Hi there. I am thinking about changing the oil on my mini cooper 2003. Its due service in 11 k but the engine sounds a bit rough so i thought i would change the oil. I know BMW recomends Castrol or Mobill oil but since they are about 17 quid a littre i found at the local supermarked Total w 05-30 synthetic at ten euros a littre. Would that be ok to use. Since the code is the same! And it says at the back recomendet for VW and BMW long life oil.:puzzled::puzzled:

Maybe when I need a blood transfusion I can look for discounted blood as well!. All joking aside using a good name brand synthetic oil will pay off in the long run. The Mini oil change intervals are long. I would rather pay a little more for a premium oil than try to save money on the oil so I can apply the savings to major repairs. I have always used a name brand high quality oil in a multitude of vehicles and never had an engine failure. The highest mileage car I had totaled 265,000 miles.

Got to agree with above , if possible don't use supermarket oil or fuel!

No matter how expensive it is, it's cheaper than an engine overhaul.
That said, I doubt if the Total oil will have any detrimental effects.
The basic oil is the same; you're paying for the additives and quality control processes.

If it meets BMWs LL rating, is synthetic and is 0-30 or 5-30 if you're in moderately warmer climates, you're fine.

Well it says its recomended for BMW and VW cars. This is a mid interval change! I always do service at BMW dealer and noticed that the oil used was Castrol W0-30.

Maybe when I need a blood transfusion I can look for discounted blood as well!. All joking aside using a good name brand synthetic oil will pay off in the long run. The Mini oil change intervals are long. I would rather pay a little more for a premium oil than try to save money on the oil so I can apply the savings to major repairs. I have always used a name brand high quality oil in a multitude of vehicles and never had an engine failure. The highest mileage car I had totaled 265,000 miles.

Sounds very personal Macguyvic. Haha
I have never keept a car over 100k. Apart from the BMW 320d i have it has 105k currently. I am selling the Cooper and plan to get a BMW 530d. Mini Cooper was fun for a while but now it has to go. I was asking if it was ok. Cos oil is oil and if it meets the criteria i don't see anything wrong with it. tra tra
:nice::nice:

Then Castrol W0-30 It is lads. Any reason why the engine is not running as smooth as i think it could. Or is it just me being paranoid. The idle runs high when engine is cold. Any way that could be cured lads?

Then Castrol W0-30 It is lads. Any reason why the engine is not running as smooth as i think it could. Or is it just me being paranoid. The idle runs high when engine is cold. Any way that could be cured lads?


High idle with a cold engine is perfectly normal and should only last until the engine gets to normal temperature.

Its the first 3-4 mins. But then its ok. Just keeping it in check.