Haus of Minis is a full service, collision, auto body repair, detailing, and automotive repair facility located in Sherman Oaks, CA. Bring your Mini Cooper or BMW in today to receive a FREE estimate. We work with every major insurance company and we ensure that your vehicle is repaired to back to factory specifications.
Our services include:
Mechanical Repair
Automotive Paint & Body
Bumper Repair & Re-paint
Paintless Dent Removal
Headlight Restoration
Wheel Repair
Please see any of our professional staff at Haus of Minis & BMW to assist you with your insurance company.
We service all of Los Angeles County, including Culver City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Burbank, North Hollywood, Los Feliz, Downtown Los Angeles, West LA.
Please give us a call today (855) 572-6464 (MINI) if you have any questions or to book an appointment for estimate.
At Haus of Minis & BMW we get 5-10 calls per month from current and future clients that are interested in purchasing a pre-owned BMW or MINI. They always ask us what some of the common issues are that we see from the specific model they are interested in buying.
We are happy to assist the customer with clarifying any unforeseen issue that could arise at a later date. It is always beneficial to the person purchasing the vehicle to have it inspected before making the decision to buy it. The number one reason for getting a pre-purchase inspection is that the car may look good cosmetically, but under the hood may need expensive mechanical repairs that are not visible to the untrained eye. During the pre-purchase inspection our certified technicians will raise the vehicle in the air and perform a rigorous 32 point visual inspection so there are no surprises. Another benefit of the inspection is that if deficiencies are found the repairs can be negotiated in to the sale price.There is nothing worse than purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, only to find out later it needs thousands of dollars in repairs that the previous owner did not disclose.
We offer this inspection FREE of charge and it can be done in about 30 minutes while you wait in our comfortable waiting room.
The general inspection includes the following:
Interior (Rips and tears and that all components function properly)
Exterior (Inspect for previous collision damage & corrosion)
Lights (Interior & exterior)
Wiper Blades
Drivability
Hoses
Belts
Battery
Water Pump
Engine & Cabin Air Filters
Air Conditioning
Engine Oil Level
Transmission Fluid
Coolant
Brake Fluid
Power steering Fluid
Washer Fluid
Differential Fluid
Transfer Case Fluid
Fluid Leaks
Tire Condition
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
C.V. Boots
Exhaust System
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Clutch
If you or someone you know is considering purchasing a used Mini Cooper or BMW please feel free to give us a call to have your vehicle inspected today by one of our master certified technicians. No appointment is necessary but it is advised, Call 855-572-6464 (MINI) to schedule.
Every car nut guy always has dreams of owning and driving the most exotic cars in the world, and then you have guys that simply are content driving whatever as long as it has 4 wheels. In the past several months I have avidly been looking into purchasing a 6 series BMW. There have been several 6 series that have come into Haus of Minis & BMW and the owners have been thrilled thus far with their purchase or simply want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
After a lot of research on later model 6 series BMW’s we have come to the conclusion that purchasing a slightly newer 650i with an extended warranty is your best option. Reading quite a few articles on 2005-2007 645c and 650i there seems to be a few common issues with these vehicles. The problem areas on these vehicles can include replacing the timing cover gasket. This is a costly repair item due to the fact that there are three timing cover gaskets, one of which requires the engine to be removed in order to change.
The battery and alternator seem to be chronic issue as the vehicles electric system requires the battery and alternator to be in mint condition otherwise it can/will eventually create random error codes.
There is also the infamous alternator bracket oil leak. For some strange reason BMW thought is was a good idea to put a hole in the engine (for no reason) that literally requires a $5.00 gasket, but requires about 8-10 hours labor to replace due to the amount of components that need to be removed to access the gasket. If you purchased a 2004-2009 BMW with an 8 cylinder engine and just found out the dealership wants between $1800-$2200 to change this gasket you would not be very happy! This along with the valve stem seals (oil smoke) and carbon build up issue is part of the reason that a car that sold for nearly $100,000.00 a few years ago can now be purchased for under $20,000.00
Another common issue in the 6 series and almost every model V8 BMW is the expanding coolant pipe that is known to leak severely. This problem is very common on high mileage vehicles between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. There are aftermarket replacements that are made of different material than the stock part, which guarantees the repair will last longer than the original.
The 6 series vehicles that we have come across at Haus of Minis & BMW have either been problematic or no problems at all. These cars are hit or miss, you either got a good one or a bad one.
Other than the poor gas mileage and the constant buying of rear tires, these can still be enjoyable cars to own, but please get your future 6 series inspected by a certified BMW technician before committing to this beautiful vehicle.
MINI Cooper Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Recall
Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat RECALL 15V-205
This post is in regards to service campaign 15V-205. BMW North America LLC submitted this recall on April 3, 2015 in that the manufacturer claims a total of 91,800 vehicles are/may be affected by this recall. The model vehicles that are affected by this recall are roughly (59,270) 2005-2006 MINI Cooper, Cooper S, as well as an additional (32,530) 2005 – 2008 MINI Cooper Convertibles, and MINI Cooper Convertible S models.
These specific vehicles may have been equipped with a front passenger seat occupant detection sensor that may or may not be functioning correctly in the event you are in a collision. The mat sensor may not be operating correctly due to faulty manufacturer installation as well as field exposure. The function of this sensor is to detect whether or not a human being or object weighing over a certain weight is sitting in the front seat. If the sensor is not functioning correctly and a human being or object is sitting in that seat, there is a high risk that the airbag for that passenger side will not go off, increasing the risk of injury.
Johnson Controls is the supplier of these specific sensor components. Johnson Controls specializes in automotive seats with a portfolio that includes foams, trims, and metals for many different automotive manufacturers. If you happen to own any of the MINI Coopers that were listed above you do not need to contact Haus of Minis to have the sensor repaired or replaced (although we would be happy to answer any questions you may have), you are advised to contact your local MINI dealer. We spoke to several MINI dealers and were told the parts will not be available until some time next month (November 2015). You should check with your local dealer as to when parts will be available before making an appointment.
The Haus is pleased to announce an oil change service special for MINI Cooper and BMW vehicle owners. For all MINI vehicles we are offering a $39.95 oil change service, and on all 4 & 6 cylinder BMW vehicles (excluding M versions) a $79.95 oil change using Valvoline Premium Full Synthetic Motor Oil which exceeds all manufacturers’ standards – Provides ultimate performance, with extra long-drain intervals and a factory oil filter.
The oil change service special includes the following:
Perform a complete 32 point inspection
Check all interior & exterior lights
Check belts, hoses, battery, filters, water pump, & air conditioning
Check and top off all fluids
Check tires & brakes
Check front & rear suspension
Check exhaust system
Check & set tire pressures
Drain & refill engine oil
Replace engine oil filter & seal
Reset maintenance reminder light
FREE car wash by request
We also offer a FREE shuttle service within the San Fernando Valley & West Los Angeles!
So if you live live in the Los Angeles area and need your MINI Cooper or BMW Oil Change performed please give us a call at 855-572-6464
BMW CBS Maintenance: Condition Based Service Explained
To give you an understanding of how your BMW CBS “Condition Based Service” with the iDrive system
functions. The CBS system checks several maintenance items and will also alert ahead of time when the
vehicle needs servicing. The CBS specifically monitors the engine oil (most newer BMW vehicles do not
have a dip stick, they use and oil level sensor inside the oil pan), cabin air filters, brake fluid, front and
rear brakes, as well as spark plugs. The indicator lights for each of these service items are viewed
through the display screen and are also color coded. The green indicator light means ok, yellow/amber
indicator light means it is due (roughly about 20% remaining life) and the red service indicator means
service is past due.
BMW manufacturer recommends oil changes to be done every 15,000 miles using a high performance
5W-30 synthetic oil, most BMW engines hold 7 to 9 quarts of oil. It is not known why BMW does not
take into consideration traffic jams, stop and go driving, idling at stop lights, and just the normal wear
and tear on these cars. All these factors take a toll on the engine, pistons, and cylinders that going
15,000 miles without fresh oil can damage these parts, especially on a vehicle with higher mileage. Haus
of Minis & BMW would recommend servicing your BMW every 6 months or 5,000 miles.
The cabin air filters are monitored by the climate control module and clean the air that comes into the
interior of the vehicle though the heating and air conditioning system. The filters catch pollen, dust, and
other particles in the air. If you drive in an urban area that is highly polluted, The Haus
would recommend to replace the cabin filters every 12-15,000 miles. However, BMW recommends to
replace the filters every 32,000 miles. BMW estimates this based off of the ambient air temperature
sensor, heater usage, driving speeds, fan speed, rain sensor, time and distance since the last oil change.
The brake fluid is a time based service that needs to be performed every 24 months regardless of
mileage.
Spark plugs are a mileage based service and need to be replaced every 100,000 miles.
Front and rear brakes are a wear item, meaning that there is no specific time or miles that the vehicle
would need to get them replaced. Average life for brake pads is anywhere from 20,000-30,000 miles,
some can last even longer, Haus of Minis & BMW have seen customers who’s brake pads have lasted
upwards of 80,000 miles! Brake wear is based solely upon the habits of the driver and driving conditions,
so no two cars brakes will wear the same. There is a common flaw with the CBS system that will cause
the brake light to come on prematurely (with 50-60%) remaining still. If you take it to the BMW dealer
they will sell you brakes even if your vehicle does not need them yet simply because the light is on. We
always perform a visual inspection before replacing any brakes, if the brake pads are still good the light
can be reset, then wait until the brakes actually need to be replaced.
Please call 855-572-6464 (MINI) to schedule an appointment
Your vehicle will usually give you warning signs when something is not right, as in a rough engine idle, the engine pings or knocks when accelerating, poor gas mileage, hard engine starts, etc….
It is best not to ignore these symptoms as these are indications that it may be time for engine diagnostic, tune-up services, or repairs to your vehicle’s engine. Automotive engine repair services can encompass a wide range of things, from basic maintenance to complete engine replacement. Good preventative maintenance habits such as changing your oil regularly can help extend the life of your car’s engine and improve reliability. Your MINI or BMW is more than just transportation, each one is a grocery carrying, load hauling friend you just can’t live without.
When your MINI or BMW needs major engine repairs, it can be a tough decision whether to get the repairs done, or put the money towards a down payment on another vehicle. It is unfortunate that many auto repair shops quote a low price just to get you in the door, but once you actually take your vehicle there the estimate has changed or even doubled, this is where we can help you!
The Haus is different, our goal is to help you make the best decision for you and your family based on your needs, budget, age, and mileage of your vehicle. We often find that people that were told by other shops that their “engine needed replacement”, actually needed a much more minor repair, like a timing chain or bearing replacement.
If engine replacement is the best solution we have many options to choose from.
Used Engines: We source used engines from local MINI & BMW recycling yards and carefully inspect them before installation. When a used engine is the best option for you & your budget we offer a 6 month parts & labor warranty. We have had great success installing used engines in our customer’s cars over the years.
Rebuilt Engines or Re-manufactured Engines: Rebuilding means that the failed engine is removed from your vehicle and sent out to be rebuilt or is swapped with an engine that has already been rebuilt. When engines are rebuilt, only the failed parts are replaced and the engine is re-assembled. When an engine is re-manufactured, the entire engine is disassembled and every part is cleaned, machined, or replaced to meet the same specifications as the original engine. There is not a huge difference in price between a re-manufactured or rebuilt engine and both come with the same warranty of 2 years or 24,000 miles*, whichever comes first.
New Engine: We also install new engines direct from MINI or BMW. This is by far the most expensive option and we usually do not advise going this route. The new engine still only comes with a 2 year or 24,000 miles warranty from the manufacturer/dealer and is usually twice the cost of alternatives.
Let The Haus’s factory trained technicians provide you with the most accurate diagnosis for your MINI Cooper or BMW, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
Please call 855-572-MINI (6464) to schedule an appointment or to have any questions answered, even if your car is at another shop!
*Must maintain vehicle according to shop recommendations.
If you are a MINI owner, old or new you should check this magazine out!
Each issue of MC2 Magazine features news and information on the new MINI (R50-R60, F56) and classic Minis, their owners, coverage of major Mini & MINI events, Mini history and heritage, DIY, how-to technical articles and information o new products, product tests, profiles of MINI-related businesses, project MINIs, car features, and more! If it concerns MINI, MC2 — The Independent American MINI Magazine for ALL Mini & MINI owners around the world — has it handled.
We just purchased a brand new top of the line Snap-on A/C machine so that we can provide you the best service possible. With so many things that can go wrong with your BMW or MINI Cooper’s air conditioning system it is important to get it checked annually. We are offering a service special to bring your A/C system back to peak performance. Our expert technicians will perform a thorough system evaluation that includes and in-depth assessment of your A/C system components, complete with recommendations if repairs are deemed necessary. This service ensures proper refrigerant levels through environmentally safe recovery and recharging to manufacturers specifications.
The A/C Recharge Service Package includes:
Quality service performed by certified technician
A/C system performance evaluation
Safe evacuation and recovery of old refrigerant and recharge to BMW/MINI specifications
Inspect air conditioning compressor drive belt
Clean dirt and debris from condenser fins
Outlet vent temperature analysis to determine system performance
Check for proper operation of HVAC system controls, blower motor, and engine cooling fan
Introduce ultraviolet dye and refrigerant into your A/C system to perform a black light inspection to verify system has no leaks
Cost of refrigerant is included (up to 1 pound)
This service is only offered for BMW & MINI Cooper vehicles
We are offering this service for the low price of $99.95
Please call The Haus @ 855-572-MINI (6464) to schedule an appointment.
We would like to welcome Tino to the The Haus family, Tino has been an automotive technician for over 30 years. He received a degree in Mechanical Engineering back in the Philippines. He has held ASE certifications in Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Heating & Air Conditioning. Tino is also MACS certified in Air Conditioning repair. He started with BMW back in 2002 and became a BMW Master Certified Technician or Level 1 Technician back in 2008.
He is a welcome addition to our team, so come on down and say Hi to him!
Please call us if you have any questions or if would like to schedule your BMW or MINI for service @ 855-572-MINI (6464)
