The sticker on my engine cover says "5W-30".....unless my dealer tells me otherwise, that's what I am going to use! If there's been a recommendation for cars already using 5W-30 to switch to 0W-20, it would be nice to know from my dealer (and that's no going to happen).

If anyone sees anything in writing from MINI, I'd appreciate getting a copy. This is what''s wrong with the mentality of always taking your MINI to the dealer for everything....they really don't care about informing owners of technical service bulletins and recommended changes to service protocols.

Those of us who prefer to do our own maintenance are just left out in the cold on such things! I may contact MINI directly, as that's what my engine sticker says as well....not holding my breath I get anywhere with that however.

 

I decided to call 1-866-ASK-MINI, and the customer rep on the phone told me, based on the last 7 digits of my VIN that the recommended oil was 0W-20.


He did not know anything about the change or when it occurred. So, it appears the powers to be at MINI keep secrets from everyone when changing a specification!


Am I the only one who is concerned about the lack of disclosure on MINI's part about why this change? Maybe Dan is correct...it's all about "marketing"!

 

Like I said earlier, I have 10 quarts of Mobil 1 0W40 that I bought on sale and I plan to use it on my in between oils change. If it was fine 10 months ago I don't see where it can hurt now.

 

Most likely forum members are more up to date regarding minis than the dealerships. For the most part my dealership seems to be clueless. Different weights are acceptable substitutions per the owner's manual.

 

I think you're right Dan, sadly. "Clueless" appears to be the correct adjective!


I already have the 5W-30 MINI oil in my garage, so that's what I am going to use for the first oil change. That's likely what's in there originally anyway.


Time will tell if I switch....I'd like to see something explaining MINI's current preference for the 0W-20 first however. 0W-20 just seems too low of a viscosity to me...must be a reason!


John

 

Yes, it seems to be a horrendously light weight oil to old motorheads, and I also would like to know BMW's rationale behind the change and causal factors.

 

My dealer tells me that MINI has recommended 0W-30 for certain engines (most of them actually) from 2012 to 2015, and 0W-20 for 2016 & 2017. The break between 2015 and 2016 depends on the VIN (my JCW is a very late 2015 build, so it falls in the 0W-20 recommendation, according to MINI). The only reason the MINI rep put out there for this recommended change is for "better fuel mileage". So, the 5W-30 is absolutely fine!

I doubt it has anything to do with the engine, mechanically speaking. At least I finally got an answer. My dealer was great btw, attempting to get an answer for me.

 

I have dealer envy, thanks for the information. I will bring this to their attention. I won't wait for another 10,000 miles to change the oil. I will have it done at the 5,000 mile interval. We have a good, independent BMW service station fairly close and I will see what they will charge. The mini dealership pricing indicates they use liquid gold for oil and automotive doctors to change it. I can do it myself, but prefer not to.

 

Your MINI has the B48 engine. The TIS Bulletin indicates what engine decal states, uses 0W-20.

If engine decal from factory states 0W-20 it probably was shipped here with that oil in the crank case. The prior engine oil decal swaps by campaign were done at dealer, after delivery to US.