TLC is it worth it?

[.richard]

Took the mini one in for a tlc service and 4000 miles later the brake wear sensor light appears. All pads and sensors needed replacing(I saw the evidence). This was a main dealer tlc service. I would have expected my car to function without trips to dealer between one service and next. Since no appraisal was made of pads at tlc service I will never visit the main dealer again. Would rather pay for good service and attention to detail than a shiny show room!

[DanGT]

Like most things there are good people and bad people. It may be the place you went to or just one bad service person.

There are some good BMW and indy places. Could ask for recomendations for were you are?

[sad61t]

According to my dealer, a TLC service means they are only allowed to do exactly what it says in the schedule. Mine went in for a service, two days later the service light comes back on again; I went back thinking they'd forgotten to clear the light but no, it was due something else. Thus had to book another slot (about 4 weeks ahead) and another day off work.

[Gunk]

I have had the same issue, but with our Mini 4,000 miles is about 6 months driving so its not really problem.

[Nigel H]

Agree with what Dan said.

Couple of points though. We had our brake warning light on amber for 9 months saying 1100 miles left. 10 000 miles later it went red and the pads did indeed need changing.

You can access the service schedule on the rev counter display and see what's due. You just need to press the appropriate buttons - a quick google will tell you what to do

[Gunk]

Nigel H said:

a quick google will tell you what to do

..or even the manual!

In fact you can re-set all the service lights yourself from the drivers seat, my BMW is out of warranty and is serviced by my local garage and I re-set all the service lights myself once the work is completed.

[Justin S]

Our car, before we collected it, was serviced by mini in the TLC thingy. I was told it was 'serviced' and needed oil and filter, air filter, plugs and that was it. So when I opened the airfilter casing ( was checking if I had a JCW airbox or normal panel filter) It wasnt the air filter, but the pollen filter ( pulled it out and checked) . The air filter was black and choked up.I personally would have thought the air filter being a more important filter to replace, to be honest. So I have a new k&N panel filter in there now. It is its last visit to Mini as said before, they will only do whats on the list. It is due a brake fluid change, but will do that myself, just because I find main stealers a con anyway.
Mates R53 has just finished his TLC and is a fussy sod and not sure if he will continue with his as well. Luckily I have a mate with a garage buisness, who does all my other cars and will get the mini, when it is due next.

[Gunk]

Since I took my BMW out of the dealer network and used a good independent I have found them to be much more thorough.

You can also have a proper conversation with them.