[Tom F.]

Is there a factory shop manual available? I've driven Audi and VWs the last ten years and love the factory manuals published by Robert Bentley.

I'm hoping something similar is available for my S by the time it gets here!

[Der Blue Potato]

Funny - I was just on my way to this forum to ask the same exact question - I saw yoru post and though "COOL! Someone has one!"

But alas, we are both looking for a workshop manual.

So, if anyone has any info on this for the Cooper or S, any info would be great.

[Garfield]

I've been in touch with MINI's technical guys about this for racing purposes. So here's your answer (according to our latest conversation): There is not going to a printed manual AT ALL. There will be a CD-ROM available for around $100.

This is the latest, not sure if it will change, but I'm already in the loop for getting an exception through the SCCA, whom MINI is ALSO in contact with about this situation.

Brian

[Tom D]

Brian,
Any chance your contact knows the part# on the CD? I would like to order one with my car (if I ever get to order it).

Tom

[noahe]

...and just how bad would it be then, (hypothetically, of course) for someone to, say, I dunno, see if it can be backed-up on, say, a CD-R?

I like the idea of the shop manual, but don't want to spend $100 US on a fancy shop manual CD-ROM. I just want a goofy little manual, like the Haines manual for our Sunfire I picked up in a bargain bin for $10.

I don't need something as technical as you all do for racing, but rather something that tells me how to do some repairs and such, after the warranty has expired.

Still, a buddy of mine's Audi came with a full shop manual, and it was great. We fixed his power door locks, a windshield wiper, fuel pump, power aeriel, power window switch, etc... 'Course, I really hope all that doesn't happen to my MINI.

[BruceK]

Follow this link to a thread that contains a link to a closed eBay auction for an offical parts (and repair?) CD sold recently.

$560 !!!

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&threadid=3016

Haynes or some other independent company needs to do a repair/service manual.

[noahe]

Oh my god. I just want something to tell me how to replace the boot handle with a chrome one, fit a new toggle (or strip of toggles), and change the fog lamps every now and again.

I'm not adverse to one on CD... I just don't need anything that through (or expensive).

[ezrally]

I think spending 100 dollars on a factory manual is not bad considering how much the dealer charges per hr- My cars(euro/jap.) manuals were about that.Needs to be in print form to have it out in the garage and get dirty though...

[erazo]

A c-note for a shop manual is steep, but not unusual for Euro makes (I paid $75 two decades ago for a Peugeot manual). Japanese and US manuals are a bargain.

CD-ROM has advantage over dead tree since you can print the relevant pages and get them dirty in the shop.

UK owners are in luck, as Haynes in UK has just released a manual.

[Colorado "S"]

The $100 isn't really out of line. The paper copy of the Bentley manual for my Jetta is $60 and the CD version is $100. In the case of the Jetta IV, the CD is actually more complete, and includes all of the OBD2 codes (the paper copy has a partial list) and a lot more diagnostic information.

I'd still rather see a paper copy available though.

[smiffy]

Quote:

Originally posted by erazo
UK owners are in luck, as Haynes in UK has just released a manual.

Im gonna get one of those in

[MiniCooperS]

If you read the blurb on the Haynes site it sounds like this isn't a workshop manual! Have been told by Haynes previously that a car has to be in production for at least three years before thay consider it. No point selling a manual when a car is covered by dealer warranty, not enough demand.

[monsta]

It is just a book, not a manual.

Haynes write their manuals by dismantling a car and rebulding it from scratch. It takes ages and plus there is the point about people not doing repairs whilst under warranty

[Tom F.]

Anything that is broken I would take to the dealer.

What I want is instructions for things like locating the chip, getting access to speakers, taking off door handles to have them painted white, etc.

I also figure I will change my own oil, fluids, brake pads etc even while under warrantee.

In the US, doing your own maintenance work does not void the manufacturers obligations, though you should keep copies of receipts, and I'll also keep a little maintenance log.

Tom F.

[erazo]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniCooperS
If you read the blurb on the Haynes site it sounds like this isn't a workshop manual!

My mistake...if it were a manual, the blurb would have said so. It's even categorized under "books" rather than "manuals".

[olddad]

Sounds very reasonable. I paid $80 in the 60's for my Europa S1 factory manual and it was the best bargain I made.

I'm with noahe on the "backup" post. If anyone gets one, we would all happily help you out by downloading it to our boxes to "store" it for you for further "security"

[Garfield]

Speaking of relative cost, I'm still trying to recall, but I believe it's the entire BMW line on the CD. I know that seems ludicrous, but I thought I remember that being one of the delays, because they weren't going to make a MINI only CD.

[dennis]

Quote:

Originally posted by erazo
A c-note for a shop manual is steep, but not unusual for Euro makes (I paid $75 two decades ago for a Peugeot manual). Japanese and US manuals are a bargain.

CD-ROM has advantage over dead tree since you can print the relevant pages and get them dirty in the shop.

UK owners are in luck, as Haynes in UK has just released a manual.

I'm wondering that since there is little difference between the MINI-One and the Cooper (except mainly in the programming of the chip), the British version would be fine for U.S. application. What do you think?

[karmuze]

dennis: Neither haynes nor bentley are in the process of publishing a MINI manual at this time due to lack of interest. It wouldn't hurt the cause if you were to e-mail them a request: haynes.co.uk or bentleypublishers.com to help get the ball rolling. The Haynes book that erazo mentioned is NEW MINI by Robeson?, and is a history of the design and manufacture of the MINI--go back and check his second post.

I don't see a maintenance manual being published before next year, if the project is yet to get underway. I don't think a manual is even necessary if you're not rebuilding a transmission or engine. I would like to get my hands on a wiring diagram though. For the replacement or removal of radios, speakers, lights, trims, bulbs, wipers, bumpers the process is pretty straight forward where a manual isn't much help anyway. Several people on this board have already do some of these and have written instructions for them. And more will continue to do so.

[chueygman]

I would appreciate some advice on removing the transmission. I have the haynes manual and it does not have good enought instructions.