My F55 is about due for an oil change. I'd like to get an oil analysis done to have as a baseline for the future, from while the engine is still young.

Car is still under MINI maintenance so I can't really just stick a sample jar underneath as I drain the oil. And no dipstick, so I can't just pump a little up the tube.

How would you go about getting a sample from this engine?

 

I'll bet if you provide one and ask nice they'll save you a jar full.

 

I think getting your sample from the drain plug is your only option.

 

Use the oil filter drain plug to get a small amount of oil out. Unscrew slowly until oil starts dripping and stop there.
Should be significantly less messy than going through the oil pan drain plug.

 

With some engines the oil filter is unscrewed/removed and the oil for an analysis is taken from the oil in the filter housing.

The oil is analyzed and if found ok a new filter is installed and the level topped up.

If the oil is found not ok an oil change is done. This technique is used most often when there is a very handy -- sometimes in the building -- oil analysis machine. I've come across these in house oil analysis machines at truck stop service centers that do big rig oil changes. While one can't or probably don't want to take his car in for an oil service he can visit the business and pick up an oil sample bottle and then collect the sample and take it back and have it analyzed.

You say the oil is about due to be changed? Why not just change it? Have an analysis sample bottle handy and ask the tech to capture a sample during mid drain so you can then have it sent out for analysis.

In the meantime the engine is refilled with oil and the filter replaced. One gets the results and from this can probably develop some sense of how the oil is doing.

 

There are two ways to get the sample easily and less costly and messy, and that is through the filter drain plug, as mentioned, or install a Fomoto valve or the other similar device.

I intend to use the Fomoto when doing my ext oil change to control the flow when I drain. If a sample is needed, I can also control the flow for a slight drain and filling if the sample bottle. The sample will be of the same body of oil instead of tha areas pre / post filter.

I have them on the two trucks I have and have been very happly with them. My only concern is if there is enought room between the Fomoto valve and the cover beneath it that deflects debris.