My JCW is nearing the end of it's run in period. I'm planning on keeping this for a while, so am considering having an oil and filter change after the 1200 miles. I've never done this before and am trying to weigh up the benefits to costs - is it worth it?

In addition, is it worth doing a gearbox oil change too?

Cheers

If you are keeping the Mini I would change both engine and gearbox oil. The BMW 'filled for life' policy on gearboxes is because like most modern car manufacturers they are not that concerned with 'wear' issues outside their warranty periods.

Is it easy to do an oil change urself on a mini? Can anyone link to instructions? I'm also nearing the end of my run in period so considering this. Castrol Edge 0W30 the best choice?

Hi

It's a pritty straight forward job to do your self. And i would agree about changing the engine and gearbox oil at the 1000 to 1200 mile mark and every 6000 after that, bmw service intervals i feel are to far apart if you want you car to last and run as good as day one. I normal do my gear box oil every 12 to 15000 miles
I would also surgestion using a good injector cleaner like bg44k of 1/3 of a bottle of sea foam in the fuel tank every few months
But if you are going to do your own oil changes make shore you use the correct tools for the job
Just remember if you do it you self it will void your warrantee.


Maintenance :: 2010 MCSa Oil Change - North American Motoring (http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/how-to/201918-maintenance-2010-mcsa-oil-change.html)

Voids warranty! That's a no then. Any idea what a dealer will charge to do it?

Hi

You could try asking them to change it you will have to pay, but saying that if you have TLC I think you have a free oil change token might be able to use it now
I know what I would do in your position, just make shore you use the correct socket on the oil filter housing it must be standard hex socket do not use a bi hex
Like I said before it is not a hard job but just be aware it could affect your warrantee if something goes wrong at a later date even not related and they notice someone has been working on it.
Cheepest place I have found for oil is b&q for 1lts bottles or halfords for 4lts bottles
Cant remember how much r56 takes also use an origanal filter and I would use a flushing agent to

O before I forget TLC to some garages mean Total Lack of Care :-)
Hope you get it sorted there great cars enjoy