Hello I'm a new owner excited to learn more about all that is Mini

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by Dawnann, Dec 30, 2014.

  1. Dawnann

    Dawnann New Member

    Dec 30, 2014
    2
    2
    0
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Hello,

    Earlier this week I bought a 2005 Cooper S automatic with the steptronic transmission. I have to say I am absolutely loving this car. It's been the most fun I've had driving in a long time. Have caught myself giggling more than once.

    I'm just looking for general advice to make sure I keep my little Serenity running for a long time to come. I got her from a neighbor that buys and fixes up cars. The only maintenance records are from the first oil change in 2006. It has 125,000 miles on and has a rebuilt transmission from the previous owner letting the transmission fluid run dry. Spark plugs have been replaced. Had a mechanic friend look at her before I bought her and he found no problems. The onboard computer says next oil change is due in 12000 miles. Any tips or advice to keep her in top condition would be appreciated.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    Welcome to M\A but don't wait until 12,000 lies for an oil change. The longest I would go with you car is 6k and that's pushing it.

    I have a very modded car and I change my oil every 3k.
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,164
    6,170
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,877 / 10 / -3
    Welcome to MA!
    I agree with Dave, don't go over 6000 between oil changes. I also change my oil every 3000 miles. But that is more often than needed.

    You may want to check the control arm bushings, they probbably need to be changed. If so use Power flex bushings they last longer.

    Show us some pictures of your Mini.

    Serenity, good name but then agin I'm a Firefly fan.
     
  4. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Apr 16, 2010
    6,832
    2,011
    113
    Mechanical Engineer/DA Civilian
    DE
    Ratings:
    +2,024 / 0 / -0
    Welcome aboard!
     
  5. Dawnann

    Dawnann New Member

    Dec 30, 2014
    2
    2
    0
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for the oil change advice I will definitely follow it and will have the control arm bushings checked. I'll post pictures tomorrow. I'm hoping to be able to get custom plates that say SHINY.
     
  6. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2013
    20,849
    2,024
    113
    Retired
    Ratings:
    +2,978 / 6 / -5
    Welcome to M/A !!
     
  7. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    3,217
    1,542
    113
    Used to work making computers run fast!
    Louisville, Colorado
    Ratings:
    +1,731 / 5 / -0
    Welcome to M/A, the 2005 should be great but stay ahead of the maintenance, small things will add up and put you into the shop.

    Hope you have a good independent MINI shop where you live, the 05s are getting expensive to get fixed at the dealers.
     
  8. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
    Lifetime Supporter

    Aug 17, 2011
    4,568
    1,475
    0
    SC
    Ratings:
    +1,478 / 0 / -0
    Welcome to m/a
     
  9. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

    May 15, 2012
    6,023
    5,310
    113
    11 years in the ARMY, 2 years of being a multitale
    North Denver CO.
    Ratings:
    +5,322 / 0 / -0
    Welcome to M/A! :D
     
  10. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

    May 29, 2009
    4,033
    2,236
    113
    Male
    Retired
    Piqua, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +2,788 / 10 / -0
    Welcome to M/A!
     
  11. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 18, 2010
    7,820
    3,327
    113
    Retired CAL FIRE Battalion Chief
    The Great Irrigated Desert of Central CA
    Ratings:
    +3,328 / 0 / -0

    :Thumbsup: That's such great advice from both you guys... Out'a curiosity, what's your recommendation for a MINI that may only get 500 miles on it in 6 months...? :lol:
     
  12. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,164
    6,170
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,877 / 10 / -3
    Well some of us DRIVE OUR MINIS! :lol::lol::lol::lol: my recommendation would be for you to send me your classic and I will put some miles on it for you.:D
     
  13. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 18, 2010
    7,820
    3,327
    113
    Retired CAL FIRE Battalion Chief
    The Great Irrigated Desert of Central CA
    Ratings:
    +3,328 / 0 / -0
    I know, I've just got too dang many choices in rides I guess...
     
  14. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Sep 30, 2011
    5,083
    1,762
    113
    Male
    Sales and Marketing manager
    Hilliard, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +1,763 / 0 / -0
    Welcome Aboard!

    I change my oil once a year but that is only 5k mi. Almost all of which is driving fun roads.
     
  15. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

    May 8, 2014
    545
    804
    93
    Staff Microbiologist/hematologist at UC Davis
    Sacramento, CA
    Ratings:
    +804 / 0 / -0
    Haha! Not a bad problem to have...
     
  16. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    SAE 0W-30 Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil

    AMSOIL SAE 0W-30 Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil
     
  17. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,164
    6,170
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,877 / 10 / -3
  18. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 1, 2009
    9,244
    3,802
    113
    Ratings:
    +3,863 / 0 / -1
    I run Mobil European Blend 0w-40
     
  19. Green Flash

    Green Flash Member

    Oct 30, 2013
    73
    62
    18
    Flagler Beach, FL or cruising on the boat
    Ratings:
    +62 / 0 / -0
    Learning is part of the fun

    There is much to learn about your new-to-you MINI, and that is part of the fun of owning a MINI. A big part, as you have already learned, is the fun derived from driving this car. Learning about the history, maintenance, and how to change some aspects of the car to make it more of an expression of yourself are a few of the other fun aspects.

    You can learn from reading this forum, and other MINI forums, checking out the vendors who have links on M/A, and getting a couple books about MINIs.

    May you have many miles of smiles with you MINI.
     
  20. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
    726
    329
    63
    Tool and Die Maker
    NW Ohio
    Ratings:
    +330 / 0 / -0
    Welcome. Pics please. We are simple folk who like pictures.

    Buy a Bentley Service Manual for your MINI. Absolute must have.
     

Share This Page