I am going to create a thread that will bring together many questions that are asked about issues with a MINI. Similar to my recent thread on Buying a Used Gen1, would like to expand it to the Gen2's and 3's so if you have some ideas on either Buying or Fixing a Problem please let us know. I turn my own wrenches and also like to research alternative methods and parts. Back to the FAQ, this thread will contain links to other posts here as well as include vids and references to vendors. These are the specific Gen1 items that I will review: 0001 – What models are considered Generation 1? 0002 – MINI uses allot of abbreviations and/or acronyms, what do they mean? 0003 – I am thinking about buying a MINI, what should I look for? 0004 – How do I find out what factory options a car I am looking at has? 0005 – What do you do to find out whether a used car has problems? 0006 – My car did not have an Owner’s Manual, how do I obtain one? 0007 – What type gas should be used and what happens if I do not? 0008 – What type oil should be used and when should the oil be changed? 0009 – My car does not start, what do I do? 0010 – A yellow dash light came on in my car, what do I do? 0011 – What are "trouble codes" and how do I see them? 0012 – What are typical maintenance items for my car? 0013 – What tires and/or aftermarket wheels should I use? 0014 – Is there a way to determine what part number a specific item is on my car? 0015 – Is there any place where I can see wiring schematics? 0016 – There are allot of performance abbreviations, what do they mean? 0017 – Can I “reset” my ECU and see more engine information without special tools? 0018 – What is Front Service Mode? 0019 – How should I jack up my car to work on it? 0020 – My car AC is not working, what should I do? 0021 – What is a good suspension modification? 0022 – What is a good horsepower modification? 0023 – I need information on the fuses and relays, is there any? 0024 – Who can I buy parts from? 0025 – Are there DIY articles, videos, manuals etc for working on/repairing a MINI? 0026 - How do I check to see if my car has any recalls outstanding? 0027 - I am having OBD2 issues, what is a drive cycle? 0028 - I have an automatic transmission that is acting strange. Is there anything I might be able to do instead of having to take it to a shop? 0029 - Something is draining my battery, what can I do? 0030 - At what temperatures does the cooling fans come on at, and, what other than temperature will make the fans come on?
This is looks like a great list and good intitative which will help both perspective buyers and current owners researching issues. Regarding Gen 2 I have one and can help.
#2 MINI doesn't use allot of abbreviations and/or acronyms. People who are too lazy to type out what they are referencing do. For clarity, type out the full name of whatever is being discussed.
That is a good best practice but there is also slang people use (weather they should or not).. we even have a site dedicated to it... lol (ok had to) https://www.motoringalliance.com/articles/mini-acronyms.65/