Every engine is different and every drive has different habits.
You want to get "peace of mind" GET THE DAMN ANALYSIS.
It will tell you exactly where you are. if it tells you change every 5k than do it every 5k, and if it tells you change every 10k then change every 10k but don't just foolishly jump into conclusions on your own. That's a peace of mind that supported by data not some imaginary point.
If were to go by your thinking then why not change timing every 10k miles?? It can also break, right?

 

Take a deep breath and step slowly back away from the keyboard. Get something to drink, go play with the kids or the dog, do something fun, and come back later on ...

You may wish to consider a bit more carefully how you convey your message. I'd recommend that you treat people here exactly the same way as you would if they were in front of you. There's no reason to treat people this way, regardless of your qualifications in engine maintenance, design, or automotive knowledge. And if you do not have these qualifications (or similar), then isn't that all the more reason to argue your point softly. /soapbox

To your point - "supported by data" etc. A fair number of people here on NAM have had this done. And it is now pretty clear from the data that the MINI recommended intervals are well in excess of what's best for the car. Shocking, I know.

Based on this information, we really don't all need to reinvent the wheel. I think that most of us want to do what's convenient and still well within safe boundaries to take care of our cars. For some people that means they'll change it at 5000, for others 7500. Personally, I do think that it would be cool to have an analysis done on my first change, especially if I do this at say 600-1000 miles. For $22, I'd do that.

Jeff

 

lol where was a stron language in my response ? I mistreated someone bay saying for the fifth time "get the analysis" with "damn" added for stronger suggestion? I gues I just wanted to emphasise on the fact that the only peace of mind is the one that clearly shows you what's going on. I was getting a little tired of responses that early oil change gives people "peace of mind".

Well, this is their data, everyone should get their own.
As stated above, every engine is different and all of us have different driving habits. What's good for me may not be good for you. And just because someone had this situation, doesn't mean that you have the exactly same conditions and his findings and situation should apply to you. Yes, the intervals are long in some cases, especially in the MCS cases. The only way to find out what is best for you, is to get an analysis.

Again, throwing money out the window for something that may be totally unecessary is neither a "peace of mind" nor "cheap insurance". But hey, it's not my money out of the pocket. If it's convenient and you want to do it then do it but in fact you don't really know what's going on inside your engine and are fooling yourself since the real situation may be very different.

This thread is going nowhere now so I gues I'll just leave as it's clear that some people "know better" without really knowing

 

My own piece of mind has me changing the oil & filter at 1200 miles with stock oil filter and Amsoil 10W30.

Then, oil & filter changes every 5000 miles.

Your piece of mind may vary....

Safe Motoring!!

 

For modded engines I am now changing my "every 7,500 miles oil+filter change" to 5,000 miles routine using RP or RL 5W-30.

 

Here's more data that suggests the MINI recommended intervals are not necessarily in the best interest of our cars. This is a thread where I posted my BlackStone analysis: Analysis at 10,500 Miles

It's all about wear and tear. How much wear and tear is each owner willing to live with? As for me, I want the least amount possible. Some people may be willing to live with a little more wear and tear for the convenience of less frequent changes.

 

good info. Glad I stick with the OEM approved spec'd oil's, (ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01). And, change well before their "recommended" intervals. I won't push beyond 5K miles with Mobil 0W-40, and 7K with GC 0W-30. I'll go 5K with the BMW supplied Castrol 5W-30.

Curious to see what the "go the full interval, because BMW say's so... you're wasting money" amen crowd chimes in with. It's their engine... fine. . BMW Engineers vs. the BMW Finance guys (regarding the interval). Guess who won.

You paid somewhere between 25-35K for the car, and folks are worried about a $50-125 for a oil change? (depending upon if you do it yourself, or take it in).

Post those oil reports.

 

My MA told me to ignore MINIs recommendations and change the oil every 7500 miles.

When I went for my first official MINI service I had already changed the oil twice (at 1K and 7K).

I think it would be tough for them to void a warranty because I took better care of my car than they suggested ...at least that is what I am hoping.

Dean.

 

with the recommended oil changes per your mini on board computer is when they will honor a free oil change. what if your mileage runs one year and a half since your last oil change. what is the rule per mini dealerships -- should your oil a least be changed once a year even though your mileage hasn't reached the oil inspection time?

 

Yes, the oil should be changed at least once per year per the manual, regardless of the computer counter. This is also covered under the free maintenance. Just take it in one year later and they'll change it for free.

 

thanks!!!

 

The oddest thing happened to me recently regarding oil changes. I brought my car in for its one year oil change in mid June. About 3 weeks after that I got the check engine light. I brought it into the dealer to check out the light. The SA told me they might as well do a full service since I was there. I told him they just changed the oil less than 2000 miles ago. He said "thats ok we'll change the oil anyways while your here".

The check engine light was the cat converter, which they will be changing next week.