I thinking about having my oil changed at 3500 miles. I know I can go to the dealer, but its about 70 miles away and their service center is not open on weekends. I've seen some posts on doing it yourself, but was wondering if anyone has had their oil changed at an independent service center (gas stations, quick lube, local mechanic). Are they up to the task or do I need to make an appointment and take and afternoon off work?

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2003 MCS, BRGreen/Black roof & Mirrors, Xenon, fogs, cruise MFSW, computer, rain sensor, auto mirror rubber mats!

 

Changing the oil is very easy. If you do it yourself, or have a non-MINI shop do it, just make sure to follow the oil guidelines in your owner's manual and keep the receipts together with the date and mileage, in case you need them for warranty purposes.

 

>>I thinking about having my oil changed at 3500 miles. I know I can go to the dealer, but its about 70 miles away and their service center is not open on weekends.

Not to mention that they'll charge you $70 -100!

>>I've seen some posts on doing it yourself, but was wondering if anyone has had their oil changed at an independent service center (gas stations, quick lube, local mechanic). Are they up to the task or do I need to make an appointment and take and afternoon off work?

Probably, but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't have the tool (36mm socket, relatively shallow) required. I have no idea if that size is used for anything else common (axles, maybe?), but even if so, they have to be able fit it in there. I would call first, and let them know that there's not more than about 2 1/2" clearance to get at the canister. You also would need to make sure that they're putting synthetic oil in, unless you're planning on another change before your 10k service.

It really is quite easy to just do this yourself, as long as you're not squeamish about driving your car up onto a $30 set of Rhino ramps. Even if so, you can just go to the edge of a driveway or curb or something (any small drop-off will do), and access the drain plug that way.

Even if you end up buying ramps, a 36mm socket, and a 1/2" drive ratchet (plus the filter (dealer) and oil), you're still talking less than $100, and then you have all of the equipment for next time.

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Borla exhaust, Moss intake, Magnecor

 

>>I've seen some posts on doing it yourself, but was wondering if anyone has had their oil changed at an independent service center (gas stations, quick lube, local mechanic).

I wouldn't go to a quick change place. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, mail-order a filter, print out the torque specs for the cannister and oil pan bolt, and find either a BMW dealer or independent BMW specialist (BMWs also use cannister filters.) If you have any doubts about their capabilities print out the entire do-it-yourself article.

As far as that goes, you may call ahead and see if they stock the synthetic oil of your choice. I found a place in Atlanta that'll get all of my non-warranty work for MINI.

The quick change places are all bad news, IMHO. Too many bad experiences and outright lies for my taste.

HTH, Jeff

ps: I change my own. The whole routine takes 20 mins or so taking your time.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've changed oil in other vehicles, so it looks like I need to make an investment in ramps (or borrow some from the in-laws), a shallow 36mm socket and get ready to get my hands dirty.

 

>>Thanks for the feedback guys. I've changed oil in other vehicles, so it looks like I need to make an investment in ramps (or borrow some from the in-laws), a shallow 36mm socket and get ready to get my hands dirty.

FWIW, I pull my car to the front of the driveway, where there's about a six-inch drop, and I can easily reach everything without ramps. Just don't roll off the edge!

Jeff

 

Or you can buy one of these, and never have to remove the drain plug, or get under your MINI to change the oil:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10122

I've heard these work great, they even claim it will suck out any extra oil that can sometimes stay at the bottom of the pan during a conventional oil change... anyone else have actual real-world experience with one of these oil extractors?

Rock on,

Joe

PS- I don't endorse the product or work for this company, I just think it's a neat product for people who can't or won't (for whatever reason) get under their car...

 

Compared to most modern FWD cars the MINI oil and filter change is quite easy. I know, I have worked on hundreds of different cars doing every type of work. Needing a shallow socket is not such a big deal (I use a 'standard' socket with no trouble, and I tried a 7 dollar Huskee socket from Home Depot as well and had no trouble. I had planned on cutting down the Huskee socket). In fact, most cars need a standard filter wrench if not s special variation (I have about 10 different types of filter wrenches).

I recommend to most people to do their own oil changes if they are good with tools. Drain the oil while still warm from the MINI like any other car. Loosen but do not remove the filter housing to allow the housing to empty (10 minutes or so). Remove the housing entirely, pull out the old filter and remove the old O-ring, press the new filter into the housing, install the new O-ring, carefully screw the housing with filter back on, replace the drain plug, and fill with oil, and yer done!

Unlike many cars that have easy spin-on filters, I spilled not a single drop while doing the MINI oil change. In fact, I am looking forward to my next one!

 

Oh good God, don't let the idiots at a local quick lube job touch your Mini.

Besides most likely they won't have:

a. A Filter
b. The required mm socket wrench

 

I have that very unit, but I use it mostly for items that dont have drain plugs, like automatic transmissions and drive axles. On a typical auto trans, changing the fluid and filter requires removing the pan still filled with oil, which makes a drippy, runny mess. By running the tube from the oil 'sucker' down the dipstick tube, I can get most of the oil out of the pan before removing it and making a mess. Much neater job. The thing is not perfect at getting out every last drop, however, in fact, draining oil via a drain plug will tend to do a better job as long as the pan is level or tilted towards the drain plug.

For such uses as above, that unit is priceless, and saves a lot of time and mess.

 

now for the minority opinion: I bought several filters and took my pride-and-joy to Jiffy Lube. They replaced the filter and put it Mobil1 synthetic. They had the tools and did a great job.

 

Lucky you. That does give one hope.

 

Gee, changing the oil and filter is a real breeze. I'd recommend visiting Randy's site at:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ic=5119&25

A great pictorial/tutorial step by step on how to proceed.

 

Greetings,

If you are in Stuart, FL (where !!

Best Regards,
Ron