As I'm sure most here are aware, the dealership elects to charge $200+ for an oil change. Yeah a little absurd. I know it includes an "inspection" blah blah.

Anyway as a "public service" to fellow MINI owners whom elect to do your own oil changes, I'd like to recommend an oil I've found to be pretty fantastic.

I normally go to INSKIP MINI which is 5 miles from my house and buy BMW/MINI branded synthetic 5W-30 oil and filter. It's basically Castrol EDGE SYNTHETIC European Car Formula. It's good oil, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with it. BUT...

I last changed my oil around Memorial Day. So the oil I switched out was far from "old" ~5K miles. Decided to give LIQUI-MOLY a try, 5W-30 LONGTIME (No Asian jokes ha) HIGH TECH Full Synthetic.

WOW. This stuff is slick. I've noticed noticeably smoother and linear power delivery, smoother idle and a little bump in MPG. I'd say the engine is extremely happy with this oil. The oil has MoS2 additive mixed in, I'll let you guys research that on your own (I have). I have a feeling MoS2 has something to do with the performance gain I've found.

So there you have it. Advice given.

Cheers,

Ian

 

Where did you find this Liqui-Moly? Auto parts store? Online?

 

Ok, it seems to be a readily available additive if the full oil isn't. What are the general opinions on this product? I realize there will be arguments on both sides, but I'd like to hear them. I have a '07 R56S with the N14 engine. This has potential to be a good product for my engine. Obviously won't fix any issues, but could help keep future issues at bay. Has anyone used this long term?

 

Wow, what country are they charging $200.00 for an oil change?
I've been to 2 of the 4 MINI dealers here in Chicagoland, and both have been $69.00.
Full service with top off and belt inspections.
Plus check air in tires and wash.

Just have to say....wow!

 

$69 for an oil change at a mini dealer? Mine wants $120....wow!

 

Yes my local dealership charges ~$200 for an oil change. Considering MINI recommends a 15K mile oil change schedule they probably view this as a "once a year check-up and inspection". That's fine but if they offered JUST an oil change for say $69.95 I'd be there in a heart beat. Their loss! The guys that work in the parts and service department are very knowledgeable and helpful. Most of them own MINI's themselves and are enthusiasts. I don't mean to slander them. I had an alignment done a few months ago after the H&R suspension install and it was a very good value. Less expensive than I expected.

Regarding LIQUI-MOLY: I purchased a 5L jug from Bavarian Autosport for $34.95. It's made in Germany and is widely regarded as really high-end stuff. European Synthetic oils are far superior to US market oils. You really have to read the fine print. Example: CASTROL EDGE with SYNtec that you would normally find at your local auto parts store DOESN'T meet ACEA A3/B3 standards and subsequently BMW/MINI LL-01/LL-04 standards either. In North America you're allowed to market a synthetic blend oil and call it a Full-Synthetic. Not cool. Is it a bad oil? No. But it's not a true full-synthetic as they'd have you to believe. Hope this made sense!

And to be clear: The BMW/MINI oil (CASTROL) that you get from the dealership is a true Full-Synthetic that meets ACEA A3/B3 standards, the highest standard in the industry. I've just found the LIQUI-MOLY to be a little superior.

Ian

 

You just have to find the Castrol that is European blend in the store and it should meet the A3/B3 spec, easily verified by reading the label.

 

Or Mobil1 0-40 Euro blend.

 

Mine charges 182 dollars. I can get the filter and oil for 38 dollars total and do it myself

 

This is what I use. It was just on sale at Walmart for a 5qt jug. $22 is all it cost me!

 

Mobil had or has a rebate offer of $12 off on their full synthetic oils. Check site for details. Limit 2 entries per household. That's $10 per jug (if purchased at Walmart) plus the cost of filter and a little elbow grease.

 

My local NJ dealer wants $180 for a MINI oil change. MINI N14 engine takes 4.5 quarts of synthetic re-labelled Castrol engine oil.
The local BMW dealer 5 miles away wants $99 for a BMW oil change. BMW N55 engine takes 7.0 quarts of synthetic re-labelled Castrol engine oil.

MINI dealers think we are bigger suckers than BMW owners.

a

 

I wonder on what's included in your oil change that is worth $180? No coupons on their site? Can you take it the BMW dealer that can do the oil change?

 

We carry the Liqui Moly 5w-30 LT high tech here and have it in our oil service kits: Good stuff and the convenience of a 5 liter bottle.

Gen 1 MINIs R50 R52 R53 11427512446KT4

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11427512446KT4/



OR

Gen 2 MINIs R56+ 11427622446KT4

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11427622446KT4/





They even have MINIs as there promo cars over the years.





Pretty cool.

 

So I chose Liqui Moly's Top Tec 4200 for the '07 R56S because it was recommended for cars requiring BMW's LL-01 spec and it also has the flattest viscosity curve amongst the 5w-30 oils Liqui Moly recommended.

I also noticed the change in engine smoothness when the new oil went in two weeks ago. Fuel economy increased as well by about 1.5 MPG. Why new oil of lower viscosity would make the motor noticeably smoother is a mystery to me. The increase in fuel efficiency I get.

Many months ago I swapped out the 5w-40 Catrol Syntec in the '06 Passat for the LM's LeichtLauf High Tech 5w-40 which resulted in a sharp reduction in oil consumption. The car had been using around a quart per 2000 miles and is now going about 3500 miles per pint of top up oil. I have no idea what impact the LM oil has had on the fuel economy as the Passat is Wifey's car and she is the proverbial poster child for the Lead Foot Society.

I also spike both cars with a bottle of LM's Engine Moly additive per change.

Pelican Parts is another source for LM products. At least to Arizona, shipping is free on qualified parts with a $75 or larger order.

 

I use LiquiMOLY in my 335i and swear by it. The MoS additive is awesome. I will try Ceramtech next. Recently changed the oil in the 335i after I think 8k miles and it wasn't all that bad. I think I would be able to get another 2k miles out of it no problem. The 335i is tuned with 400hp btw. Definitely the best oil I have ever used. Cheap too... locally for $32 for 5L.

 

\Mine is also $69

 

NJ , you can't even pump your own gas there either. Surprised you can buy oil and do your own oil changes

 

THIS., and I just got my $24 rebate check.

$10/ jug... NO BRAINER! That's like 1/4 of the regular price.

Euro 0w40 = Mini spec!

 

don't even get me started on just buying an air rifle. I love my state.. but some of the rules... BAH!

 

One of the few benefits I got when I moved from Ill to this "blue" state was lack of any give a rats *** about anything. Sometimes like buying or packing my handgun it's nice. Especially since my MINI has the perfect hiding place for it

First time I pulled of hwy for gas in NJ the guy give me a look like what are you doing ? I replied with the same thing I have doing since I was like 10, pumping gas.

 

Nice! I bought 8 jugs..! address gets tricky since you're rebate is only good for 2 per household. I did one at my home address, one at work, one at my girlfriend's house and last at my buddy's address. Should be set for 1.5 years of oil changes.

 

Agreed, BubbaJCW. I just had an oil change with all the services you mentioned at $69.00. Does the $200 oil change include a foot massage?

 

Glad to see some drivers have been using LIQUI-MOLY. I had a feeling it was good stuff. Quick question: I swapped out my MTL oil around Memorial Day with Red Line MTL 75W80 GL-4 Gear Oil. Shifts are smoother and it's a tad quieter too. Mind you the benefits are subtle. Cost: ~$35. The other day I was researching BMW's "Lifetime" MTL fluid, LT3 or LT4, to see how much it costs... $135. What makes BMW's gear oil so "special"? I'm not being sarcastic, it's an honest question. Am I missing something??

 

A few things do.
1- The "BMW" label.
2- They sell a lot less oil than the major manufacturers do, so their cost to produce is higher.
3- They (theoretically) know exactly what is in the oil and have made sure it has all of the stuff in it your motor needs.
4- That nifty BMW rondel.
5- There are people who will just pay whatever it costs because it's from the dealer and must be "right".
6- That price is likely what they charge in the service department, which adds some nice profit there too.
7- They have to support the dealer parts department...
8- Did I mention the logo?