BMW say 30,000 miles between oil changes. Is this safe ?

[redditchmini]

I've just booked my 1st gen Mcs in for a 30k service and asked for an oil change. I was told that my oil was changed at 15k in 2008 and is not due a change until it reaches 45k . I know that modern synthetic oils are good but... I am concerned that my three year old car has done 30k with only one oil change . I plan to keep the car for years so have concerns about the longevity of an engine that does 30k between services . What does everyone think? Are there any engineers out there who can advise ? Thank you.. Dave

[ran-o-matic]

I think you should change that oil and continue to change it at a minimum of once per year. I thought the service interval for oil was 15k miles/once per year on a 1st gen. No way any oil is going to last 30k miles AND multiple years.

[iain cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by ran-o-matic (original)

I think you should change that oil and continue to change it at a minimum of once per year. I thought the service interval for oil was 15k miles/once per year on a 1st gen. No way any oil is going to last 30k miles AND multiple years.

agreed....................30K is far too long, where are they getting this from ??

Iain

[redditchmini]

Iain thanks for the response. It was the service dept in sytners at Solihull who told me this . I did challenge them several times stressing that it's a first gen mcs but they were adamant that it's 30k . I still don't believe it

[M.O.S]

First gen MCS requires an oil change at about 15k intervals... Sounds like they're having you on... Try another dealer

[MINIAC]

After the initial Oil Service which is done around 10K, the oil and filter are changed at each service interval (approximately 15K), whether it be an Oil Service or Inspection Service. For cars which are not driven many miles a year, you should not go more than two years without an oil change.

[S8RAH]

According to my R56 S computer my first oil change is due at 29k!
I had it done at 1 year old, no way am I letting my car go 29k miles or 2 years to its first oil change.
I'd recommend that you follow your head and get it changed anyway, you will probably have to pay for it even if you still have TLC but I reckon it's money well spent.

[redlinepete]

I'm an engineer I have built Westfields and raced them over the years and I have had lots of different types of cars......You may think I'm over the top but I change my oil every 6k....I have never lost an engine or have never had one that uses oil...... I would never let a car of mine go past 10k without changing the oil and filter....I don't care what the dealers say....Clean oil is a clean engine...It takes 15 minuets on my ramps to drop the oil out and change the filter.....Well worth it IMO

[cooper1019]

no way 30.000 is way to long, my cooper S has only done 11000 miles in 3 yrs,and it has had an oil +filter change 3 times already using the same oil that mini use, some people may think this is crazy,but remember the oil is the lifeblood of the engine,and changing it once a year will be worth it in the long term. if i was you i would change it between service intervals.

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by S8RAH (original)

According to my R56 S computer my first oil change is due at 29k!
I had it done at 1 year old, no way am I letting my car go 29k miles or 2 years to its first oil change.
I'd recommend that you follow your head and get it changed anyway, you will probably have to pay for it even if you still have TLC but I reckon it's money well spent.

Was the oil change counter reset when you changed the oil?

If not, I think the MINI has a way of testing the oil to determine how long it will be until it "requires" changing.

My MCS is predicting an its first oil change at ~20k or two years after it was built 10/08.

[redlinepete]

You haven't changed the oil in 20k?......... IMO that's asking for trouble. Do you mean they check the viscosity of the oil? That makes no difference......You cannot expect any oil to have all it protective qualities up to 20k plus....No way....have you seen all the crap that comes out with the oil even after 6K? Bits of metal, carbon, sludge. I would never ever leave oil in for that long.Oh and mini don't have a magnetic sump plug either.

[ran-o-matic]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

Was the oil change counter reset when you changed the oil?

If not, I think the MINI has a way of testing the oil to determine how long it will be until it "requires" changing.

My MCS is predicting an its first oil change at ~20k or two years after it was built 10/08.

The first gen flags for maintenance based on mileage. You have a 2nd gen. It doesn't test the oil, or in any way examine it to see when it needs to be changed. It predicts oil life based on how you drive. Short trips and other factors will impact when it predicts the oil will require changing.

[redlinepete]

Tell you what you trust the on board computer and I'll trust 40 years of engineering experience........ Bet you my engine will last longer then yours

[spikeyadrian]

I have a 2004 Cooper and i change my oil
every 12 months. (with mobil 1)
I only do 6000 miles per year, however, i don't
think it's possible to 'over look after' your engine!
If you love your car, treat her!!!

[redlinepete]

Exactly !!!!!!!!!