North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2014-Present: General Information and Recommended Maintenance Schedule

If you want to keep your Mini Cooper in tip top shape for many years, you must ensure that proper maintenance is completed at the right time. This article covers everything you need to know to keep your Mini running right for as long as possible.

By Brett Foote - June 29, 2016

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2014-Present).

Every car on the road today comes with a recommended maintenance schedule, and following this schedule to a "T" is a good way to increase your chances of keeping your car running in tip top shape for as long as possible. All vehicles have their own little quirks and requirements to keep them running properly, and the Mini Cooper is no exception. Routinely changing things like oil and filters is important, but there are several other things you can do to extend the life of your ride.

The on-board computer in your Mini Cooper will prompt you when maintenance items are due using the Condition Based Service (CBS). The system uses a series of sensors and algorithms to personalize your maintenance requirements based on the way your drive and use the car. This information is recorded in the key fob, which can be read at the dealership and used to determine an optimized maintenance schedule.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Engine Oil Service

Engine oil service intervals are determined by the car's CBS system, but generally don't occur at more than 10,000 mile intervals. The dealership will change the engine oil and filter, check tire pressure and adjust if needed, check the parking brake, top off washer fluid, and inspect the cabin air filter, changing it at every other oil change or every two years.

Engine Oil Change in Mini Cooper
Figure 1. Changing the engine oil is one of the most important maintenance items for any car.

Brake Service

Much like the engine oil service intervals, brake service is determined by the CBS as well. The dealership will inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear, replacing them when needed. Generally, pads are replaced when they reach the same thickness as the metal backing. The dealership will also flush and replace brake fluid every two years.

brake service on Mini Cooper
Figure 2. Brake service intervals are also determined by the CBS.

Regular Service Intervals

Other maintenance items are completed at specific mileage intervals, which is the traditional way of doing things in the automotive industry. The following services should be completed as noted:

  • 30,000 miles - Replace spark plugs (John Cooper Works models only)
  • 45,000 miles - Replace engine air filter
  • 60,000 miles - Replace spark plugs (all models except JCW)
  • 100,000 miles - Replace automatic transmission fluid
  • 120,000 miles - Replace oxygen sensors

Additional checks, performed as prompted or at every second oil change: check horn and flashers, interior and exterior lighting, seat belts, windshield wipers and fluid, body rust, tire pressure and wear, battery, airbags, mirrors, engine coolant level and condition, drive belt, brake lines, exhaust, fuel line, rear axle, transmission leaks, steering components, as well as power steering fluid.

Tire pressure monitor batteries have a lifespan of around five to seven years, and all four should be replaced at the same time.

Turbocharged models often experience fewer problems with more frequent oil changes. 5,000 mile or less intervals, with full synthetic oil, can help prevent damage to the engine caused by turbocharging.

Spark plugs on Mini Cooper
Figure 3. Spark plugs, along with other maintenance items, are completed at specific mileage intervals.

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