I live 3 hours from the nearest MINI dealership, so I do my own oil changes, check fluids, change spark plugs etc, all the basic stuff.

I have about 15K miles on her. What am I missing by not having service done at the dealership? Are there any things done at specific service intervals I cannot do myself?

 

You probably cannot reset the time to service light.

The first 10k service is nothing but an oil change. Although MINI might give you a warranty problem if you have not ever taken it in for scheduled service. Keep records to show what you have done.

 

>>You probably cannot reset the time to service light.
>>


The service interval can be reset.

-Press and hold the trip odometer button.
-Insert car key and turn it to the first position.
-Watch for the word "RESET" to appear on the Odometer indicator.
-Release the trip odometer button, then press & hold it again.
-Wait for the "RESET" message to flash.
-Release the button, and then press & release (once only)
-The Service interval is now reset

 

That is great to know! Thanks BC28!

 

I did actually reset the service interval after the 10K oil change, and I did one at 5K as well. And I do keep ****-retentive records of what I've done.

I was just wondering if I'm missing anything major?

 

I haven't had my 10K service done yet but, from what I have read on other posts, the dealer usually also changes the charcoal interior filter and replaces the wiper blades (if you ask nicely) at no charge.

 

>>I haven't had my 10K service done yet but, from what I have read on other posts, the dealer usually also changes the charcoal interior filter and replaces the wiper blades (if you ask nicely) at no charge.

Yes on wiper blades.
Charcoal filter? Not at my dealer.

Check the PCV hose- is it soft and mushy? If so then replace the hose and PCV valve.

Missing assorted nuts and bolts? Get them replaced.

Any interior or exterior hardware broken? My coin holder hinge fell apart.

All seats in working order? Sunroof?

No cracks in your windshield?

No rattles or big squeaks?

If no to all above then you have a great car. Motor On.

 

Virtually this exact question was posted about two weeks ago, and at that time I thought that there was an authorative source for the answer...THE MANUAL! This time, I've actually walked down to the car to get the manual and check. Sure enough.

Assuming you're in the US (MINIs delivered in other countries may have different materials), you should have a book entitled "Service and Warranty Information." This is a separate book from the actual owners manual but it's in the same faux-leather binder that holds the OM, radio OM, etc. Anyhow, that book contains detailed info on what gets attended to at each of the two types of "inspections" (I and II). It mentions the "initial oil change" but basically says that this is only changing the oil.

It's important to note that the book makes a big deal about using the "MINI service interval indicator" to determine WHICH of the two inspections and/or oil changes are required. I won't go into the details here (read your own book)...but it's pretty clear that they're not going to give you an actual mileage figure associated with any service in the manual. Rather, they want you to base your service on the computer calculations. This is fine for me personally, but I understand that some owners are compelled to take matters into their own hands...if so, then it's up to YOU to figure out when you need to do the items in the inspections (and of course, then to pay for them as opposed to letting MINI pay for them during the first 36,000 miles).

 

>>It's important to note that the book makes a big deal about using the "MINI service interval indicator" to determine WHICH of the two inspections and/or oil changes are required.

My dealer did not pay much attention to my service interval indicator. I was about 10,000 miles (just under) and I was due for the first service about 11,500+ miles. I was in for a PVC valve and hose replacement. The SA told me that they would do the first oil change while I was in for service. "close enough" he said.
The rest is history.

 

You shouldn't have to ask nicely, it's in the maintenance package... Any time the wipers start to streak you can bring the car in and get them replaced for free...