A new family of lightweight, side-load front coil-springs together with a matching small diameter (106 mm) upper spring seat/bearing were fitted to all models except the 1.6 L GT and RS/Sport from July 2010. To avoid fitting problems and help technicians pick the right coil-spring, they have been colour-coded by the OE manufacturer.
This modification also applies to the Renault Clio Grandtour and Modus which are built on the same platform.
Unipart Automotive (UA) has kicked a hornets’ nest following comparative tests it conducted alongside brake pads from five rival suppliers. The tests were conducted by Quay Brake Testing at the MIRA research facility in Hinckley to demonstrate the quality of UA’s own line of braking products
Remy warns that there are two different starters on the Mini One and the Mini Cooper 1.6 petrol versions from 2007 – one is a non-stop start and one is a stop start. Technicians need to ensure that they replace the correct one by always checking the OE number of the starter coming off the vehicle. The starters look very similar although the stop start version is about 3cm longer.
On the diesel versions of both these models there are also two starts, both stop start. A new stop start unit was introduced from June/July 2010 so technicians need to check that they do not fit the wrong one. The difference is obvious as visually the units look very different.
The second-generation MINI was launched in 2006 with a range of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engine sizes. Castrol points out that every engine in the current MINI range – and every other MINI currently on sale, including the Coupe, Convertible and Countryman – was designed to run on fully-synthetic, low viscosity Castrol EDGE 0W-30 engine oil, the only lubricant actively recommended by MINI for use in its engines.
It’s important that vehicle technicians top-up these vehicles with the correct oil formulation. Any lubricant lacking the relevant BMW Longlife-04 specification may reduce the efficiency, performance and longevity of the engine.
Rear anti-roll bars fitted to cars built between July and Oct 2007 have a large diameter and can become detached causing loss of directional control (VOSA). Garages should check the security of the rear anti-roll bar to assess its security and change if required, providing the vehicle is not within Mini’s own recall range.
Pencil Coils make up 27% of the Cambiare top ten selling lines for the Mini (Mini of all ages not just 07), followed closely by coolant temperature sensors at 25%. The car is fitted with 4 separate coils, so the severity of misfire caused by a faulty coil could become worse.
Reference number(s): B0031470 100_DE-DE 2007
Fault symptoms: Leakage on the drive shaft
Causes: Material defect
Remedy: Check the drive shaft boots. Replace drive shaft boot(s). (If required) Replace drive shaft(s). (If required)
Required spare parts: Drive shaft boot ( Repair kit ) (2x)
As required:
Production date: from 2006/10/02 up to 2006/11/15
Job should be documented in the service booklet, if this job has already been performed.
For the BMW Mini, ZF Services UK recommends replacing shock absorbers in pairs and also fitting new service kits.
Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs to optimise vehicle handling. Fitting new shock absorber service kits (bump stop/dust cover) at the same time is recommended, as the old bump stop may house grit that could damage the piston rod of the new shock absorber. This could lead to failure of the top seal of the new unit, causing it to leak.
It’s important to cross reference replacement parts with original equipment (OE) part numbers to ensure that correct specification shock absorbers are fitted, and to use correct tooling when mounting the shock absorber – never use gripping tools on the piston rod.
Suplex reports that front coil-springs were subject to a major design change in March 2002. Springs fitted prior to March 2002 have 4.25 coils whereas later springs have only 3.70 coils. More critically, upper and lower pigtail dimensions changed at the same time necessitating revised upper and lower spring mounts. Mechanics need to make sure they order the correct parts to avoid fitting problems. Colour codes on the OE spring help when choosing the correct aftermarket replacement part.
This model also uses the 1.6 common rail diesel engine which we have a bulletin on. One particular area a garage should look at when servicing this model is oil sludge caused by contaminated injectors reducing oil flow to critical moving parts. In many cases when the turbo has failed, engine components such as the crankshaft have already been subject to wear. It is important when servicing these engines to inspect the oil filter when removed. If there are signs of oil sludge, then the banjo bolt and gauze filter on the vacuum pump should be checked. If oil sludge is present, then there should be some manual cleaning of the crankcase including oil sump removal. The engine should then be flushed and the oil and filter change carried out.