My 2022 Mini had its last free maintenance last year and it's due soon this year. I called a Mini dealership and they quoted me close to $700 for brake fluid change, checking the battery and components, and tire alignment. It seems high. I called a local shop specialized in mini and they said they take electric as well. It's $100 for routine maintenance, although I don't know if they check battery etc. What do folks here do after their standard maintenance has expired?
What did you do after the standard maintenance has expired?
- Thread starter MiniJimmy
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teslarati97
Well-Known Member
Out of warranty items can be taken to your local shop, but the HV battery could still be under warranty.
Brake fluid change would be something to consider, but I'd decline the tire alignment unless you are noticing serious issues during driving. If you don't have Bimmerlink and an OBD-II dongle, I'd suggest you look into it as well. Also the cabin air filter is extremely easy to DIY when you have a T8 screwdriver (and good lighting).
Brake fluid change would be something to consider, but I'd decline the tire alignment unless you are noticing serious issues during driving. If you don't have Bimmerlink and an OBD-II dongle, I'd suggest you look into it as well. Also the cabin air filter is extremely easy to DIY when you have a T8 screwdriver (and good lighting).
I've never changed the brake fluid in anything i've owned unless i needed to bleed a line or it was a race car where the fluid boiled from extensive heat. In theory, there's a 4 year service life for most fluid. I'm on year 7 in my truck. 0 issues.
Unless you're feel spongy brakes, i don't see the point. and certainly not for 700. It's a $25 can of fluid, 4 bleeder/screws, and a refill cap and a partner to pump and bleed. 15-30 min job with the right tools and a partner to push the brake pedal for you. $200 would be a reasonable price IMO.
a quick google agrees:
Do an alignment when you get tires or suspension parts. Not a lot of need otherwise unless you've slammed a pothole.
'check' usually means look at and not worth paying for. unless they are pulling diagnostics, which should be free, it's not worth it.
Unless you're feel spongy brakes, i don't see the point. and certainly not for 700. It's a $25 can of fluid, 4 bleeder/screws, and a refill cap and a partner to pump and bleed. 15-30 min job with the right tools and a partner to push the brake pedal for you. $200 would be a reasonable price IMO.
a quick google agrees:
Do an alignment when you get tires or suspension parts. Not a lot of need otherwise unless you've slammed a pothole.
'check' usually means look at and not worth paying for. unless they are pulling diagnostics, which should be free, it's not worth it.
Puppethead
Well-Known Member
$700 seems high for the specified work, even from a dealer. I wouldn't hesitate to get routine maintenance like that done at a good shop that knows MINIs. Remember almost everything in the F56 SE is the same as the gas-powered F56, which has been in production since 2013.
MiniKai
New Member
Maintenains lights came up recently right before 50K miles on my 2022 SE that has 0 issues. I walked out of the local dealer service center when they told me it's about $700 to do the recommended service - "flush the brake line, drain and replace coolant, replace cabin air filter". I went online and bought the cabin airfiter. Took me about 30 minutes and got the cabin air filter replaced (I think I can get it done in 15 minutest next time). Brake fluid was a bit low (DOT 4), topped it to the MAX level and done.
Anyone know how and where I can check the coolant level? What type of coolant is needed? Much appreciated in advance!
Anyone know how and where I can check the coolant level? What type of coolant is needed? Much appreciated in advance!
jwzimm
Active Member
FYI, the recommended service for the brake fluid is a flush, not just a top up. Brake fluid is hydrophilic meaning it will absorb water from the air. This makes it more compressible which diminishes its functionality as a hydraulic fluid. It also can allow for corrosion in the braking system due to the added water. That is why Mini/BMW recommends the fluid be flushed every two years so the fluid is fully replaced with new fluid. Some folks will debate whether this is strictly needed but my take on it is, I would rather my braking system be fully up to scratch so when I need it, it 100% will work.
Rexsio
Well-Known Member
To me 2 years brake fluid replacement is as BMW/ Mini SE or dealers making money as mini SE call for 2 years flush brake fluid and brakes are use on SE 90% less than gas car no much heating in piston brakes bc of regen brakes what is an explanation/ hydroscopic crub absorbing water/ rust and why a gas Cooper calling for flush brake fluid (every 30000 miles . My SE 20000 miles 3.4 years old fluid was changed 2 years ago I should have fluid change in next 2 years means car will be over 5 years old to reach 30000 miles as I drive not much but will be 5 years old where is a logic to push for 2years intervals and I wonder if those flushes brake fluid evacuate a fluid from ABS unit which is critical to do job correctly or those flushing is mediocre job .Next brake fluid on mySE will be Ate DOT4 low viscosity for $ 20 a liter/qt on Pelican web. Made In Germany will be done myself 
.Just to make a point driving for over 50 years maintenance all my cars myself I never developed brakes fluid problems as my Hondas VW MB Fords Chevy Plymouth and 1975 911 and more I have never change to new brake fluid just add correct DOT to reservuar or I was just lucky? We not talking about low milage I did 400000 miles on Fords Escorts in NY driving around for jobs 3 all of them hatchbacks.
.Just to make a point driving for over 50 years maintenance all my cars myself I never developed brakes fluid problems as my Hondas VW MB Fords Chevy Plymouth and 1975 911 and more I have never change to new brake fluid just add correct DOT to reservuar or I was just lucky? We not talking about low milage I did 400000 miles on Fords Escorts in NY driving around for jobs 3 all of them hatchbacks.Attachments
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The Coolant reservoir is just to the right of the Engine Cover, to check level when vehicle is cold, unscrew the cap and level should be between the Min/Max marks. If required top up, to use coolant that meets LC-18 spec's and 50/50 mix (water/coolant). Also mentions not to mix different colour additives ie. green coolant with yellow coolant.....
This was taken from my 2023 Owners Manual page 260-61 (2021 Manual 257-58) which can also be viewed in the Central Information Display......
David
from the manual:
Checking
There are yellow Min and Max marks in the coolant reservoir.
1. Allow the drive system to cool down.
2. Open the hood, refer to page 258
3. Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly counterclockwise to allow any excees pressure to
dissipate, then open it.
4. Open the coolant reservoir lid.
5. The coolant level is correct if it lies between the minimum and maximum marks in the filler
neck.
6. Close the lid.
Regarding Brake Fluid, I just had my 1st Warranty Service done, so brake flush/refill was in order, BMW 83-13-9-415-965 was part number of brake fluid, so you could probably do a cross reference to see what less expensive fluid can be used........
This was taken from my 2023 Owners Manual page 260-61 (2021 Manual 257-58) which can also be viewed in the Central Information Display......
David
from the manual:
Checking
There are yellow Min and Max marks in the coolant reservoir.
1. Allow the drive system to cool down.
2. Open the hood, refer to page 258
3. Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly counterclockwise to allow any excees pressure to
dissipate, then open it.
4. Open the coolant reservoir lid.
5. The coolant level is correct if it lies between the minimum and maximum marks in the filler
neck.
6. Close the lid.
Regarding Brake Fluid, I just had my 1st Warranty Service done, so brake flush/refill was in order, BMW 83-13-9-415-965 was part number of brake fluid, so you could probably do a cross reference to see what less expensive fluid can be used........
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MrSnrub
Well-Known Member
It’s every 2 years, brake fluid absorbs water and uses a low viscosity brake fluid. You can maybe push it to 3 years but I wouldn’t suggest more.
Brake fluid is the MOST overlooked fluid on a car. When I get a car in at work, FYI my business is Euro cars. First thing I check is brake fluid. It will give me a good idea of service history.
Brake fluid is the MOST overlooked fluid on a car. When I get a car in at work, FYI my business is Euro cars. First thing I check is brake fluid. It will give me a good idea of service history.
MrSnrub
Well-Known Member
Ok cool?
MrSnrub
Well-Known Member
Any quality DOT4 low viscosity fluid is fine. We use Ate SL.6 LV (OE supplier) Pentosin and Fuchs at the shop depending on whats in stock at any given time. If the car sees track use I stick with normal viscosity fluids such as Motul 5.1 or RBF600