Just picked up a filter at the dealer today. I told the SA that I was going to use Mobil 1 and he recommended 5W-30. I see you guys have been using 0W-40. What's the reason for that? 0W-40 is for a broader temperature range right?

Thanks,

Nick

 

Pretty common to get a couple of drops of coolant from the hoses since they are under some stress when being moved out of the way to get to the oil filter.

 

The only Mobil 1 approved by Mini is 0W-40.

This is the only Mobil 1 oil that meets the BMW LongLife 01 (LL 01) spec.

Here is a screen grab from the Mini site showing the only recommended oils to use in the mini.

P.S. Mobil 1 0W-40 is also the oil recommended by Porsche.

 

The Owners Manual says MINI reccomends Castrol!

 

You are correct, that Mini recommends (not requires) Castrol, which is what Mini sells as their own brand...the 'Mini High Performance Synthetic 5W-30'.

Here are a list of US oils approved by Mini (from the MiniUSA web site):

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

If you can find any other oils that meet the BMW Long-Life Rating LL-01 in the approved viscosity of 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 or 5W-30 (from your owners manual) then you are covered.

 

sirbikes,

what kind of hitch do u have for ur mini?

 

I wonder...

Would removing the cap to the coolant tank release some pressure so the connection is less prone to leak?

 

I installed a Mini Fini hitch. It requires removing the rear bumper cover and cutting a square hole in it. It has a 1-1/4" receiver, so I had to install a 1-1/4 - 2" adapter to use my bike rack.

 

I have never done an oil change, so I am going to go to mini to do my 1st one. 15 K is too much. How much should I expect to pay? there are two dealers by me so I may shop.

thx

 

Depending on where you live, between $90 and $125 at the dealer.

 

Yes, it helps. You will hear a hiss when the cap is loosened. Don't remove it, just release the pressure and recap. Changed the oil last weekend and not a drop of coolant leaked.

 

Not knowing how Mini would react to customers changing their own oil whilst still under factory warranty. Read your manual on page 145/146. Under oil change. " Oil change is only to be done by mini dealer"

So when buy your filter by mini's brand then when you go for your "free change" mum is the word or you could find yourself out of a warranty.

Just sayin

 

if they'll void your warranty for doing your own oil change, then why do they sell the oil filters? what brand oil filters are everyone using?

 

Always use oem filters and oil just incase they give u that crap about the warranty...after warranty is over, put in whatever you desire.....besides, somehow dealer price is not bad...

 

Here is a video of the oil change (not done by me). Very helpful.

 

Yeah, I'm bumpin an old thread. I have been reading up on oil changes because I am not waiting until 10k to get the factory oil out.

My 2013 manual has this on page 165. "An oil change should be carried out by the service center only."
That's rubbish. And I don't consider "should" to mean "must" or "has to". I feel the statement is simply put there to generate revenue for the MINI dealer(in fact it looks as if most of the owner's manual is geared to send you to the dealer) I am not against the dealer making money, but an oil change is well within the abilities of your normal home mechanic.
I also think their oil restrictions are overly stringent - probably because they are pushing oil changes out to 10-15,000 miles now. I wouldn't be surprised if the oils on their recommended list are the only ones they tested. I find it hard to believe that other name brand US fully synthetic oils don't perform sufficiently in the turbo engine.
As for the filter, just copy what I said above and put "filter" after oil.

 

Not only is it "rubbish", it's illegal for Mini/BMW to tell you that pursuant to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. In March 2015 the FTC ordered the MINI division of BMW to provide MINI owners with information about consumer’s rights to use third party auto services without voiding warranties. The reason for this is because MINI has been claiming that the use of any third party service will cause existing warranties to be voided. This has illegal written all over it. It is in complete violation of the Magnuson Moss Act which states that companies cannot require that consumers – in order to maintain their warranties – use specific brands of parts or specified service centers, unless the part or service is provided to the consumer without charge. If you are ever told by a manufacturer or dealer that you can only use their specific part or service, speak up and put them in their place. You have the right to choose your service provider. Do not let them dictate what you can and cannot do!

 

Did my first oil change on my Countryman this weekend at 1,500 miles using Mini Oil and OEM Filter. Only thing to add is that the oil filter seemed harder to get to than on my R56. Looks like the Countryman engine is slightly lower in the frame than on the R56; other than that no issues. I used my RhinoGear Ramps which cleared the front air dam perfectly. I felt kind of bad because the oil looked so clean but in the end I felt good knowing the old break-in oil was replaced.

 

My additional thoughts...

- Use 4 quarts, not 4.5. 4.5 will be too much.
- To install the filter you need to hold the coolant hose that is next to the filter towards the front of the car with your left hand and install with your right. This must be the worst filter change location in automotive history.

To reset the oil change warning interval.
- Make sure the display is showing the trip meter. If it is in another item, you will not get to the CBS reset...
- With the ignition on, engine off, all doors and hood closed, press the trip meter reset button on the right lower side of the speedo and hold for 10 seconds until the service indicator comes up.
- Press the button on the end of the signal stalk to cycle to the oil change symbol (it is probably there already).
- Hold the the button when it says reset and then hold again to do the reset.