MINI2

rockologist · Jun 18th, 2007, 04:36 PM

So, I picked up a 2003 last week with 38k miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer, and ran the requisite checks on it and everything came up clean. However, I couldn't get much service info on it. So far, everything seems good, I had certain things chcked for.
Now, I have a few questions.
1) Does the mechanic (or delership) have to reset the computer after an oil change? mine is showing that i'm a few thousand miles overdue, yet the dealership I bought it from says they did an oil change before I took it, and I've checked the levels, which are good -the oil looks clean as well.
I like the idea of the service indicators, so is there any way to reset this without having the dealership do it? Anyone here get theirs done outside the dealeraship? How do you keep track of when to do it- I know it's not advised to do one every 3,000 miles, like Jiffy Lube or someone will advise.
2) My coolant level is low. I've read that there is recommended MINI coolant. I'm not near a dealer, is there somewhere I can order it? Also, does it need to be flushed, or is it fine just to top off?
Thanks. It's been great to find this forum.

Paul · Jun 18th, 2007, 04:46 PM

Hello.

Try here: How to reset the service interval indicator

But be confident the work has really been done first!

Not sure off the top of my head about recommended coolant, but in the manual I think it would say the spec.

Sorry I can only be half helpful!

rockologist · Jun 18th, 2007, 06:29 PM

Thanks, every little bit helps.
Also, I have another question. This one might be silly. With the onboard computer / GPS, where would I find an engine temperature guage? I looked on the tachometer, but nothing. Am I stuck without one, or just an indicator light when its running too hot? That would be kind of a bummer.

Paul · Jun 18th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Someone will know for sure, but I'm pretty certain with the Sat Nav you get a light only.

MINIAC · Jun 19th, 2007, 12:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by rockologist (original)

So, I picked up a 2003 last week with 38k miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer, and ran the requisite checks on it and everything came up clean. However, I couldn't get much service info on it. So far, everything seems good, I had certain things chcked for.

After an Oil Change Service at around 10K the MINI is supposed to have an Inspection Service (which includes an oil change) at 15K intervals. A MINI dealer should be able to tell you if and when these were done.

MINI's use full synthetic oil so the oil doesn't need to be changed every 3K. If you don't put many miles on your MINI the oil should be changed at least every 2 years.

Brake fluid should be changed at 2 year intervals.

Coolant should be flushed at 4 year intervals.

Jun 18th, 2007, 04:36 PM	#1
rockologist MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 02:21 AM Posts: 10 Offline	New owner-used MINI So, I picked up a 2003 last week with 38k miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer, and ran the requisite checks on it and everything came up clean. However, I couldn't get much service info on it. So far, everything seems good, I had certain things chcked for. Now, I have a few questions. 1) Does the mechanic (or delership) have to reset the computer after an oil change? mine is showing that i'm a few thousand miles overdue, yet the dealership I bought it from says they did an oil change before I took it, and I've checked the levels, which are good -the oil looks clean as well. I like the idea of the service indicators, so is there any way to reset this without having the dealership do it? Anyone here get theirs done outside the dealeraship? How do you keep track of when to do it- I know it's not advised to do one every 3,000 miles, like Jiffy Lube or someone will advise. 2) My coolant level is low. I've read that there is recommended MINI coolant. I'm not near a dealer, is there somewhere I can order it? Also, does it need to be flushed, or is it fine just to top off? Thanks. It's been great to find this forum.

Jun 18th, 2007, 04:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 02:21 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Hello. Try here: How to reset the service interval indicator But be confident the work has really been done first! Not sure off the top of my head about recommended coolant, but in the manual I think it would say the spec. Sorry I can only be half helpful! Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Jun 18th, 2007, 06:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 02:21 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Someone will know for sure, but I'm pretty certain with the Sat Nav you get a light only. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

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Jun 18th, 2007, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
rockologist MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 02:21 AM Posts: 10 Offline	Thanks, every little bit helps. Also, I have another question. This one might be silly. With the onboard computer / GPS, where would I find an engine temperature guage? I looked on the tachometer, but nothing. Am I stuck without one, or just an indicator light when its running too hot? That would be kind of a bummer.

Jun 19th, 2007, 12:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 06:21 PM Posts: 8,620 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by rockologist (original) So, I picked up a 2003 last week with 38k miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer, and ran the requisite checks on it and everything came up clean. However, I couldn't get much service info on it. So far, everything seems good, I had certain things chcked for. After an Oil Change Service at around 10K the MINI is supposed to have an Inspection Service (which includes an oil change) at 15K intervals. A MINI dealer should be able to tell you if and when these were done. MINI's use full synthetic oil so the oil doesn't need to be changed every 3K. If you don't put many miles on your MINI the oil should be changed at least every 2 years. Brake fluid should be changed at 2 year intervals. Coolant should be flushed at 4 year intervals.

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