Little history first, then a few questions.
2006 Mini S w/Cooper works motor and brake upgrade purchased Nov. 2005, Love it.Couple generic questions regarding first service, I've already made an appt. as the local wait is over a month, by the time I get in it will be time for service. Of course I've already changed the oil twice w/Mobil 1 full syn, and rotated the tires each time also to get the max wear, as I hear they are quite pricy. I'll be stupid if I try to get 12K on one filling of oil, synthetic or not. So I go 3-4K between service ( I walked out of the dealer w/ a dozen filters which should last 2-3 years).But I want all the freebies I'm entitled to for buying this wicked beast.
Query #1 What do I get on the first service besides the oil and filter? It's a bit out of the way and all to go to the only dealer in the region, not to mention I have to wait and such. Oh, and are they going to f*ck anything up or am I better off doing all the service myself for the first 30-40K? I've got a few qestions for the svc. manager, but don't expect any valid answers other than - oh, That's completely normal.
First 12K relatively no problems, but do note the following and commment if relative:
Tire pressure indicator illuminated once during normal driving within the first 2K, tire pressure fine. (Maybe it got pressed while driving?, still trying to figure that out.)
It has stalled about a 1/2 dozen times in the first 12K Always low RPM w/ the A/C on. Either cruising the parking lot or just starting out up the road and hit the first traffic light. Always starts up again, no problem. No biggee, just wanted to state that weird feeling of, 'hey it just stalled.'
Sometimes I have to crank it a few times to start. OK, well my other car I just tap the key and 9 times out of 10 it fires up and puuurrs with hardly a full revolution. Hmmm? Whatever, it still runs fine.
Ok, so now this is weird, but has happened from the beginning. (2 things) When it kicks over on initial start (whether hot or cold) first few revolutions has a 'Knocking', but only on initial start up. Happens almost everytime. OK, next, when running it almost sounds like a bad bearing in a pulley or something (constant). This must be the normal sound of the Supercharger?
Query #2
Without much prodding yet, where is the battery?
Query #3
Where is the OBD connector? I'd like to see what info my scan tool provides, also if there are any codes stored that I may bring the issue up on my first service. (Check engine light is not illuminated) I got the Palm OS and software for a few years from injectoclean. Fantastic tool. Recently upgraded software to enhanced for many models free on the website. Would so much like enhanced software Mini Specific. Not likely I guess, probably stuck with only monitoring those systems that the law requires all scan tools to access for OBDll. Still, where is the connector, haven't prodded yet, but might save myself a bit of time looking.
Query #4 Top Speed? Anybody? I chickened out @130mph as a Dodge Viper left me as I was standing still. Not much open country here to test it out. Also w/the JCW package would it be different than the standard Cooper S?
OK, thanks for your time. I'm forwarding a revised version to the Mini Site to see what they have to say 'officially', I kind of expect some BS, but don't know.