Hi guys, I'm confused on which oil brand and type shall I use? I'm in Saudi where in summer it reaches 50 degrees. I'm running Mobile 1 as per the dealer recommendation. Please suggest if you thing there's a better oil brand and oil formula. I'm running in high temp area and needing extreme street performance.

 

If you can get OEM BMW branded Castrol oil 5w-30, you will have one of the best oils out there for you MINI. This OEM Castrol oil is NOT THE SAME as the Castrol Syntec 5w-30 you buy from the store. This has been discussed in BobIsTheOilGuy forums.

 

and how do I get that? By going to the dealer?

 

Yeah, and it should look like this or something similar to it if it only comes in gallon sizes.

 

Below is the description of a 5W-30 oil and please see the bold:

Provides the quickest starts and fastest oil pressure rise. Will reduce turbo lag and provides more power and best economy in an engine in good condition. Replacement for OE factory-fill oils in passenger cars and most light trucks, including most new GM cars and trucks. Thicker oil film at operating temperature than a petroleum 10W-40. Best choice for engines operated in extreme cold weather.

 

Neo Synthetic oil is also a very high quality oil you can use in the mini.

 

After running Mobil 1 in my Porsche (as they recommend), I started running it in the Mini (5w-30) and it's been just fine for me. I may try the BMW-branded Castrol next time, though I have no real reason to do so. I'm in Southern California, but I frequently run through the desert in similar temps to yours.

 

I think a better idea than everyone posting what brand they use or what recommendations are on the containers would be for everyone to head on over to bobistheoilguy.com and learn a little about the important aspects of oil...kinematic viscosities, flash points, contamination, wear numbers, shearing, etc.

Unless these things are elaborated upon, no new information is gained...rather, these threads simply become a survey of preferences.

- Matt

 

Royal Purple

 

Quaker State Q Horsepower Full Synthetic is what I use and I just completed a trip to and from Las Vegas AMVIV with no oil associated problems