Maybe this is a dumb question...but if you do a change on your own at 1500 miles, will it increase the amount of time before the computer "suggests" your first oil change?

 

No, not unless you reset the counter. Would not recommend doing that until you are out of the "free" maintenance period.

 

I plan on changing oil every 7,000 miles. I will not reset the counter and I will take it in for the free dealer oil change when the counter calls for it.

 

I just talked with a SA at our local Mini dealer, 155 miles from here. He said that it doesn't matter if you change your oil more frequently, just that you come in for the periodic required appointments. So, if you change your own oil, have a Quick oil change mart change it, as long as they don't reset the oil change computor in the car, what difference does it make. That's the way I'll do mine when it comes that time. Just have them change it for the free oil change when that 10,000 mile time comes. I use to get guilty when I went over 3,000 miles on oil. And, as has been said previously, it's the filter that really needs to be gotten rid of.

 

Not sure if you checked your dash but the first oil change ain't at the 10K mile mark. My first oil change was slated at 18K.

Mark

 

I felt bad about at 10000 miles, let alone 18000 miles. I'm sorry, but even synthetic oil will break down after a while, and even then it will get dirty in it from used and the environment issues, even in South Carolina. Oh, here in Iowa? Shucks, no one ever heard about farm polution which beings as it is the harvest season we are in full swing with. When I do get my JCW I will be changing the oil at 5000 mile intervals, after the first change at 1500 miles. But that is in the future, unfortunately for now.

 

Way late, but just saw this... It was only 2,700 obviously. Been taking sort of "easy" since. At 9,400 now.

 

LOL, my bad.... sorry. Didn't catch that.


Mark

 

After 3 months I just hit 1000 miles this weekend after a trip to hartford ct and I'll be changing the oil this Saturday. I don't have garage so I have to take it to the dealer which I bet will be expensive....? Anyone know of a GOOD mini garage in the Manhattan area? I'll call Morristown and Manhattan Dealers tomorrow and get prices unless I get some suggested alternatives. There are tons of posts on the oil change question here on NAM complete with oil analysis charts. Anyone who waits for 15k-20k to change their oil is being willfully ignorant.

 

I would go at least 3,000 miles on the breakin oil. (I did on mine) Then let the dealer do it when you have a year in. There is plenty of information on this forum on what you need and how to change the oil your self.