Oil Change Frequency

[mashinhead]

I was wondering how often you guys go for oil changes with your mini. The dealer confused me a little, but i'm sure its longer than the traditional 3,000 miles, and i couldn't find any information or a specific number within the manual.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

First of all, it depends on which model MINI you are talking about.

All MINI's depend on an on-board service indicator that does away with traditional intervals and it will tell you when services are due and the oil needs changing.

As a rough guide, for the 2001-2006 MINI, this will be 10,000 for the first service and 15,000 miles thereafter.

For the 2006 on MINI, it will be 20,000 miles.

This will open a very large can of worms and people will polarise on their opinions here, but it is my view that these intervals are comically long. As it is your engine (and you may wish to keep it running for longer than the 3 year warranty period) you may want to ignore these intervals and change the oil at least twice as often.

Your choice.

Tigger.

[jamski]

Interesting question as I've thought the 15k intervals seem insanely long! Personally I think I'll do mine at least every 12 months as I'll probably do between 8-10k in this time. Any thoughts welcome!

[SiBradbury]

The Mini, along with many cars built in the past few years, runs on Longlife oil (that pricey 0w30 stuff) which is why service intervals are much further apart. VW and Audi have been using this stuff for years. There's no harm in changing your oil more often tho if you like, its a cheap and easy job to do.

Also, the service light is variable, taking into account your driving style and types of journey that you do. If you drive quickly or do loads of motorway miles you may need three services in the same amount of time/miles time that a town-driven car would have two.

[Lil_Mini]

Has anybody gone to get their oil change at a different place besides MINI dealerships after their warranty was over? They charge me $70 per oil change, and that will add up. Can I just get my oil changed anywhere and just request for this LongLife Oil?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

You should be able to go pretty much anywhere, just specify 0-30W fully synthetic oil. Make sure they change the filter while they are at it.

This oil is expensive where ever you get it though.

Tigger.

[Lil_Mini]

Thank you Tigger.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

You're welcome

Tigger.

[Darkstar]

At least I'm not the only one who wonders about the (in)frequency of oil changes. I guess I'll take other people's - and MINI's - word for it that 15,000 miles between oil changes is the norm. Being both old school and an idiot when it comes to car maintenance, I'm use to the standard 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first rule for oil changes. Now I'm looking an an oil change every 1 1/2 years. I really want my MINI to last forever, so I'm tempted to have the oil changed more often, but I don't know if I trust anyone but my MINI dealer to use the correct oil. (I'm paranoid, obviously.)

Darkstar

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I know what you mean, even if you take the right oil along, there's always a chance that they might save that for something else

I seem to be getting idle in my old age; I really should do it myself!

I'm currently resigned to going back to the BMW dealer to get it done and at least I'll get the service history stamped up and it will certainly save any possible agro if there's a warranty claim in future.

Tigger.

[DaFlake]

Errr Ahhh, check you manual. 0w - 30 is not spec'd for the MINI (at least not the MCS). 5w - 30 or 5w - 40 are spec'd.

Also, if you run synthetics, don't change it under or at 3K miles. There is empirical data that shows that the most engine wear on synthetics happens BEFORE the 3K mark. BMW is pretty accurate with their calculations with every 15K or one year for "normal" driving. However, if you track or really push the car, an oil change sooner is a good idea. Most go 7 to 10K on it with no problems.

[SiBradbury]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Errr Ahhh, check you manual. 0w - 30 is not spec'd for the MINI (at least not the MCS). 5w - 30 or 5w - 40 are spec'd.

Confusingly, Castrol Edge 5w30 is what has replaced Castrol SLX 0w30 which may explain why there's often a lot of doubt about the viscosity.

[DaFlake]

I thought there might be a difference across borders as well. Thanks for that...

[Fisher]

Every 10.000 km (6250 miles).

5-40 of course

MINI COOPER S 02

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Errr Ahhh, check you manual. 0w - 30 is not spec'd for the MINI (at least not the MCS). 5w - 30 or 5w - 40 are spec'd.

Also, if you run synthetics, don't change it under or at 3K miles. There is empirical data that shows that the most engine wear on synthetics happens BEFORE the 3K mark. BMW is pretty accurate with their calculations with every 15K or one year for "normal" driving. However, if you track or really push the car, an oil change sooner is a good idea. Most go 7 to 10K on it with no problems.

Yep, I've checked my manual.

The car handbook doesn't specify a viscosity index, it simply refers to BMW's own brand oil (surprise, surprise!)

My 2005 Haynes manual specifies SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Fully synthetic. I confirmed this grade with the service department at Westerly's MINI in Exeter a couple of weeks ago.

Tigger.