Hi,

I've owned my 2003 Cooper since new (7 miles!) and it has now ticked over to 108,000 miles. The only major problem I've ever had was when the power steering reservoir leaked and the fluid got into the steering rack, requiring a £1,000+ repair job. This happened 6 months outside of the 3 year warranty, but BMW were good and paid for 75% of the cost. Apart from that, it has only needed a new radiator at 85,000 miles. It's still even on the original exhaust, but that is now on its last legs and will be replaced with a Milltek soon.

As the car is getting older and I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off, is there anything I need to keep an eye on other than routine servicing?

Ive had a car on 80k (vw polo) and for that it was rust, so dont think you have that issue. Maybe shock absorbers? Should be fine to keep going, clutch gearbox will be quite worn I guess.

Definitely change the gearbox oil if it has not been done already (ignore manufacturers 'filled for life' claims if you are keeping any car for the long term!).

Keep up usual service intervals, etc.............other things if not already done recently: alternator/water pump drive belt and changing the brake fluid is a good idea.