Thinking from the looks of the motor oil after 1500 miles from new that I will be changing the oil many more times before the 15000 Mini recommends. My question to everyone is would you change the filter with the new oil? I can see that the filter is under the anti-freeze secondary catch, however I am not sure how much oil is contained in the filter compartment. My plan is to use the Mini oil. Anyone know where I can buy this oil cheaper than the dealer?

Thanks

 

you won't believe me and or it won't alter your plan but synthetic oil is used over dino because it doesn't fall apart under the high temps of these engines. It DOES change color from the heat tho.

 

From what I have found out, Red Line oil and filters are good options for any Mini especially with a turbo, and change oil around 5 - 6000 miles.

 

I would change my filter every time I did an oil change (cheap insurance). The mini takes 4.4 quarts or 4.2 litres.

FWIW, I use Royal Purple 5w30.

 

I never change oil without changing the filter.

 

A small increment to change the filter w/ oil, so I always would. To OP question though, indeed I remember back years ago when break in changes were still the norm, the manufacturer might not call for a filter change. On the oil, per another poster, color change isn't really a good inicator of need to change oil. It will always change color, and well before needed change point.

Contradicting another post, I would NEVER use a non-OEM filter during the warranty. That is just asking for a possible warranty issue for any motor problems (like tensioner...) that might arise when the filter is on there, where none needs to be created. Just buy a Mini filter; they are not outlandishly priced anyway.

For oil, per OP the Mini synthetic is obviously fine and meets the extended interval change spec. It is already close to $2 less than retail for other approved synthetics (Castrol Euro OW-30, Mobil 1 0W-40, etc.), so if $ are important, a reasonable way to go. Similar oil can be found at BMW dealers. No, I don't know of a cheaper source for it.

 

Buy the oil filter at the dealership and the synthetic at like Target or Walmart. Any thoughts on Castrol synthetic?

 

i would go Motul 300V competition engine oil for my JCW after 1200 or 1100, and Motul competition gear oil for the transmission oil
factory oil filter is required while changing the gear box oil

 

Always change the filter with the oil change, simple. I changed the oil in Lil Guy at 4000 miles. I tried to do it at 3000, but got side tracked. I'm due now for another change, in my mind. As for the reason to change early is also simple, even with the new technologies in factory engine building, there are always metal that is shaved off and get into the oil. And, no matter how good the magnets are, it will still be in the oil, suspended. So, change the oil, in my opinion. I've gone a little long on this oil change too, but it is synthetic and I believe that Mini uses Castrol as their oil. I know that BMW use to use Castrol, so I would think that they still do. Any high end synthetic should do just fine. Stick with the Mini OEM oil filter if you want to keep your warrantee.

After one year, in two weeks, I'm still lov'n the Lil Guy. Never missed a beat on our trip to Texas, mileage is way over the 33 mpg that is stickered, and power is more than sufficient. Love it.

 

More info than you could ever read: www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

I recommend Way Motor Works for oil filters. You can buy a six pack I believe. These are stock OEM filters.

Jackson

 

Before you start going for 3K oil changes try one extended interval change and send the oil to Blackstone Labs. They'll tell you exactly what's going on with your oil and remove all the guessing. You also don't HAVE to use an OEM filter. I usually do, but it's not a requirement.