Having just purchased a 2010 Cooper S Mayfair Edition, I am somewhat hesitant about oil changes based on the system in place. We have always changes oil & filter every 3,000 miles. The Cooper comes with free maintenance for 3 years , 36,000 miles and the recommended oil change (synthetic oil) is every 15,000. Any suggestions as I doubt I will be able to live with this number.

Thanks

George

 

There are numerous threads and discussions about this on this forum and other MINI and BMW forums.
It's 1 year or 15K whichever comes first. The on board computer will adjust the service interval some based on your driving habits.
If you want free oil changes then you have to wait for the service interval. If you want sooner then you will have to do it yourself or at your own expense.
IMO oil changes at 3K is a waste on any car. Many do their MINI oil changes at 5-7500K.

 

I change my oil every 5-7500 k also my self . Will get my free 1st oil change from dealership monday of next week . Its easy to do and im not a tool guy LOL . I would not wait until 15000 miles no way !

 

I change my own oil at 3500 to 4000 miles; I buy filters from Morristown Mini in New Jersey (3 for $25, at least they were that price). Each fiilter includes a new oil plug washer and oil filter housing gasket. As already mentioned, it is easy to do. I did have my 1-year oil change today as part of the first year check up.

 

Definitely recommend reading this thread. It has about a million threads just like this one, merged into one.