Thinking about oil and service intervals this morning, and not having noticed the service interval mileage lately, I just went out and checked what mine is showing. Now, I have 11,600 miles on the odo... paid for two oil changes already, figured the next one was going to be free... but when I looked at the service interval this morning, it says "12000". Wait, WHAT??? I checked the zeros. Yep, three zeros. 11,600 plus 12,000 equals 23,600? SERIOUSLY MINI??? LOL I know I am a careful driver, that I am getting really good mileage, but you have GOT to be kidding. So I will insist on the one year anniversary oil change for free, but oh...my...goodness. Any ordinary driver who wasn't concerned about the engine would really just go with it. 23,000 + miles on the same oil, never changed from new? That is just crazy.

Thank goodness for forums and clubs to give better information!

 

Yeah, agreed. Had my first one year freeby yesterday at 8,875 miles. This was my 3rd oil change also (1,200 and 5,500 were out of pocket, but worth the peace of mind). When I mentioned at 5,500 miles that I'd be back in May the service advisor initially said, "but you won't be due, the service indicator still reads 13,000." I said, yeah, but I get a once a year freeby regardless of mileage according to the MA I bought the car from. His reply, "Oh yeah, I forgot."

Will probably go to 9 month changes from here on out, which for me will equate to every 6-7K miles.

 

It is one free oil change once a year or every 10k-15k miles. Go off the time instead of the mileage. So if you have paid for 2 you should be able to go in on your year market and get a free one.

 

Yup, just crazy! I just turned over 277,000 miles using the OBC recommended service interval. Last oil report here, another one coming in the very near future.

Nik

 

Nik, your post is what made me go and look! Such an impressive record!! And my oil has looked good throughout, but I want my car to go over 200,000 also, and am not easy in my mind with such long intervals. You won the big prize with your car, not all of us will be as lucky!

Yes, I will insist on my one year freebie in July, not worried about that. More...bemused... about MINI's optimism about their engines and filters. It's the young people who spent their stash on these cars but are indifferent to the needs of the car, that I worry for. Heck, I'd pay for them at 5,000 regardless, but most people won't, and they will be upset if neglect of their oil (including being lazy about checking it) leads to problems not covered by warranty, because by then they will be out of warranty!

Porthos, that is what I have been doing... mileage instead of service interval, thanks! Same for tire rotation, fluid changes, etc in the future.

Thank you for your reply, MattMatt! They may forget, but you won't!

 

The most important thing is to do what you are comfortable with. My last car was a honda running dino oil with factory intervals of 7,500 miles. I sold it w/ over 220,000 miles and it was not burning a drop of oil. So when I got the Mini the 12,000 mile interval didn't seem that out of line. Since then I've obviously gone more than that based on the OBC, and everything is looking fine. I drive a lot and it is nice not having to be under the car every 6 weeks changing the oil. Not to say that I don't check it very regularly, among many other things. To get a car to 200k (and now aiming for 300k) there are a lot of other things to look at other than oil. I am curious to see how my next report looks.

Nik

 

Indeed, Nik, that is so true. Other fluids, belts, etc. need care as well. We have an independent MINI mechanic not too far away that will be Winnie's 'general practitioner' when she is out of warranty, I am following closely their most conservative suggested intervals. What doesn't get done under warranty, will be done with them. With the inspiration of your MINI and others that have lasted so long, it looks like it is attainable to reach 200,000 or more. (applauds)

I've never owned a car as beautiful and expensive as Winnie. Not that the base HT is expensive, but it was a departure from a lifetime of buying used or getting hand me downs. We only bought one other new car... a Hyundai, over 20 years ago, because they were cheap and had a long warranty. And I got over 100,000 out of it before its engine blew. So she is a long term investment for us, and I hope to own her for decades. You know, like the little old lady that still drives her old Thunderbird with original paint and engine. LOL! They will be taking my key fob out of my knuckled old arthritic hand when I can no longer pass the driving exam! Well, we all have ambitions.

Oil LEVEL is so crucial, as are other LEVELs, change intervals being less important. As you say, diligence is important. Knowing how your car sounds, checking everything, etc is the key to long life. In this modern culture of disposable everything, we don't teach our young people often enough to care for what they have and that long life is ultimately more important than 'recycling' or 'green' technology.

 

Part of your success with OBC recommended changes could be the high rate of putting miles on. Running the car is much better for the car than starting, or being in stop and go traffic.
Either way great on having 277,000 miles with no problems.