For m my2010 Clubman, I was going to wait until 50k to replace the spark plugs, which should be next year... does anyone recommend keeping an ignition coil in the boot in case one goes while I'm on the road, or is that less likely to go than a spark plug? I would know which ignition coil is bad from the Bluetooth OBD I'm going to get. Thanks for your advice!

 

I should add, I recently had my #1 ignition coil go, and a year ago the first one went (#3) ... but I don't know much about car repairs, so I had a mechanic fix them. I'm just getting smart now, not just to save money but also because I want to take care of my own car.

 

If you had two go, just replace the other two. They all do the same amount of work so they arent far behind. They arent that expensive and can be changed by even you in seconds.

 

Do you think I should just replace the 2 remaining ignition coils, or do the spark plugs too while I'm in there?

 

Yeah, if you have one or two go out, the others are not far behind. Change them all at the same time, and motor on.

 

Carrying a spare coil (one of the old ones) isn't a bad idea...hadn't thought of that. Esp good as the new coils accumulate some miles.

 

C'mon - if I took all my spares and necessary tools I wouldn't be able to get my *** into the car. Relax-don't worry we all have one type of road hazard story that could possibly make you the life of the party. Go motoring and don't worry about things like this.
ISAMIN

 

Up to you, when you change the two remaining coils, take a look at those two plugs. Measure the gap, make sure they aren't in bad shape. If they look good change them next year. Or just change everything one time and save another job for yourself.

 

Too true....I suppose I'm susceptible to this approach because I drove a TR3 during college....making every trip back home for Xmas or whatever a real adventure....from broken fan belts, broken oil pump drives, to frozen differentials. I eventually carried all kinds of spares from my three parts cars in that tiny trunk. Loved and hated that car....wish it was still in my garage!

 

I posted this elsewhere but I should have just tacked it on to this thread...
Looking at ECS Tuning I see Bosch ignition coils go for $27.50 each and the ones that says "Genuine MINI" are $78 - I don't have a turbo Mini... should I worry if I get the Bosch ones that are so much cheaper?? The NGK spark plugs seem what a lot of people are using so I'll go with that for plugs.