Most liked posts in thread: Hi! New here & to Mini..couple of questions

  1. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #2 Metalman, Jun 14, 2015
    Welcome to M/A...

    Oil changes are not that difficult to perform yourself... Go to our library for step by step instructions...

    Keep oil and filter purchase receipts with documented mileage and you will be good...

    Stick with a OEM filter....

    If you don't want to attempt this, use a shop that is familiar with MINI's...

    Check out our listing of sponsors for one that is close to you.... They tend to be reasonable in what they charge for work...
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #3 Nathan, Jun 14, 2015
    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

    It may still be under the Free Maintenance. I'd call MINI 866-ASK-MINI and check.

    You do NOT have to use the dealer for oil changes but stay away from quick lube places. They are not well versed in the oddities of MINI.

    Being as you have no idea when the last service was completed nor what it entailed I'd go for an oil change now. It can't hurt.
     
  3. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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    #4 Friskie, Jun 14, 2015
    Also, Check the club listing & find one near you. Besides the wealth of help you'll find on the forum, club members can point you to the best independent shop.
    One other thing to do before your trip, rotate your tires. They should be rotated regularly at 5K intervals anyway.
    Have a great trip-wave-check your fluid levels every morning before departure-keep your mind between your ears-your wheels between the ditches and the greasy side down.
    Oh, yea, welcome to MA.
     
  4. Shannon

    Shannon New Member

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    #5 Shannon, Jun 14, 2015
    Thanks

    Thank you so much for the info. I will call Mini first to see if it's covered, if not I will take your advise on finding someone local that knows what they are doing. Not really sure I want to try and take it on myself as I'm not mechanically inclined, I'll just leave it to the professionals. :wink:

    Have a great day!
    Shannon
     
  5. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #6 BlimeyCabrio, Jun 14, 2015
    If you can't find one of our sponsors or another MINI specialist nearby, there are TONS of independent BMW shops around, most of whom are very capable with MINIs.
     
  6. nxtMINI

    nxtMINI Active Member

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    #7 nxtMINI, Jun 15, 2015
    Welcome to M/A!
    check your oil level often and do change your oil every 5,000 miles if you can. They use synthetic oil, but most MINI owners don't stick to the interval your MINI shows you.

    Chris
     
  7. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #8 mrntd, Jun 15, 2015
    Welcome Aboard!
    Check with the local MINI folks down there. I'm sure they no of a good place.
     
  8. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #9 wmwny, Jun 15, 2015
    Welcome to M/A!
     
  9. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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    #10 Friskie, Jun 15, 2015
    ...forgot to mention for your trip: Take an extra qt of oil. We just clocked a bit over 4800 miles on ours & I've used one and a little of a second. If you are in mountainous terrain, pulling medium to high RPM on the down grades will blow some oil out the beer cans. Hence the reason for checking every morning of the trip.
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #11 MCS02, Jun 16, 2015
    Welcome to MA!
     
  11. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    #12 eMINIparts, Jun 16, 2015
    Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net.....:cool: