[BlueMax]

1 - Can anyone please tell me where I can get information on the checklists used for Oil Service, Service 1, Service 2 etc on a Cooper S. I did a search but have not found the answer.
2 - Is the service interval indicator really something worthwhile? On most other cars the servicing checklists are available and tells you eg if the air filter needs to be changed more frequently if you do dirt road driving often. How will the Mini's indicator know this?
3 - What is the expected service life under normal conditions for timing belt, spark plugs, air filter?

[bigcoyote]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueMax

1 - Can anyone please tell me where I can get information on the checklists used for Oil Service, Service 1, Service 2 etc on a Cooper S. I did a search but have not found the answer.
2 - Is the service interval indicator really something worthwhile? On most other cars the servicing checklists are available and tells you eg if the air filter needs to be changed more frequently if you do dirt road driving often. How will the Mini's indicator know this?
3 - What is the expected service life under normal conditions for timing belt, spark plugs, air filter?

Hey there,

Well lets see......BMW / Mini does not like to tell anyone about service intervals - here in the USA they pay for ALL maintenance for the first 3yrs or 36K miles. So the less they have to pay for , the better.
But here is what I have heard from other MINI owners Here in Arizona:
Oil change - every 10-12K miles
Service 1 at 30-35K miles
Service 2 at 45 - 50K miles

The service indicator is usefull for some things - like brake fluid flushing. I get my oil changed every 3-5K miles ( using only full synthetic Castrol - same as MINI ). When the oil service indicator reaches 0 - I take it to the dealer for a "free" oil change.

Service life of the timing belt -- It is actually a timing CHAIN and it lasts the life of the engine, no need to replace it untill you rebuild the engine. Spark plugs.. I would say 100K miles for top quality plugs - if you have high performance modifications then maybe 25K miles or so. I check my air filter every time I have the oil changed - if it is dirty - I replace it. MINI changes it during the Service 1 - weather it needs it or not ( and by that time it NEEDS it ) .


Hope this helps

[BlueMax]

Thanks for the info! I am of the belief that the service indicator is just a gimmick. Much better if there are detailed check lists. My MCS is at the dealer this work getting the JCW engine kit installed. This probably means that I have to do my own calculations on the component times. The car is going out of warranty in 2 months time. I agree with you that frequent oil and filter changes are the most important aspects in prolonging engine life - irrespective of what the indicator says. Also easy enough to monitor brake pad and disc wear and replace in time. Let logic prevail!

[XRV848]

See the attached schedule. I can't remember where it came from, probably downloaded from this site!!

[BlueMax]

Thanks for the document!

[beken]

Note that XRV848 is has a Canadian flag. The document is most likely for Canada. Other jurisdictions may vary. Though I would expect the US on to be very similar in content.

[sramdeen]

Could someone please confirm if this is 'canadian-specific' or is this for the UK? I'm about to embark on some service action myself.

thanks
Stu