# Mini-Cooper brakes

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [August 13, 2008, 2:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117 "2008-08-13T14:48:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![cooper\_keeper](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cooper_keeper/32/927_2.png) [@cooper\_keeper](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cooper_keeper)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 2:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117/1 "2008-08-13T14:48:27Z")

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Rather than go to the local BMW dealer, I opted to go to a local mechanic to replace the brake pads in my 2003 Mini-Cooper. The brake warning indicater remains lit and the mechanic told me to get it reset I would have to go to the dealer(BMW). Is there a way to avoid going back to the dealership and getting ‘hosed’?

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**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 3:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117/2 "2008-08-13T15:29:37Z")

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Find an independent Mini/BMW mechanic and use them to do this type of work and at the very least reset your light.

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**Author:** ![iliana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4af34b/32.png) [@iliana](https://community.cartalk.com/u/iliana)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 1:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117/3 "2008-08-29T01:54:36Z")

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I take my Mini to a great local import car shop. After I replaced my car’s brake pads, I was the moron who couldn’t reconnect the sensor. These guys fixed it in no time! And these import-special mechanics also carry the synthetic oil Mini recommends, etc…

If you’re in North Texas, I can recommend someone! Otherwise, follow Andrew J’s advice and search for one near you, it’s worth it!

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117/4 "2008-08-29T02:20:22Z")

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Ever consider the fact your mechanic may be simply washing his hands of you rather than tell you he doesn’t know?  
Ever consider your mechanic may have caused a problem in the ABS brake system during this brake repair?  
Right now the dealer is not “hosing” you at all so why think this.

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**Author:** ![Dave\_G](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/dave_g/32/768_2.png) [@Dave\_G](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dave_G)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 3:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-brakes/18117/5 "2008-08-29T03:58:15Z")

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All I’m going to say is don’t bring this car to a general mechanic-it’s not a simple vehicle like a Ford. BMW designed this thing and it has its own specific quirks and computers that the average mechanic will be unfamilar with or have the equipment to deal with. I suggest from now on you find someone who specializes in these cars or go to the dealer. It’s very clear that your mechanic is unfamilar with your car.