Most liked posts in thread: OK, new to the Mini, questions.

As far as the automatic goes, I don't believe they are very problematic. If it was my car I'd have the transmission fluid changed.

Do you have the service history of your new MINI? The dealer can get that info for you. You'll be at the dealer anyway buying a second key.

Check your oil & keep clean full synthetic oil in there. I use Mobil 1 0w40.

 

At your mileage I'd look immediately at the oil line that feeds the top of the turbo... and keep an eye on it. It will leak, eventually. The one in my first MINI defecated the bed at 60k. Other than that, oil changes every 5k, with the OEM filter are the best bits of advice to get you going.

The timing chain tensioner TSB may cover your motor. Might be worth investigating to have it taken care of if you're hearing the "death rattle" at all.

 

I have 2 '06 MCS automatics with the paddle shifters. I bought one new and it now has just under 92k. It's my daily driver, Dragonslayer, and seasonal hpde car. The other, I bought used this year , March 1, at 28k, and have had no problems so far. It's my wife's daily driver and we seem to use it a lot since it sits outside and is more convenient to get to. It now has 37k.

I keep the brake fluids changed every 6 months [sometimes less] on my S, since it sees the track.

When I bought her car in March, I had all the fluids changed, since I had no idea if the previous owner ever did that.

I have found that, after having driven stick shifts all my life, I REALLY like the ones in my MINIs and have no desire to go back to a stick. They are durable and have been problem-free.

 

Welcome and congratulations for getting a MINI.

Get your second key at the dealer, they'll program it to match your car. They aren't cheap though.

Your MINI has a timing chain, there is currently a service action on the timing chain, not a recall, go to your dealer they will be able to tell your if you car is included in the service action, you may get a new timing chain and tensioner for free, if your car is included in the list. It is an interference motor.

The Asin six speed is pretty robust. MINI says it has "lifetime" fluid. That is a lie. You want to change the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles. Take it to a good transmission shop to get the fluid changed, it is the same transmission that many new VWs use.

There is also a service action on the turbo oil line, you get a free oil line heat shield from the dealer. With the number of miles on your car, you might have them inspect the turbo oil line to be sure it is not coked up, restricting oil flow. Otherwise, there are not many turbocharger problems with this car.

Not many weak spots other than the ones already mentioned.

Dave

 

Welcome to m/a

 

Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net.....


Looks like most of your questions have been answered....So you might want to get out and just have some good ole fun and go for some more fun drives...:cornut:


By the way check your oil and then check it again.....could be the best advice ever....

 

Welcome to M/A!