I bought my mini used, out of warranty (purchased a warranty but no service plan) and I've driven almost 7K fun miles since I bought it, but now I'm wondering if its time for an oil change, or if I should do the suggested 1 year interval I've read about? IDK how comfortable I feel about letting the car go that long for an oil change..

Thanks guys you have been wonderful in solving all my i'm-stupid-about-car needs!

 

There are a ton of threads on this topic for just about every model. What year and model is your MINI? On my R53, I run the distance and have since I got it with no problems. There have been numerous people that posted information up to show that the oil was still good at 15K. However, Americans have it ingrained in their heads that it must be changed frequently. Luckily for them it is cheap so they can do it cause in Europe you will pay will over 200 USD for an oil change.

 

I have an 08 Cooper S, thats an R56 I think..
I'm going to check the oil level today on my way home from work, if its still at normal ill let it go.. I had posted about my MPG's in another thread and thought it might be due to my oil..

 

I just got my oil changed for the first time since I bought my 2011 R56. I drove a little over 7,000. I saw the used oil, it was very nearly black and dripped off your finger almost like water. I'd say the 7k interval most people stick with is a good practice; at least on the turbo/supercharged models.

I found a place that specializes in MINIs locally. They changed oil and filter for $79.

 

Yeah I drive way more then 7K in a year, probably closer to 15K a year, so I'll probably just get it every 7-8K miles just to be safe.

 

OK, first let me say this and make sure it is clear. You can't tell squat from the color or if it runs on your finger as to the quality of the oil left. Looking at it, sniffing it, rubbing it will tell you nothing.

That being said, yes OP, you have an R56 which is turbo based. Many like to change it early because they feel it keeps the engine clean. I can tell you that I know many people overseas that follow the recommended interval and have had no problems. If you are using quality oil you will not have a problem.

On the last note, you should be checking your oil level at least every other fill up. All cars will burn oil at some rate and you need to make sure to keep it at a proper level.

 

Quality post, and i couldn't agree more!

 

I know I know, just completely slipped my mind the last few weeks

 

It happens, but you would be surprised over some of the posts we get here about people that have let the car run dry because they thought free maintenance meant maintenance free.

Just make sure you use a quality fully synthetic oil and you should be in good shape. If changing it buys you peace of mind then go for it.

 

That does an amazing job of summarizing the issue.

 

I've always changed oil on my previous vehicles at 3k. Waiting for 15k or even 7k intervals seems too long. Even if the viscosity and quality of the oil remains good, doesn't the dirt in the oil wear the engine? I'd be inclined to change it more often for that reason alone. Is there a contraindication to more frequent oil changes other than the added maintenance expense? I'll be owning this car outright (vs leasing) - which is another incentive for me to go more frequently than the recommended maintenance intervals.

 

You purchased it used. Unless you have something in writing you should not assume that the oil was changed when you purchased or that the service was done right. Did they change the oil filter? Did they use quality synthetic oil? Did they check everything else that a full service involves?

If you cannot with certainty answer "yes" to each of those questions a complete service would be a prudent investment.

Then the 10K interval would be fine.

 

I think your driving environment can also play a role in how often you change the oil. I had a Camry before my R53, and the Toyota owner's manual suggested oil changes every 5000 miles for stop & go city driving, 7500 for a highway car.

A MINI is vastly different from a Toyota - that goes without saying - but I think there's some validity there. I found a great independent shop to work on my MINI, and the owner recommends oil changes every 5000, so that's the interval I try to stick with as closely as possible.

 

Do it every 5K miles. I do that with my MCS. And I use royal purple synthetic oil. Good luck!

 

I could't agree more. but I am not comfortable with 15k between changes. (there are some people that have insisted on changing the oil every 3-4k) The only things that I would be concerned with are making sure that the oil is labeled as European Formula and the oil weight. My 7500 mile oil change I went to Mobil 1 their European Formula was 5 w 40 and I noticed a difference in MPG's about 2 will stick with another brand next time.

 

You have no idea unless you pull a sample and send it in for testing. You are simply guessing and of all the samples that were sent in with oils that were labeled to go 15 - 25K, I have yet to see one that was bad. Bottom line is that the oil can go the distance. Another argument was that the filter couldn't, but that would be really stupid of the engineers to create a system that is designed to go 15K and then stick a 5K filter in. Bottom line is that you are simply inculturated with the 3 -5K change so that is what you believe is right. Go to Europe where they drive even harder than we do and they would look at you like you were foolish.

Not really... The computer is designed to measure your driving habits and adjust it accordingly. I am getting close to an oil change and have not gone 15K. The computer has adjusted down do to driving habits.

Of course he recommends 5K, he gets paid to do it! I'd recommend it as well!

 

I had an oil change done the week I bought the car to make sure, did synthetic oil to the mini standards so I'm confident the oil in there is the good stuff. I guess I was just unsure since any other car I've owned I've gone about 5K between oil changes