Just did my first oil change at 6000 miles. It was much easier than I expected. Here are pics and some instructions I put together. Hope they are helpful. Pics are spread across thread.
Note on oil used: I used Mobil Fully Synthetic 5w30 this time, since I had some left over from previous car. This will be fine if changing every 5k or so. I plan on either using 0w40 or the Mobil 1 synthetic Extended Life Oil next go round at between 10-12k.
Note on tools: Sizes for the tools are T50 torx on the drain plug and 27mm or 11/16 for the oil filter housing.

 

set 2 of pics

 

set 3 of pics

 

final set of pics

 

Thanks, that is really great!

Is it this easy on an MCS?

 

Thanks for taking the time to put that together. So you didn't use a torque wrench on the plug and filter?

 

Awesome write up!

 

good write up with pictures! Thanks

 

Extremely helpful and very well put together - thank you!

 

^^ Anyone know?

 

Thanks for the pictures and the report!

 

I know for a fact that it's somewhat more difficult with the MCS, just can't say exactly how much. One difference which complicates things over the MC is I believe you have to remove or at least move the coolant tank. Any MCS owners who've actually done the change care to chime in???

 

I know on my MC you can actually remove the filter cap with an open end wrench it so easy to get to. The MCS is much harder, most remove the coolant reservoir and push it off to the side without undoing hose connections.

 

I'm sure someone else will chime in, but Mobile 1 5w30 doesn't meet the same specs as the Mini OE oil. Yeah, sure it's synthetic, the right grade, and according to the manual, meets the minimum API spec, but it's not an ACEA A3/B3 oil. If it has to be Mobil 1 looks like 0w40 meets the ACEA spec.

 

Otherwise, no huge difference?

 

MCS only slightly more involved. You need to remove the coolant overflow bottle as it is the access to the top of the oil filter housing. You will need an extender for the oil filter housing as the rachet motion is restricted due to other parts in the way. Btw, sizes for the tools are T50 torx on the drain plug and 27mm for the oil filter housing.

Another hint for drainage. After removing the drainplug, also remove the dipstick and loosen the oil filter housing to just before it comes off. This will allow the motor to drain more thoroughly avoiding the chance of oil draining down the side of the motor when you remove the oil filter housing.

Nice write up and pics for those that want to do this.

Cheers!

 

Is this true?

 

____________________________________

+1

....$42 in parts and your labor beats $80-100 at the dealer every time....take the used oil back to the place you bought it (by law they have to accept it)

 

Mobil1 is fine if you are doing frequent oil changes but it does not meet the true specs set forth by MINI/BMW. If you are changing oil every 5,000 miles it should be fine. I asked a tech at the dealer and he stated that is what he uses in his ride, but changes are per the 5,000 interval. The MINI oil supposedly can go 20,000+ miles according to the d@mn computer in our cars, and the service writers at the dealership who tell you you can't come in for an oil change until it jives with the OBC and/or 12 months has passed. But if you believe that, I have a some real estate I can sell you.

 

I lol'd

 

+1

Great post!

 

Great post. The Mini will hit 1,000 miles this week so it will get it first change next weekend.... then every 5,000 miles there after. 10w-40 Mobil One - the regular stuff.

 

My Mini is about to hit 9k miles and the computer says that's when it should go in for service. Unfortunately I don't have an appointment for another two weeks and in that time will put another 1k miles on it. =(

But thank you for the great photos and writeup. Once I have to start doing my oil changes myself I will be back to reference these pages!

 

Make sure the 9K you're seeing doesn't mean there's 9K to go!

 

Thanks giancola, that was great! Now I'm more confident that I can handle it on my own. I've done it on all my previous vehicles, why not my Mini!