The coolant bottle was one and it was changed for free. The elements on my driving light had gone out the week before and were fixed free of charge also. I don’t live close to any MINI dealer so I made a list of things I wanted checked or reprogrammed before I went for service. I also called the week before and talked to the service manager to make sure the parts or services could be done that day. I had no intension on driving 600 miles to be told “we can have that part in here by Thursday”.

The dealer was Brian Harris in Baton Rouge and they did an outstanding job.

Do the service it is worth your time. If you don't and any problems do come up, you can only blame yourself for passing up a free inspection of your MINI.

 

I have an 02 also and just noticed that the elements on my driving light had gone out, it is cool that they will replace it. I may have then do it
1) when they put in windshield number 3
2) in 2000 miles when I hit the 2nd service date or
3) when they put in windshield number 4

Ben

_________________
Always yield to temptation it may not pass your way again. -RAH

 

"you can have your car's convenience features programmed (follow me home lights, DRL, etc.)"

Yes, but most dealers will charge you for this.

I think the real reason these are called "convenience options" is that they're a convenient way for dealers to get another 50 bucks out of you.

 

^ My dealer (original one I purchased it from as well as the one I take it to for service) has never charged me for programming convenience features. So for the record, different dealers have different policies...and unfortunately, a number of MINI dealers really suck. But they don't all.

 

I took mine in for the 15,000 mile service.

I think the question is... "Since it's free, why NOT do it?"

Besides, it gave me an excuse to motor another 150 miles each way to the dealer!

 

I am have changed exc ept for the intervals.. haven't gotten to my second one though.. hey if that what they recommend why not do it....

 

>>"you can have your car's convenience features programmed (follow me home lights, DRL, etc.)"
>>
>>Yes, but most dealers will charge you for this.
>>
>>I think the real reason these are called "convenience options" is that they're a convenient way for dealers to get another 50 bucks out of you.
>>
>>
At my dealer we will give you your first programming free, after that we charge.
1st. service includes the following:
1. oil service
2. microfilter change
3. add one bottle of washer solvent
4. check brake pad thickness front and rear and record thickness( I have never seen a mini come in with less than 8mm on a 1st. service. New the pads have 11mm.)
5.they also run what we call a DCS report to check for any RECALLS according to your VIN #.
6. wiper inserts are free, included in Maint. service, all you got to do is ask.
7. reset service reminder.
8. stamp maint. book to show it has had it's services.

2nd. service includes all the above and also checking several things.
the check off list for the 2nd service (inspection 1) is 2 pages. Automatic cars get the tranny fluid changed.

 

"I think the question is... "Since it's free, why NOT do it?"

Actually, it's not free -- you've already paid for it in the purchase price. BMW says as much by referring to it as prepaid maintenance.

So the real question is why not get something you've already paid for...

 

If you're less than 100% certain that you'll own the car until it dies, it's not a good idea to skip scheduled maintenance appointments. Usually buyers like to see those kinds of records. Unless your super-far from your dealer, I'd definitely recommend doing it. If you don't like Castrol, you can bring your own oil with you!

 

Absolutely bring it in. The schedule MINI maintenance cycles appear to be pretty comprehensive, so it is a good idea to have the car checked with a fine tooth comb.

In the event you experience problems with the car, the first thing the dealer and MINI will ask to see actual maintenance records. For warranty covered repairs, having the car serviced by the dealer during the first 3 years of the free maintenance program adds lots of leverage because the only ones that have stucked their little hands inside the car are the authorized MINI dealer, not the independent garage Joe around the corner...


Also having dealer maintenance records adds brownie points at time of private sell to a second buyer. People really LIKE to see neatly kept maintenance records...it shows them that you took good care of the car, justifies the asking price and gives the buyer an added dosage of confidence in the car.


Look at it this way....you paid $20K + for a new MINI....why become stingy about its maintenance?

 

I do