Hi All,

I just got my 09 base model and need to change the oil and also get the car checked out. I heard the dealers can be difficult to work with and charge a lot of money for little work.

Can you guys recommend any good independent mechanics or repair shops in NYC area? I am Brooklyn but don't mind driving to get to one.

Thanks!

 

So I found this shop in Buchswich via Google. tyrolsport.com. They have too many good reviews which is a red flag but will check them.

Will report back as to how they are. I am really concerned about not getting genuine parts for the Mini. Still hoping someone would reply back to fill me in about NYC area repair shops or independent mechanics.

Thanks.

 

I went to Tyrolsport and spoke to one of the mechanic. I did not get any work done as they were closing down and I had to make an appointment with them but from a conversation with Mike the place sounds great. He was very patient with me while I ask him million n00b questions. The garage is small but clean and they mostly had German cars so I felt good bring my Mini there.

Mike reassured me that there is nothing wrong with the car and the Service light is probably on because of a unplug or wrong sensor.

 

Call AJ 732.267.4621 He works on my 2005 Mini Cooper S. He is a Mini Master technician and he is a honest and fair guy and super good at what he does. Tell him "Doh-Tahn" referred you.

 

I get 90% of things done with Tyrol Sport. The rest I do myself, or the rare small job at a tire shop. Those guys are wonderful to deal with. You will not be disappointed.

 

Thanks dotanamous & 4130.

I will contact AJ today and let him know you recommended him.

Tyrol guys seems pretty cool and I felt good that they had only german cars when I went to their shop. I might get their $120 checkup which tells me everything I need to know but its hard for me to set an appointment on weekdays.

I can manage to do oil changes and some other minor things but I needed a good mechanic who can get some major things done (if needed, knock on wood) and also guide me.

Also.. off topic but can you guys recommend the best/cheapest place to buy parts?

 

There are lots of web sites for parts, but here are a few I've used. I don't know of any local sources other than dealerships:

Minicarparts.com (quick, since they're upstate NY)
Outmotoring.com
ECStuning.com
WayMotorWorks.com

 

Thanks for the mention 4130 for parts.

You can use our drop down menu and select your MINI , check out the maintenance section or dump the OEM 11 digit MINI Part number into the search box in the top right corner. 11427622446 for example of the oil filters for the Gen 2 MINI, which you have.

We have filters and oil change kits right here:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2582017__ES2581338__ES2581327__ES2497576/





Or if you need just the oil filters:

For Gen 2 MINI / PSA engines. Turbo and Non Turbo, 2007+ R56 R55 R57 R58 R59 & R60 R61 . These are the dual overhead cam engines. .


They looks like this for the OEM MINI Gen 2 filter ( R56+), we have them in singles and pack sets. Comes with filter , O ring for the housing and the drain plug copper crush washer. We have the oil change kits at the above of the link also.

Oil Filter Kit W/ O-Ring Part # 11427622446

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2207539__ES2594054__ES2598726__ES2497576__ES2581 327__ES2581338__ES2582017/






&



Here is the Mann version , it does not come with a crush ring. You will need one per filter kit. Part # 11427622446

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2219540_ES19041_ES2652100_ES2594057_ES2598728/




If you want to do more DIY on your own and like to have a book manual, the Bentley Manual is recommended and we have them here currently with free shipping. Or just like to know more about the MINI mechanicals.

MINI R55, R56, R57 Cooper, Cooper S, JCW (2007-2011) Service Manual B11

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2216079/




Thanks and hop you can find a good shop in your area.