So when I had my thermostat replaced by the Dealer, they also said I needed my spark plugs changed and an oil/filter change. I inquired the cost of each procedure and they were $231 and $79.99.

I asked the service guy if that included 4 new coils. Oh no, that would be extra. Then I asked him if the spark plugs were made of gold. He did not appreciate my humor.

I managed to do all these tasks and reset the service reminder for under $80.

I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who post, participate and moderate this vast forum. It has a wealth of information.

 

Glad you saved so much as those are easy standard jobs.

 

For the oil change on an N18 do you find the coolant tank is hard to get out of the way to access the oil filter housing? In my 08 with N14 engine the coolant tank tubes were flexible so it was easy but I hear it's really easy to create a leak in the tubes and it's much less flexible. Plus there's more stuff in the way of the filter.

 

When I went to change the oil in my 2011 Cooper S (N18) the plastic coolant tee immediately next to the oil filter housing tore into three pieces, leaving a part of itself in each of the three hoses it was joining. And by “tore” I mean it made a sound kind of like crackling Rice Krispies when it went. But my Mini had just been purchased used at 143K miles, and that tee (along with the main coolant pipe, which similarly tore into pieces at its water pump connection, right through the o-ring flange, when I got my hands on it to replace it) should have been replaced long prior. The Bentley manual actually has a recommend of replacing all the coolant lines every 4 years, which may be overkill but you get the idea.

Only posting so that one day your oil change doesn’t wind up an adventure like mine

 

I could position the coolant tank so I could access the oil filter. But it didn't move up and out of the way easily. I had to hold it with one hand while positioning the 27mm socket with my other hand.

I was being cautious as I didn't want any hoses to become strained or detached. Thank goodness i didn't have an adventure like cjv2!

 

On my 2011 S Hatch N18, I remove the bolt securing the coolant tank to the radiator support, pull the coolant tank up a bit, and twist it a bit to get just enough access to the oil filter cap with a 27mm socket on a long extension (and just enough to get my hand in there for removal of the cap and filter). I then use some mechanics wire to hook the coolant tank to the right side hood latch part on the hood. It tends to lose a few drops of coolant out of the 90 degree connector on the bottom of the coolant tank when I do this, but does not leak once bolted back into position.

 

NAM is so good as there has always been those that are willing to become involved. When you consider that that number is 1%, yes only 1% that visit post something, it makes you wonder what it would be like to have 2% get involved.

 

All,

Sorry, I haven't logged in a while, but if it is helpful, Franny made an oil change video (and transmission).