Ok so this is the second oil change. Below is a copy of the O/A.

There's appox 4800 on the odometer and 3600 miles on the Mini Synthetic 5W-30.

Only thing that I'm somewhat concerned about is the fuel percentage in the oil. I'd like to know what Mini has to say to account for that.

 

Yes, the flashpoint rating is suprising. A very good and factual reason to change oil more often than recommended!

 

Ring clearance is quite high , that might have something to do withe the fuel content in all mini turbo power plants.

 

I've said it before and will say it again;

If you lease or intend on trading you vehicle in 3-4 years then stick with the maintenance program (and I feel sorry for the individual who purchases it).

However, if you own it outright and/or plan on keeping it for 5+ years then it pays to change the oil more frequently then 12 months.

A turbo charged engine with a crankcase that only holds 4.4 quarts of oil is surprising (well, at least to me it is).

I've changed a lot of oil in my day and was stunned at how hot the oil is/was at operating temperature from the CM.

The O/A at 3600 miles indicates the viscosity has been sheared most likely to the temperature and the fuel being dumped into it. Low flashpoint at 3600 miles is also somewhat telltale.

--Hobie

 

MINI probably would say that gas in the oil means the engine is not getting warmed up enough to evaporate the blow-by gas in the oil pan. Do you make mainly short trips?

 

How often do you think the oil SHOULD be changed? Im more than willing to pay for some extra oil changes if it means a longer life for this car. I dont plan on keeping it more than a few years myself, but it will likely go to a family member next. 5,000? 7,500?

 

You will find LOTS of differing opinions on NAM about that. I think it depends on your driving. If you drive your MINI like a racer, then change it more often. If you drive at the opposite extreme, and the engine never really warms up, change it more often. If you always let it warm up, but never drive at redline, change oil and filter at 7500 or every twelve months.

 

I think following the manufacturer's recommendation is fine.

 

Good point I was thinking the same as my Ford Diesel dumps a lot of fuel into the crankcase upon start-up. It does account for oil shear.

I did start the engine briefly to roll the car up the ramps. Most likely the cause of the high fuel %. First oil change was done shortly after a 14 mile trip.

Btw, I plan on changing the oil every 7500 from here on.

--Hobie

 

That's would normally be my gut instinct as well (trust the engineers that designed the car), but I think that the MINIs computer gets a little bit "optimistic" regarding oil life if you drive a lot of freeway miles. I've had the onboard computer recommend oil change intervals as long as 23k miles, and I'm not prepared to go that long with ANY oil or filter, OEM or otherwise.

 

I'm still undecided on "when" I'll do the first oil change...our 2012 Countryman S ALL4, it just passed 1k miles.

My wife is the primary driver, and she is usually pretty easy on vehicles. I'm thinking 1500-2K miles for the first change...but no more than 3k.

Planning on every 4-5K for normal changes-4.4 qts is a pathetically little amount of oil , even full synthetic, to go longer than that IMHO. Her last cute ute, a Maxda CX-7, had 6 qt capacity with the turbo motor.

Oil changes are cheap, I'll do them myself as usual. We plan on keeping the car 4 years anyway.

Manufaturer reccomended oil change intervals-especially when covered by factory warranty, are simply a marketing tool-and a way to cheap out on it too.

 

I think your your fuel 2.8% is probably due to the cold-start right before the sample was taken. Cold-start runs rich.

A better way way to take a sample...

1. Drive the vehicle (preferably on the freeway) till normal operating temperature is reached. This not only helps burn off the fuel but suspend the worn particles in the oil.

2. Let the engine cool off for about 15 mins with hood open and then collect sample.

FYI, these newer "direct injection" motors are harsher on the oil than the traditional FI of the last Gen Minis.

 

I brought this up to my SA and he said that I could get an annual oil change regardless of what the computer says. If I choose to change more often, then it is on me.

 

That is correct. 1 per year no matter what the computer says. My SA confirmed that as well.
I would not go more than a year without an oil change.

 

With all my new cars, and engines I have built- first change is 1000 miles, then 4000 and 5 k there on out. I run full synthic in all my vehicles. My boxer Bimmer is the only one that bruns some oil in between changes. We will see what the N18 R56S brings. I love a good challenge!

 

I decided to go ahead and swap out the break in oil at 2100 miles. I don't have any quantitative evidence that this will help, but I'm viewing it as an $87 hope it'll prolong my motor's life.