Should I invest in plugs yet. No particular problems, just wondering how often they need to be changed.
Depends.... MINI thinks plugs last close to forever. I've got ~110k on my car and have used 5 sets or so? Depends on use.... But from all your posts, it seems you're itching to spend some money on the car! If you have to spend, the best is for some track time at an HPDE that provides coaches. The next best is for parts from FES!!! Matt
Just as another data point, I have 94k and am on my third set of plugs, changed every 40k. Just pick an interval and go with it. I was gonna do every 50k, but I got anxious. Figure out how much you want to spend on spark plugs every year and divide that by the price of a new set. 100k is too long, 10k is too short. Everything in the middle is debatable. My experience with the MINI has been that the spark plugs should be changed roughly on the same schedule as the serpentine belt, if that helps.
I did mine at like 36K also. Besides not lasting 100,000 miles, imagine what it would be like to get them out if untouched for that long!
How hard is it to get them out? Are special tools or the ablity to stand on your head required (was on my Mustang)? Did you all stick with the OEM plug (I have a justa)? jim
Per the owner's manual 60K for the S 100K for the Justa's Coincidentally just changed mine last night at 61K, very nice Be aware there is a different type plug socket you need. 12pt 14mm. I bought one for $30, handy because it's magnetized and the plugs are about 6-8" straight down from the top of the engine. I think MiniDave talked about using some tape in a 14mm 12pt he had around his garage.
Another question related to plugs, I have an 2007 Mini (non S), and am attempting to change the plugs. How do you get the coil off the top of the plug after your remove the wiring connector? I have pulled and twisted (you can't twist it much) and I can't get it off. I don't want to pull to hard for fear of breaking something.
If you track a Vehicle than it is a performance advantage to change when you arrive for your track session. To save on expense change back to your daily plugs when you are finished. There is no advantage with anything other than a good single electrode spark plug. Shop for the best bargain. An inexpensive spark plug does not mean less performance from the spark plug. Variables considered?