Hello everyone.We just bought our first Mini,a 2012 Cooper S.Got rid of our gas guzzling '10 Camaro!

My question is,the factory says the first oil change is at 15000 miles if i remember correctly.
Has anyone changed it earlier than that on a new purchase or am I just worried about nothing?
Thanks

 

There have been several threads on this in recent years. Look up The Oil Guy online. Opinions are mixed, but many of us insisted on an earlier first oil change, say no more than 7000. I did mine at 5000, then every 7000 or so. It's a fun topic. BMW says 15000 is good enough, but I can't live with the way the oil looks by then.

 

I have a 2012 also. My service guy recommended I change at no later than 10,000 with the turbo. I went in at 13,000. He said the turbos really needed it earlier than the 15,000. My service light came on at 10,000 or 11,000, so it was covered under maintenance.

 

Thanks.
I know syn can last a long time but seems like with a new motor it would be done sooner.
Maybe their just holding off because of the 3 yr. included service!

Think I'll do it around 5 to 7.

 

Just my $0.02 :

Change it first at 1500 to 2000 miles. Then every 3k to 6k after that.

The oil change "experts" will inevitably chime in and tell you about how the MINI spec oil's long life formulation will make it last for more than 12k miles, and your just wasting money and killing polar bears by changing it any more frequently.

However, your filter won't last that long. And soon you'll be circulating small particles of metal and crud through the extremely tight tolerences of your very expensive turbo's bearings.

 

I'm no expert, but I think the manufacturer's recommendation is just fine.

 

Second what TorchMini said. After breakin period oil change go with 7-7500 mile intervals. Have dealer do the 15K and you do the in between changes. The dealer will reset the mileage counter when they do it so you don't have to mess with that part.

 

On my car I changed the oil and filter after the break-in period, about 1500 miles,
and then annually or every 7500 miles which ever comes first.

As of today, 49000 miles, it burns nothing measurable between oil changes.
I also use the OEM Mini branded oil and filters.

Basically I'm doing what 'drsimmons' does and posted.

Hope this helps...

 

^^^I think we've got the best layout. Not to mention check the darn oil at least once a week (depending on driving).

 

Is the oil easy to change at home with no lift?
I have a floorjack,jackstands and even some ramps.

 

Ok I did a search found its better to use ramps.

 

We recommend changing the oil every 5k miles.

And we even have a kit with the tools for you now
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oil-cha...5-r56-r57.html

 

Correct. Just drive up far enough to get your drain pan under and room enough to manuver.
Piece of cake.
Also, to get to the filter, remove the one screw from coolant container and pull it out of the way (I use a bungie cord and wrap it around to hold it).

 

Thanks for the info!