We got our '17 justa Clubby last December, and have just over 3500mi on it so far . I'm generally not a fan of long (10k) oil change intervals, and usually get a change before the recommended interval, especially early in the life of a new car (metal shavings leftover from manufacturing, etc.)

Went to my local independent garage (very reliable, been using them for nearly 20 years on all my cars) and they say the required oil is "not available for sale to anyone other than the dealer". They can still get it from the dealer (at a mark up), but their wholesaler is specificaly not allowed to sell it directly to them. This seems anti-competitive . Surely the oil can't be that special?

The garage even suggested them skipping the job and me just going to the dealer instead, but it's far away from work so there's a convenience factor to having it done by my local guys within walking distance from the office (vs. dealing with shuttles or waiting in a lounge). I'd also rather have things done by people I trust, even if it costs more.

Anyone else (DIYers) had problems sourcing oil through non-dealership channels?

 

I've not had a GEN3 so maybe something has changed but my 1 & 2's all called for full synth 0-30

I get oil from parts stores or Wally World (when on sale)

all you need is the proper weight and '100% synthetic' and you are good to go. nothing special about "MINI oil"

and if you are gonna ignore the manufacturer recommendations and change that often you don't even need the good stuff ... 100% synth' and very high duty rating is required to achieve the long interval.

I've been using Mobil 1 0W-40 "European" in my MINIs since 2002 and once out of pre-paid maint' changing when the computers says to with no ill result and never had an 'oil consumption issue' either. But if it helps you sleep at night the oil sellers love you.

 

You do not have to use BMW or Mini oil. Check your owners manual for the spec that is required. All Synthetic brands from Royal Purple, Valvoline, Motul, etc. will meet or exceed the spec that BMW/Mini requires.

 

boo boo

 

Minis don't need you to change the oil quick they don't get the old metal shavings thing. I'd wait and get it done at the dealership free a year after you bought it, which will probably be about 7k miles. A bunch of people have had their oil analyzed and it's fine at 7-8k miles maybe more.

 

trivia point

in 2002 the owner's manual for my S said MINI oil from the dealer ONLY

and on the engine's valve cover was a sticker saying Castrol full synthetic ONLY

 

I've been using Castrol Edge 5W/30 for 6 or 8 years changing every 5K with well over 100K on the clock, a lot of those miles long distance road trips. It is very easy to find at any auto parts store. Change oil and other fluids on a regular basis and keep a weather eye under the bonnet and under-carriage replacing wear items well before they wear out. I preflight weekly and on road trips, every morning before heading out. Goes a long way towards peace of mind.

 

Yep. Remember those old MINI days. Just watch out for the different grades MINI threw into the mix on the newer F56+ engines. Now they have 0w-20 and 0w-30 they recommend with LL-01

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...il-change.html

 

You can also get your oil analysis done by BlackStone. I just went 10k miles in my 535 and they said my oil had about 30% life left and recommend 12k service intervals. Costs about $30.

 

Mini can't require you to use their oil to maintain warranty or they have to give it to you for free thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Act and a subsequent legal decision involving Audi.

 

Interestingly enough, my reports from Blackstone suggested 7500 miles on a change for my car. Just shows that it's worth checking your own engine, if you're worried about lengthy oil service intervals.

 

Yeah, MINI was heavily fined for that. Violated the Magnuson-Moss warranty act.
I think they created a recall for the manuals.