[StillK]

I recently took my Mini to the dealer for the 1st checkup. They changed the oil and filter, changed the ventilation filter washed the car (and I don't mean to complain but Stevie Wonder would have done a better wash job). They also attempted (not successfully mind you) to fix a rattle in the back hatch area. In the Mini warranty manual the 1st check clearly includes CVT fluid change. I was unable to pick up the car until after the service department was closed and checking the paperwork after - it appeared that the CVT fluid had not been changed. I called the dealer and discussed the issue with the service writer. He claims the CVT is a sealed unit and fluid change is not necessary. I talked to the sales rep and he claims they did have a problem with incorrect fluid in some early CVTs but that it is not necessary. I called ASK Mini for clarification - they said that it clearly states in the manual that the 1st checkup includes CVT fluid replacement - the rep also checked with others and also reported no indication that the recommendation had changed.
My question to other CVT owners - did the dealer change the fluid on your 1st checkup?
My concern is the possibility of a failure down the road and not having it covered because the manufacturers recommendations were not met.

[valnmike]

That’s odd. Per some information I came by, the CVT oil is changed on what I believe to be an ever-other-visit-for-service basis (Inspection service). To wit:

Drain & Refill Procedure
The ECVT gearbox contains three plugs, one is used for draining, one is used for fill/level and the other for fill only. On the MINI it is recommended that the oil fill takes place from the underside of the gearbox through the fill/level plug. There is another oil fill plug on the top of the gearbox that is used in other applications but is not suitable for MINI due to lack of access.

The ECVT oil change is carried out at every "Inspection" service.

Drain Plug
1. Oil Drain Plug
2. 8 mm Allen Key
With the vehicle on a hoist, remove the drain plug from the
sump pan using an 8 mm Allen key. Caution is required
when the gearbox oil is hot to prevent scalding.

Undercar Panel
1. Undercar Panel Bolts
2. Undercar Panel Screws
3. ECVT Oil Drain Plug
While the oil is draining, to gain access to the fill/level plug
remove the small undercar panel, loosen the 3 bolts on
lower valance and unlock the 2 screws on the cross frame.


So, if it is never changed, then I guess somebody wasted their time writing that.

[Spookyfish]

When is the 1st checkup, at how many miles? Is it free or only with a TLC-like package?

[StillK]

Thanks Valnmike

I do remember a thread on another forum showing pictures of the drain plugs. Gives me alot of confidence in the service writer and also the salesperson at my dealer. Its pretty bad when you have to educate them regarding a service issue - this should be interesting when I discuss this with them. If the next was not so far away I would consult with them.

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by Spookyfish

When is the 1st checkup, at how many miles? Is it free or only with a TLC-like package?

In the US, maint. is included for 3 years/36,000 miles. Per my maint. schedule it looks like inspection 1 will be at 25,000 miles. My fist service was at 10,000 miles and the next service interval after it showed 15,000 to the next service. The speedo indicator says "inspection" now as opposed to "Maint" like it did before. Hope that answers your questions.

[Spookyfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by valnmike

In the US, maint. is included for 3 years/36,000 miles. Per my maint. schedule it looks like inspection 1 will be at 25,000 miles. My fist service was at 10,000 miles and the next service interval after it showed 15,000 to the next service. The speedo indicator says "inspection" now as opposed to "Maint" like it did before. Hope that answers your questions.

Thanks. So basically you bring it in when the car tells you to? Is there a tasklist of each service on this site somewhere? A mean a list of maintenance to be performed at certain services? I looked but couldn't find.

Thanks,

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by Spookyfish

Thanks. So basically you bring it in when the car tells you to? Is there a tasklist of each service on this site somewhere? A mean a list of maintenance to be performed at certain services? I looked but couldn't find.

Thanks,

Yes, when the countdown in the speedo gets down to ~500 miles , call the dealership and schedule your appointment. For the U.S. market (can't speak to what is available in France or other counties), all the maintenance lists are available via the Owner's Lounge on https://ol.miniusa.com/ [but you have to log in to access it]. Click on the "YOUR MINI" link along the top of the page and from the menu along the left select "MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE". From there select the type of schedule you want from the combo box drop down list and click the "SEARCH" link; Oil Service, Insp. I, Insp. II, etc. To spare anyone needing to log onto the OL just for curiosity, I've pasted a copy of the U.S. Mini Cooper “Inspection I” list below.

MINI Inspection I


Undercarriage
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature.
We recommend MINI Synthetic Motor Oil, p/n 07 51 0 143 829
Check transmission for leaks.
Change CVT (automatic) transmission fluid.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads (outer pads only) using special tool.
If replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surfaces. clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note: If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).


Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system.
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Note: Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).
Check level of brake fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Interval Indicator.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, fog lights, parking, back-up, license plate, interior, glove box, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage area lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check windshield and tailgate wipers and washer systems; wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Check central locking system.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, automatic transmission.
Visually check shock absorbers for leaks.

[Spookyfish]

Thanks, great info. I'd be interested in Insp. II details as well. And what decides if a visit becomes a number I or a number II? Also, they mention Z4's etc. so maybe the automatic transmission refill is still for other models only?

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by Spookyfish

Thanks, great info. I'd be interested in Insp. II details as well. And what decides if a visit becomes a number I or a number II? Also, they mention Z4's etc. so maybe the automatic transmission refill is still for other models only?

There's a little more information at http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=285163 and I'll see if I can come up with more data to create a FAQ for this some day.

[Spookyfish]

Thanks!

[nonsequitur]

What would the invoices indicate to document that "Inspection I" was performed?
When does Inspection I (p.7-8 of the Service and Warranty Information) take place?
When does Inspection II (p.9) take place?

[Sejanus]

As Valnmike said I think inspection 1 is the 25,000 mile inspection.

[valnmike]

On the MINI USA Owner's Lounge, you can go in and click on "YOUR MINI" and then ">SERVICE LOG". There you should see the dealer-entered services that have been performed. You may also add in your own log entries. e.g. I added the tyre warranty replacement done by Goodyear. If you've had service and nothing shows up, either enter it yourself, or bug your service centre to get with it.

In the MINIUSA OL I've asked "foxtrotxray" about the service intervals since they've already had Inspection 2 performed. You'll have to log on to the OL to follow this link, but here's the URL for that thread http://on.miniusa.com/thread.jsp?for...read=100002341

[jasonfields007]

is there anything like that in the UK?

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by jasonfields007

is there anything like that in the UK?

I looked through the http://www.mini.com/uk/en/owners/owners_home.jsp site but did not find anything like the maintenance and repair tracking we have on www.miniusa.com. Too bad. Maybe the UK owners, and other countries too, should try lobbying MINI to provide that capability. The Owner's Lounge in the US is part of a Mini BMWNA program called make the waiting fun. Since most Brits probably don't have much of a wait, MINI may not have thought it worth while to do.