MINI Cooper Service and Maintenance Schedule for Gen2 MINI




Intended as a 'guide' to keep your Mini properly maintained.  Proper maintenance will minimize the chance of 'car problems' down the road, and greatly reduce the chance of expensive repairs resulting from a neglected MINI.  Document your service records as this will make your MINI more attractive to the potential next owner.

Shop MINI Cooper Maintenance Items


This article applies to the following Gen2 MINI Cooper and Cooper S  models:

2007-2013 R56 Hardtop MINI Cooper
2008-2014 R55 Clubman MINI Cooper
2009-2015 R57 Convertible MINI Cooper
2012-2015 R58 Coupe MINI Cooper
2012-2015 R59 Roadster MINI Cooper
2011-2016 R60 Countryman MINI Cooper
2013-2016 R61 Paceman MINI Cooper

Do you Understand R-types and F-types model designations?

 

For maintenance on the 2002-2006 1st generation MINI:
Mini Cooper Service & Maintenance Schedule for Gen1 Minis


For maintenance the 2014+ 3rd generation MINI:
Mini Cooper Service & Maintenance Schedule for Gen3 Minis


For a guide to performance parts:
Mini Cooper Performance Parts - An Upgrade Guide for your Mini



Always refer to YOUR Mini Owners Manual for factory recommendations for YOUR Mini.


Mini's onboard computer will prompt you with some of the maintenance needs using the Condition Based Service (CBS).  Sensors and special algorithms take into account the driving conditions of your MINI.  Based on this, the Condition Based Service recognizes the maintenance requirements. The system makes it possible to adapt the amount of maintenance corresponding to your user profile.

The MINI's remote control key fob records all of your MINI's service data.  Information on the required maintenance is continuously stored in the remote control.  The dealer's service center can read this data out and suggest an optimized maintenance scope for your Mini.  Disconnecting the battery for extended periods will disrupt this record.


Engine Oil Service

(Interval maintenance based on the CBS prompt by your on-board computer.)


* We at Mini Mania recommend more frequent oil changes, especially with the Turbocharged MINI Cooper S models.
** Consider adding a Magnetic Engine Drain Plug for added insurance - your MINI Cooper's transmission has a magnet inside to trap loose metallic debris, no reason the engine shouldn't have a magnet as well.


NOTE:  The MINI Service Information M11 01 15 dated December 2015 recommends the following:
•   BMW Longlife-01 5W-30 Full Synthetic for all MINIs produced up to and including Model Year 2015

•   BMW Longlife-01 FE 0W-30 Full Synthetic for 2nd generation Model Year 2016


BRAKE SERVICE

(Interval based on the CBS prompt by your on-board computer.)


* For visual inspection - when the thickness of the pad material becomes about the same as the thickness of the metal backing, it is time to consider replacing pads.
** MINI recommends replacing brake rotors when replacing brake pads.

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES

Every 30,000 miles
Replace Spark Plugs: JCW models only


Every 45,000 miles
Replace Engine Air Filter (reduce change interval in dusty conditions)


Every 60,000 miles
Replace Spark Plugs (except JCW models):
-  N14 engines - 2007-2010 Mini Cooper S models
-  N16 engines - 2011+ Mini Cooper non-S models
-  N18 engines - 2011+ Mini Cooper S models


Every 100,000 miles
Replace Spark Plugs
-  N12 engine - 2007-2010 Mini Cooper non-S models

Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid


Every 120,000 miles
Replace Oxygen Sensors


*MINI states "the engine coolant / anti-freeze and manual transmission fluids are life-time fluids and do not require fluid replacement".
** We at Mini Mania recommend these fluids be replaced at some point, based on our 'non-scientific' opinion.  Consult your trusted technical expert for their opinion on 'life-time' fluids.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE CHECK

(Interval based on the prompt by your on-board computer or every second oil change)

Check operation:
  • Horn, headlight flasher, hazard warning flasher
  • Instrument cluster and control lighting, blower
  • Lighting system (dome lights, glove compartment light, flashlight, trunk or cargo compartment lights, turn signals, hazard warning flasher, back-up lights, brake lights, license plate lights)
  • Seat belts
  • Wipers and washers
  • Body, check for corrosion
  • Tires, check tread depth, wear pattern, condition, inflation pressure - correct if necessary
  • Run-flat indicator
  • Battery, check state of charge
  • Airbags, check for torn covers, damage or attached stickers
  • Mirrors
  • Engine coolant, check level and concentration
  • Engine accessory belt, inspect
  • Windshield washer, intensive cleaning system, check protection level, fluid level, top of if necessary
  • Brake system connections and lines, check for leaks, damage and correct positioning
  • Underbody (transmission, rear axle, fuel lines, exhaust system) check for damage, leaks and corrosion
  • Steering components, check for clearance, damage and wear
  • Convertible:  Lower and raise convertible top to test. Actuate rollover protection using scan tool to test
  • Road test, check for performance, braking, steering, suspension, noises

 


ADDITIONAL NOTES ON MINI'S MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES:

  • The battery in the TPMS sensors inside the wheels typically lasts 5-7 years. Once the battery wears down, the entire TPMS sensor must be replaced.  We recommend you replace all 4 at the same time.
  • Driving a turbocharged car (for MINI Cooper S owners) - After a long or hard drive, drive 'easy' just before you reach your destination. This will help to reduce the engine and oil temperatures to lower operating levels. Make a habit to let the engine idle for a couple minutes before shutting off. This will help cool the turbo preventing oil coking in the journals and bearings. Yes, the MINI has an auxiliary water pump that runs after shutdown to help cool the turbo, BUT - the oil isn't circulating - it just sits there waiting for the turbo to cool. This is why we recommend you idle before shutdown - let the oil circulate as the temperature comes down.
  • We also recommend more frequent oil changes for the turbocharged Cooper S models.  Anecdotal evidence suggests Turbos with more frequent oil changes have fewer issues. We suggest 5000 mile oil change interval or less. Make sure you use FULL SYNTHETIC motor oil with the ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles) A3/B3 specification.  See MINI Cooper Engine Oil.

Here are links to some of our maintenance parts Application Guides:

MINI Cooper Air Filter & Oil Filter Application Guide

MINI Cooper Wiper Blade Application Guide

MINI Cooper Brake Pads OEM Application Guide

MINI Cooper Brake Rotor OEM Application Guide

MINI Cooper Spark Plug Application Guide

MINI Cooper Ignition Maintenance and Upgrade Kit Application Guide

MINI Cooper Clutch Replacement Application Guide