Since BMW is the manufacturer of Mini Coopers, this advice is helpful for the owners of both vehicle brands. To help shed some light on how often BMW and Mini drivers should maintain their vehicles, our Master BMW Technician, David Robinson, offers some helpful advice:
As a rule of thumb, the following timeline/mileage is used for maintenance on BMWs & MINIs:
Engine oil & filter + cabin filter replacement = 15,000 miles/1 year (Personally, I tell my friends & family every 6 months to ensure oil is clean of grime & vapors, which can cause seals & gaskets to harden).
On MINI Coopers, I recommend replacing the oil drain plug with every oil service (about $5.00). The nylon seal is embedded into the oil drain plug and has a tendency to not seal as well if re-used.
Engine intake air filter replacement = 50,000 miles.
Transmission service, spark plug replacement, Oxygen sensor replacement at 100,000 miles.
Brake fluid flush every 2 years.
Be aware of possible "hidden" leaks. Vehicle may have a leak although no trace of liquid dripping onto a driveway. Splash guard panels below the car (used to prevent water & mud from splashing into engine & transmission area) may also prevent you from seeing evidence of a leak dripping. Oil leaks can also cause additional damage by contaminating items such as hoses, belts, electrical connectors, etc.
Most of the items on a BMW "inspection sheet/vehicle check form" are included as part of Robert's 20-point courtesy inspection.
Recommended oil = 5W-30 synthetic.
If it has been a while since your BMW or Mini has had service, we invite you to Robert’s Auto Repair for maintenance. You may contact us online to schedule an appointment, or call our main number at (831) 373-1535.
Robert’s Auto Repair is conveniently located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. We look forward to serving you soon!