MINI Cooper Service & Maintenance Schedule
for 2nd Generation ("Gen2") MINIs

This information is intended as a guide to help you 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. It is recommended to document your service records, as this will make your MINI more attractive to the potential next owner.

Applies to:

  • 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

Please Note:

  • This list may not be complete, as service items may have been added by the factory since this list was created. Some dealers may perform fewer, or additional, tasks than are on this list
  • This list is only an "unofficial guide" - see your MINI Owner's Guide for maintenance requirements for your MINI

Other Links:

Not sure about what MINI you have? Check our our article: "What Kind of MINI Cooper do I drive?"

Jump To:  Maintenance Sensor Data  |  Engine Oil Service  |  Brake Service  |  Additional Maintenance
Vehicle Maintenance Check  |  Additional Notes  |  Maintenance Guide Links

Maintenance Sensor Data

Your 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 CBS 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 given by your on-board computer)

BRAKE SERVICE

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

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE & SERVICES

  • 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 maintenance based on the CBS prompt given 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: MINI MAINTENANCE & 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 four (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.

LINKS: MINI MAINTENANCE PARTS APPLICATION GUIDES