For the past two years I've been switching over to 0W-40 during the warmer months. I can happily report a drastic reduction in oil loss and very low PCV output in my catch-can. I think everyone having oil loss issues should give it a try, I'm sure you will be happy. This will also have a positive effect on carbon buildup.

*During colder months, the PCV will normally spit out a lot water condensation, but I'm strictly referring to oil vapors and cylinder wall seepage in my findings.

 

Tintman718, thanks for your post. I have been wondering about this also.

I have been using the Mobil 1 0-40 since Sunny was new. My first oil change was at about 1800 miles and have been making changes around 5-6k miles. My normal oil consumption has been about 1.5 quarts between changes.

I have had Blackstone analyze my oil the previous two changes. At this point they want me to increase my oil change intervals to 7k miles.

I had my oil changed about a month ago at the dealer as it was due for the OBC change and was still under the maintenance plan. Sunny now has the Mini 5-30 oil in it. I've got about one thousand miles on the clock since the dealer change and it was up to the full mark this morning. One thing to point out, I checked the oil level when I got back from the dealer and it was above full. My mileage is now just under 37k.

I check my oil level weekly and I will be watching the consumption closely to see if my results are similar.

 

Yeah my dealer overfilled my oil too about 1/2 quart

 

The Mobil 0w-40 is the only thing I run since I've had three VW's beforehand that virtually consumed no oil.
It's a solid oil choice in my book.

- Erik

 

I use 5w-30 and it does burn oil but not terribly bad. I might have to put a 1/4qt every month to month and a half. Once I am done with the box I have I will consider trying this. I live in Florida so I could do this 9 to 10 months out the year.

 

What oil are you using in the cooler months?

 

Castrol Syntec 0W-30, but I'm sticking to the Mobil 1 0W-40 all year round from now on. Understand, regardless of ambient temperature, coolant/oil temps are maintained the same by the ECU. It's just the cold viscosity that should play a role in regards to choosing an oil for your climate. A 0W-40 covers a HUGE range of climates and in my opinion offers the best protection. If this doesn't make any sense to you, google "oil weights" to get familiar with it. I think switching weights throughout the seasons is an old school rule, which doesn't apply to modern ECU-controlled motors.

 

I will save everyone the time for looking.
http://www.zddplus.com/TechBrief13%2...0Viscosity.pdf
Getting to thick a viscosity will negatively affect your gas mileage but sticking between 0w and 5w you should be golden.

 

I've run M1 0w-40 in both of my Mini's for years.

I can't say that I noticed it helping oil consumption much (my first motor drank oil regardless of which oil I was using). The new motor has only been in for 3k miles...and it's had 0 consumption, but it's awfully young still. I put in 0w-40 after 1k miles, so we shall see.

 

I'm aware of the increased fuel consumption, but it's not noticeable to me.

 

I like Mobil 0w-40 and I have used it for several years and would perfer to use it in my Mini but will the use of Mobil 0-40 void waranty ?

 

No problem with Mini Warranty. It is a recommended oil according to my manual.

 

It was a general comment nothing aimed at you.

 

ditto..

 

The Castrol Syntec 0W-30 (from Germany) is very Similar to the Mobil 1 0W-40 in properties. The Castrol being a "heavy" 30 and the Mobil being a "thin" 40 - they are very close to the same weight and viscosity and are both 1 of 4 recommended oils for the MINI.

• 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

 

Thank you all (those that remain since its an old thread)... You are still an excellent resources as our 05 MCSC enters it second decade. Started to notice a bit of oil consumption. Moving to the Mobil1 you guys recommended. Rgds, Mike

 

It is an old thread but full of interesting information. There is a few threads on this for the 2nd Gen cars. Now this thread is in the 2nd Gen section, so I'm not %100 sure if all the points made here apply to your 1st Gen vehicle as well.

 

My 2008 S is driven freeway 45 miles per workday, then suburban on weekends. 82,300 miles on odometer. Driven normally. Haven't been keeping track, but oil use is an extra 1-2 quarts or so between changes. On last bottle of a 6 pack of Mobil1 5/30 I bought at Costco 2-3 years ago. Dealer changes oil always. Now at 33 MPG if that matters.

 

Mobile 1 5W-30 doesn't meet the ACEA A3/B4 specs or BMW LL-01 specs! Not many 5W-30 oil do meet Mini's specs, not all oils are the same.

 

i use the mini recommended 5w-40 weight oil for warmer climates as i live in florida. i run it all year round as i am hard on my car, at least 15 autox's per year and 1 or 2 track days. i use Liqui Moly ordered off of amazon. my oil consumption went down from a little over 2 quarts per change with the 5-30, to about 1 quart with the 5-40.

 

I too have been using Liqui Moly. Luckily the local NAPA store has the MoS2 on hand and costs less than $10. It has helped out quite a bit

 

I used M1 0-40w for 10k miles (two oil changes) and didn't notice a change in consumption, and I can't imagine it making a difference but who knows...

 

Penzoil Ultra Platinum 0w-40. Less in the catch can than same brand and type 5w-30, but consumption seems to be about 1qt per 1500 miles. I just pour it and don't worry about things.

Had Rotella T6 and that was a little quieter but I did not want to poison my cats, so I went to this UP. Might go back to the T6 as it is cheap at about 19 a gallon....5w-40.