Service history check Mini
Discussion
Hi i have just purchased a 2014 Mini cooper with 39k on the clock from a dealer .
Car was advertised as full service history however noticing that there was not
a physical service book i was told it was all online with mini up until last service which was independent in August 2022 ,no record for August 2023 although service mileage time as been reset which i presume was done by the dealer but no record(going to take the air filter off later to have a quick check as it will give me a good idea ..However when i check infotainment system for service record all it shows is 2015 at 6k and then 2016 at 8k so a good few years missing somewhere...My only issue is it was sold as full service history but i have nothing if i come to sell to prove this .Oil and filter change on these are a doddle so i will do it myself soon just so i know its been done and i will document it myself in a service book..Car is fine just annoyed i cant get a service history for the missing years as it seems to me it's only had 2 services at mini that have been recorded ...I am going back to the dealer on Friday to take some paper work over i will ask so if i am missing something i would apreciate it if anyone knows if i can find out if the missing years were done at mini..Thanks
Ps just read the advertisement and it says fully documented service history ,which i suppose should mean full service history but as documentation all i have is one from ATS doing a service in August 2022
Car was advertised as full service history however noticing that there was not
a physical service book i was told it was all online with mini up until last service which was independent in August 2022 ,no record for August 2023 although service mileage time as been reset which i presume was done by the dealer but no record(going to take the air filter off later to have a quick check as it will give me a good idea ..However when i check infotainment system for service record all it shows is 2015 at 6k and then 2016 at 8k so a good few years missing somewhere...My only issue is it was sold as full service history but i have nothing if i come to sell to prove this .Oil and filter change on these are a doddle so i will do it myself soon just so i know its been done and i will document it myself in a service book..Car is fine just annoyed i cant get a service history for the missing years as it seems to me it's only had 2 services at mini that have been recorded ...I am going back to the dealer on Friday to take some paper work over i will ask so if i am missing something i would apreciate it if anyone knows if i can find out if the missing years were done at mini..Thanks
Ps just read the advertisement and it says fully documented service history ,which i suppose should mean full service history but as documentation all i have is one from ATS doing a service in August 2022
Edited by den9112 on Wednesday 16th August 09:02
Minis and BMWs no longer come with physical service books. If the previous owner was organised, you might get the service invoices included, but otherwise there is no evidence.
As above, you can get the key read by a dealer who will confirm. They can do this at the service reception desk while you wait.
As above, you can get the key read by a dealer who will confirm. They can do this at the service reception desk while you wait.
Yes they are and was told yes it as a full history from mini up until August 2022
When i got home and found there was no physical service book i called and was told it was all on minis service server etc..Not much more i can do apart from what as already been suggested and i ask if its possible to get it ...
When i got home and found there was no physical service book i called and was told it was all on minis service server etc..Not much more i can do apart from what as already been suggested and i ask if its possible to get it ...
Edited by den9112 on Wednesday 16th August 12:29
Mini servicing is the same as BMW, oil every 2 years or 19k miles, brake fluid every 2 years after first 3(this changed recently) and plugs are something like 60k miles.
If a service is carried out by Mini or Mini certified they will update the idrive and central database. Independents that don't have access to the database can just update the idrive but if your car ever returns to a Mini dealership the idrive history can be wiped and replaced with what's on the database. Paper records should always be kept or pictures of the service record so they can be added back.
Lessons learnt you should always check the history that comes with the car and not trust a car sales person.
Ps. Service oil counters and brake pad/fluid can be reset by anyone through the dials.
If a service is carried out by Mini or Mini certified they will update the idrive and central database. Independents that don't have access to the database can just update the idrive but if your car ever returns to a Mini dealership the idrive history can be wiped and replaced with what's on the database. Paper records should always be kept or pictures of the service record so they can be added back.
Lessons learnt you should always check the history that comes with the car and not trust a car sales person.
Ps. Service oil counters and brake pad/fluid can be reset by anyone through the dials.
Edited by un1eash on Thursday 17th August 11:54
I've just bought a 2016 where the previous keeper bought it FSH from the main dealer only a year ago. It has one Mini service from 17 and one indy from 21 that I can see. They didn't service it prior to sale as they said the 21 was still effectively ok. I'm getting it done at a specialist with an iDrive update this week.
Fantastic cars although my experiences with the local main dealers hasn't been overly positive.
Fantastic cars although my experiences with the local main dealers hasn't been overly positive.
rigga said:
Dealer will plug the key into their reader, and it will list all recorded visits to the network, ask nicely and they may (GDP aside) give you a copy for your records.
Bought a Z4 which claimed to have full BMW service history and I drive was updated correctly. First service after purchase dealer advises that key did not have last service history on key although it looked to have been done. Suggested I get key updated by garge who had done last service- unfortunately last owner returned home to Malaysia. By looking at previous MOT's etc eventually tracked down garge .-they updated key (and service book- quick glance and it appeared to have been done but was only the brake fluid change). "00 mile round trip to get done but not far from mates.
Have a 2016 mini full mini service history -loclal indi says he can update for service records which will show on idrive and mini(BMW0 central computer(garage has to pay a fee to BMW). Apparently Idrive can be updted without doing central computer and if then taken into dealer any records not on central computer will be wiped).
To OP go to mini dealer and ask then to read key and get records. If its not got full service history take it back to garage you bought car from.
Disappointing for the OP, but there have been similar posts recently, they crop up from time to time. Cynically with a vehicle a few years old , the best plan is a thorough road test , followed by a full service at a known and trusted independent. Dealers, even the ‘posher’ ones are more focussed on selling you a car rather than confirming service history.
den9112 said:
Hi all , and thanks for the input.
I am actually as I type this sat in the dealers getting all the information on the service history
24hrs ago , didn't go well?I am actually as I type this sat in the dealers getting all the information on the service history
Hopefully as having just purchased it can get some redress with dealership you bought if from.
If still want to keep the car ask for the major service to be done by a Mini dealer , they will give car a health check, advise on state discs, pads, oil leaks exhaust etc. They almost certain to pick up any faults that car has.
Also ask for brake fluid to be changed (not part of the service).and air con to be checked. Any faults to be paid for by selling dealer. If wont agree to it walk away.
Only way to get full peace of mind. Good luck
Edited by twokcc on Saturday 19th August 10:07
Edited by twokcc on Saturday 19th August 10:22
Quick reply ,having agreed that there is a missing gap of 4 years service (which looks like it was done independent) and the advertisement states full documented service history they have managed to find 2 services both indy ,they have been very helpful in searching for the history and i have accepted a full free service within 13 months with BMW Williams of my choice ...I also got a few other freebies and as the car as low mileage and going off the recommended oil /filter change etc it shouldn't have been changed more than 3 times so services have gone of time rather than mileage which i don't mind ,also noticed air filter is a oem one and looks new and clean so not a bad sign ...lesson learn and will take them up with the full fluid changes and get them to load it on my idrive system ....Now looking forward to driving the car..
Pleased you got some resolution OP.
Had mine done by a well reputed indy. All filters and plugs at 50k. He's diagnosed a noisy wheel bearing so itll be going in to get done at the end of the month.
I've been considering one of these BMW Minis for the best part of 20 years but I've always bought something else instead. I'm glad we've stuck to the original script this time around..great little cars.
Had mine done by a well reputed indy. All filters and plugs at 50k. He's diagnosed a noisy wheel bearing so itll be going in to get done at the end of the month.
I've been considering one of these BMW Minis for the best part of 20 years but I've always bought something else instead. I'm glad we've stuck to the original script this time around..great little cars.
I’ve had tons of cars and to be honest when looking I never look at Minis however I am downsizing so thought I would at least look especially ones fully loaded and I got one and I am not disappointed…Went for the 1.5 turbo 3 pot and it’s better than I expected good on fuel when driven in green mode but once you have experienced sports mode it’s hard to change…
den9112 said:
I’ve had tons of cars and to be honest when looking I never look at Minis however I am downsizing so thought I would at least look especially ones fully loaded and I got one and I am not disappointed…Went for the 1.5 turbo 3 pot and it’s better than I expected good on fuel when driven in green mode but once you have experienced sports mode it’s hard to change…
I was tempted with the 3 pot, in the end came up on a deal for an S which is mid spec. It's doing over 50mpg on a run but if you're in sport mode, it's hard not to enjoy the power. Itll be ideal for our usage. I’ve owned my 66 plate F55 S for 18 months. When I bought the car it had part of the service history stored on the car, however I’ve got receipts to support it has a full history. It come with service book but it’s never been used,
Since owning my car I’ve chosen to use main dealer servicing as I got a good deal on a service plan and the dealer is almost next to my office. The csr has been in twice and the service I’ve had has been first class.
Since owning my car I’ve chosen to use main dealer servicing as I got a good deal on a service plan and the dealer is almost next to my office. The csr has been in twice and the service I’ve had has been first class.
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