[plaztik]

Hi all,

I picked up my MCS last Thursday, and have been loving it so far. When I was at the dealer, they instructed me to check the oil during the break-in period, because I might need to add some. Well, I hit about 900 miles today and checked the oil again, and I needed about 1/4 qt. (8 fl oz.).

Attempting to be a diligent MINI owner, I went to the auto parts store for a quart of 5W-30 Castrol Syntec (I ensured that it was the Full Synthetic version). I bought some oil and put 1/4 qt. (8 fl oz.) into the car.

I drove it around all night, with fervor but paying attention to the break-in limits.

THE POINT OF THE STORY IS > > >
I just got home and realized that I put 1/4 qt. (8 fl oz.) of Castrol Syntec Full Synthetic.....5W-50!!!

I'm not sure how bad it is to have put this different weight oil in. Though it doesn't seem like it was really that much oil. I just don't know cars well enough to tell.

Can y'all tell me what you think about my stupid mistake (in terms of it hurting my car, please), and what I should do about it?

Thanks much,

- plaztik

[CHD]

You're fine, it makes no difference what so ever.

The difference in W ratings only kick in at extremes of external temperature, ie very very very cold conditions, where you need the oil to stay liquid, and very very very hot conditions, where you need the oil to keep thick enough to lube the moving parts.

You will not damage you car in any way, and you can relax and drive as normal.



Chris.

[COOPERation]

Relax and enjoy your new MINI! Congratulations and post pics if you haven't already...

[gja_era]

I agree with Chris. If you were driving up north it sub-freezing temperatures then using 5W-50 would not be good. I Use 10W-50 in my 65 Hi-Po Mustang but it is only driven in the summer. Also, the quantity you added is small in comparison to the total quantity of oil in the engine.

Motor On

[plaztik]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My mind is much more at ease now! I'll make sure I put 5W-30 in from here on out.

How often should I check the oil now, and when should I reasonably expect to need to add more?

Thanks again,

- plaztik

[friedduck]

You're right not to worry (a few ounces diluted in almost five quarts won't harm a thing) but one small correction:

It's the 5w part, and not the -50, that changes with temperature. It has the properties of 5 weight when cold, and 50 weight when at operating temperatures.

The normal stuff, of course, will be like 30 weight oil at operating temps. My point is--don't continue to put the 5w-50 in (just in case you'd considered it.) But really, put your mind at ease...

Jeff in ATL

[noahe]

Plenty of people are getting early oil changes, either just after the break-in, or half-way before the indicator says (the duration most cars with synthetic call for).

An early oil change cannot hurt, but may possibly be a waste of money. I did one early, and you might put your mind to rest if you do as well.