Independent Mechanics?

[Tim Meyer]

Has anyone had any experience fidning an independent mechanice to help service Minis? Since our dealer is narly 1 hour away I wanted to find a good shop to help with the LOFs not covered in the service plan. Rumor is our local BMW dealer has all software but is not blessed to service Minis at this time. What questions should I ask? How do I know they are qualified? Since our last cars have been Cheverolets and Hondas dealers have been plentiful. The quick-lube places make me uncomfortable as almost everyone I know has a story of spotty service.

She comes in April...my goal is to start my courtship now with my so-to-be mechanic.

[BruceK]

Only 1 hour away? It really can't be worth it to take your new MINI to any old mechanic when a fully qualified, factory-trained technician is not that far way.

I'd make the effort to see that your new car is serviced properly at a MINI dealership. (your car comes with 'free' maintenance and you've got to go to the dealer for warranty work anyway)

(BTW, my nearest MINI dealership is 3 hours away, so I do understand the issue)

[80spitfire]

When I bought my Cooper the dealer tried to sell me an extended warranty. He said that in four years you'll be able to have the MINI serviced at any BMW dealer. The reason for the delay is that BMW thinks (hopes) the MINI won't need any major repairs for at least 4 years (the standard warranty time) and so why have BMW dealers stock parts and train people for repair work that won't happen for 4 years. This is good news for all MINI owners who's dealer is a fair distance away, although at 80 bucks an hour for labor the news isn't all that great is it!
Ken

[stryder]

Quote:

Originally posted by 80spitfire
When I bought my Cooper the dealer tried to sell me an extended warranty. He said that in four years you'll be able to have the MINI serviced at any BMW dealer. The reason for the delay is that BMW thinks (hopes) the MINI won't need any major repairs for at least 4 years (the standard warranty time) and so why have BMW dealers stock parts and train people for repair work that won't happen for 4 years. This is good news for all MINI owners who's dealer is a fair distance away, although at 80 bucks an hour for labor the news isn't all that great is it!
Ken

Sounds fishy to me, just the same as BMW keeps a tight hold on their cds to limit who can work on the cars, why would they let the untrained BMW mechanics fix MINIs? I know all the dealer's I've been to have specific MINI people, who have been trained, probably on top of their BMW training, its not just a software issue.

Back to the original topic:

If you're into the change oil as often as socks thing, its probably worthwhile getting to know your car and do it yourself anyway since more and more people are making nice FAQs. Most of the service mechanics have been friendly, and perhaps you should befriend them so you can do it yourself comfortably.

[Tim Meyer]

It is my goal to start doing my own oil changes. Although I think great things about my dealer it is odd to hear them tell other customers the virtures of 10K oil changes. My hunch is accounting...not enginering...developed that plan. Maybe the best thing is pizza and beer for some other NW owners who will coach me on my first oil change so my need for someone other than NM Mini is limited.

[stryder]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim Meyer
It is my goal to start doing my own oil changes. Although I think great things about my dealer it is odd to hear them tell other customers the virtures of 10K oil changes. My hunch is accounting...not enginering...developed that plan. Maybe the best thing is pizza and beer for some other NW owners who will coach me on my first oil change so my need for someone other than NM Mini is limited.

I'm not going to get involved in the oil change debate besides to say its your car, so do whatever you feel happy with and everyone can get along.

Funny how even expensive pizza and expensive beer is less than even a synthetic quicklube change, and certainly less than the $85 or whatever BMW charges. That seems like a great plan if you can find someone, which shouldn't be too hard.