Brakes, Fluid & Service Options ?

[Sonic Cooper]

Hi All,

Seeking advice on the following:

1) BRAKE FLUID: To replace the fluid, BMW service wants to charge $108. To me, that sounds excessive (aka "rip off") Midas charges $38.95, but they do not have a reset key to remove the Brake Fluid reminder 'clock'. (Yet) & BMW service will charge $20 to reset this. - I'm seeking advice on what options I have to get this done elsewhere in Sydney by at least a mechanic who is familiar with Mini's ? Also what brake fluid do I need to buy (last I was told Super DOT 4 Castrol) is this correct ? Can someone please verify.

2) BRAKE PADS: Where can I get brake pads for the Mini and what is recommended besides OEM pads for better stopping bite and less brake dust (for street driving) ? I'd like to know what's been tried and what works.

3) SERVICE OPTIONS: Besides BMW Service, can anyone recommend their or a good Mini mechanic.

Thank you kindly,
Shaz

[-blacky-]

I can only recommend Mini to service our cars. My boyfriend works for a Repco mechanic shop and they have all the tools etc and he still doesn't want to touch the car !

Is it worth it, when an average mechanic doesn't know about BMW / MINI cars?
I know I pay alot for my services, but I know it's done right.

On my first cooper, I had all sorts of dramas and my local Mini dealer was pretty good, even get to have a loan car - Cooper S ! Bet the local mechanics don't get you that !

You might also want to check a few threads ago (Feb/March) as it is mentioned there as well.

Cheers


ks_cooper

[Steve_ACT]

Only MINI dealers have access to the appropriate diagnostic equipment, special tools and trained technicians to service your MINI. I highly recommend that you look very closely at your options before going with a non-authorised repairer.


Steve

[asianthug_ak47]

For oil and fluid changes, I think any good mechanic can do a good job. It is other complex things that certified mechanics must be involved for each type of vehicle. I know BMW charges a lot for an oil change, which I think is crazy.

I am doing all the fluid change myself.

[swamos]

This is all very basic stuff. There must be a independent BMW repairer in Sydney?