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Do I have to replace oil along with intake solenoid?
General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Do I have to replace oil along with intake solenoid?
I have MINI Cooper S 2009 R56.
I changed the oil a year ago, although I have driven about 1k miles in the last year. I guess I need to change the oil, right? I also need to replace the VANOS solenoid. I plan to replace the solenoid myself. Can I replace the solenoid and then go to the shop for an oil change, or do I HAVE to change the oil before replacing the solenoid, or does it not matter?
Last edited by theateist; Dec 18, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
I don't worry about losing oil. It's just that my logic tells me that since there is old oil, it might clog or do something else to the solenoid before I can change the oil. Does my way of thinking make no sense?
Also, do you know what "Not Present" mean in the image above?
But, let's say I do need to change the oil. I was planning to replace the solenoid in the morning and then drive to a guy I know (50mile) to change the oil. Should I first change the oil and then replace the solenoid or can I replace the solenoid and then drive 50 miles to change the oil? I just don't know if driving on "bad" oil for 50 miles can ruin or damage the solenoid in long run?
But, let's say I do need to change the oil. I was planning to replace the solenoid in the morning and then drive to a guy I know (50mile) to change the oil. Should I first change the oil and then replace the solenoid or can I replace the solenoid and then drive 50 miles to change the oil? I just don't know if driving on "bad" oil for 50 miles can ruin or damage the solenoid in long run?
If the oil was bad enough at 1K miles to put the solenoid at risk I'd fear for the bearings, valve train hardware, etc.
An argument could be made the 1 year old oil could be due for a change. Not for any real concern about the solenoid but for everything that in some way depends upon the oil. While 1K miles is not a lot of miles in a year's time it suggests the car was used for short trips. If so these short trips tend to contaminate oil -- water and fuel -- and the short trips do not get the engine and oil hot enough to remove these contaminates. An oil change on time addresses this.
To cover all bases change the oil/filter *before* you replace the solenoid. But you must be extra extra careful you don't let any dirt or debris into the engine when replacing the solenoid. This caution applies regardless of if you change the oil before or after the solenoid R&R.
