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I used to change the oil in my old car, but it was a little more accessible even though I had to drive my car up on a 2x4 to slide underneath it...never attempted to learn how to change my MINI's oil. Not sure why...laziness most likely.
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the benevolent Barrel Monster wishes you excellence in motoring.
I don't change my oil anymore. I actually bring my filter and oil with me and have someone else do it. Usually a shop near my house. Costs a bit under $20 when I supply and I don't have to get dirty.
With my 2003 MCS, I changed it myself. Sometimes I would try to find the right Castrol that matched what MINI uses. Sometimes if I was close to my dealership or wanted to speak to my MA, I'd shell out $7/quart for the 5 quarts of MINI-branded lube and just sleep better knowing I did the job myself, put in the right stuff and supported my dealership even if I paid more than I should. The instructional link from AutoXCooper.com is right on.
I now have a 2006 MCS under scheduled maintenance so I'm going to let them do it for convenience and cost, except when I decide that it needs to be done prior to the computer's oil change calculation (e.g. if the color/opacity starts to go south or after a few track days).
I've only ever owned MINIs so maybe the "excitement" of performing your own oil change just hasn't worn off yet, but there is something satisfying about doing it yourself.
If your closer to the coast Import Service in Glenview does a great job with the mini's. Oil changes and all other types of install or service they take care and are Import specialists, especially german imports.
