Hey Guys,

Just curious, what do the dealers charge for an oil change on the F55/6, they seem to be running 79.95 specials for the R gen. Curious about the newer model.

 

Last time it was 129 less a 25 rebate. That was my last time, never again. My Indy shop is 100 with better oil, or I'll do it myself.

 

What's "better oil", curious. The OEM oil + filter is quite expensive for some odd reason ~70 in parts. I am aware it is "EASY" to do, this is my last service while inside warranty and 1 hr of my time is worth the $50 i'll pay to them. So, I'd like to check in and see if anything else needs doing. Might as well do the oil change at the same time.

 

The indy mechanic launched into the explanation and lost me. He had no reason to sell me because he is using name brand Motul or LubriMoly oils. Basically you can read up on it as much has been written. Apparently USA synth oils are not the same as what is sold elsewhere. Does it matter? Hell if I know, but I do know that I don't trust my local dealer service department at all.

 

And how much did the Indy charge?

 

Post #2

 

I’m blind, TY

 

Why full synthetic oil should be different in USA? Check your owner's manual and fill with what is recommended by the manufacturer. Furthermore avoid these expensive oils that are marketed with big markups at these shops with no benefit unless you are on the racetrack every weekend.

Castrol Edge Full Synthetic should be on the list. The most important is to keep using the OEM filters. I buy them on Ebay for about $12.00 and have full oil service done for $45.00.

There is no way I would pay $100+ for and oil change.

 

".... There is no way I would pay $100+ for an oil change..... "

& there's no need to.
Invest once in a set of ramps, a drain pan & an oil filter wrench - about $50
Every 10,000 miles get a decent brand filter cartridge & 5qts of full synthetic oil - under $30.
& do an oil change yourself
& it takes about 15 minutes of your time

 

Not everyone is physically capable of crawling under cars as they get older. Once a year I overspend on an oil change. I also don't do my own dental work, pretty sure I could save some cash using my rotary tool.

 

Funny, but true...

Besides being physically challenged crawling under cars, besides age one too many spine and hips surgeries, also "mechanically" challenged... Master Chef in Kitchens for over 50 years World Wide, but, amazingly I can do much damage with only a screwdriver! As I often say "I just don't got it".

So the challenge is of course, regarding home repair, motorcycle [no more though!], cars, is finding Ace mechanics. I have pretty much good luck I must say and always I make sure it is the same doing the job. As yesterday, oil change by the incredible "Chris" at Mini of El Paso. This is a mechanic that was offered to be on the Mini Racing Team but turned it down because of his own Family obligations which I truly respect. $57 by the way... They always have a Special running even if I am in on the wrong days!

*** Every 5,000 miles by the way, not 10,000.

 

Every 5000? How come?

Also $57 is an insane deal when the parts alone cost $65.

 

I am "Old Fashioned"!!! I guess it is just a personal thing... I had a 95 1100R BMW GS I changed the oil every 3K and ended up selling it with 321,000 original miles on it.

I have also "heard" [you know how rumors are! right or wrong I really don't know...] that changing every 10K is the culprit for "timing chain" damage.

The price? well, as I wrote, they always have a "one day" special throughout the month and they are kind enough to give me that price any day. A great team I must say and very enjoyable to visit, chat...

 

Curious if you sent it to blackstone or anything.
I am currently maintaining a Crown Vic with 410k miles with original engine and trans, the factory calls for 3k, I am using mobil 1 every 10k, and blacktone is telling me to go 12.

 

I don't know who Blacktone is.

I understand what you are saying. I have been told many times that I am wasting money! Especially by AMSOIL Dealers when I use to change the oil at 3K...

But, that is just me. It is what it is...

Thanks.

 

Blackstone is a lab that analyzes oil and based off of that suggests how long to run that oil in your car.

 

We do the change every 5,000 on the MCS and the '13 Coupe, at the dealer. Got to know the SA pretty well and they do more than just change the oil. They check the belts, read the codes, and check other wear items each change. They know what to look for, especially the particular model. Helps me plan what is coming up, brake pads and other small items. If I have a question on problems that appeared on this forum, I ask and they check, no charge. Worth it for me for the few extra dollars.

 

What do they charge you on the mcs?
my dealers are running 79.95 specials on the R gen which is quite a good deal

 

Exactly, you took the words out of my mouth! Chris does all that and as you write I can plan ahead. For example I know that next time [5000 miles on...] I will need rear brake pads. It is like a "complete" consultation and inspection of the car every 5K. Peace of mind... For sure worth the few extra dollars! My JCW having no other purpose than driving the many twisty roads we have starting a mile from here, you want to play? You pay... Considering also I am the worse ever mechanic on the surface of this Earth! And I am not exaggerating... He removes the NM Engineering Power Module and puts it back!!! Nice for sure...

 

Right now El Paso Mini has $49.99 for the JCW. One day only, always a Saturday, but they are always nice enough to give me that price any day of the month, as in a couple days ago! Followed by a FULL inspection while Chris removes the NM Engineering Power Module and puts it back. I think it is all a matter of not being a jerk and establishing a nice and friendly relationship with the Dealer and everyone working as they truly try their best. I have the same situation with my Jeep Dealer! Fantastic and timely people. For that matter also with the local "Discount Tire" store. Great crew, the best prices I have ever found and how can you turn down free rotation and balancing every 5K? Seriously!!! By the end of their cycle, the tires pay for themselves. Also how lazy can I get going through their drive in and without even getting out of the car they check the tires pressure to the proper PSI...

I am 74! I can be lazy... [I really am not! I work out hard 90 minutes a day... Just love conveniences]

 

$49.95 is below the cost of parts I don’t know how you can go wrong.

 

The last charge was 129+change. They had a promotion- 49+change so with sales tax (high here) it was a total of 89.00. The coupe is less, less oil.

 

You really can't. Unless you buy the new M8 parked next door for $165,000.... What a beauty!!!

They also have a ride just about every month starting with full on Catered Breakfast. Meeting some really nice people... The last ride was about 200 miles R/T. Police Motorcycle escort out of town stopping all the traffic for about 50+ Minis... Quite a cool experience. [BMW motorcycle of course!]