I've recently ordered a MCS (LB) and, being new to minis, I'm wondering about maintenance, especially oil changes.

Disclaimer: I'm sure this is covered in existing threads, but I couldn't find them; I did look!

Q1: Frequency: I'm used to changing oil every 3,000 miles. Ok, I procrastinate and it can be anywhere from 3k to 6k when I actually do get the oil changed - but overall I feel like I've been good about this. My impression from what I've heard is that you don't need to change the oil in a Mini that often. Is that true? Is it better to change the oil more frequently?

Q2: 1000 mile oil change: when I bought my Accord, I was told an oil change was needed at 1,000 miles since there were extra bits (eg, metal filings) in the engine that could cause problems. Is that not true with a mini?

Q3: I think (but am not sure) that oil changes are included in the 3/36 scheduled maintenance, so for about a year and a half (I drive a lot) I won't have to pay for oil changes. Is this true? After that, do I have any options other than the dealer? I've had good mechanics in the past and I've always had a distrust of dealer service. Can I go to an oil change shop (you know the ones) or is that discouraged? Can I change the oil myself? If I go to the dealer, is it going to cost me $100 to get the oil changed?

Q4: Is it easy to find good mini mechanics? Is there a list somewhere of recommended mechanics - not that I expect to need one for a few years.

Q5: Any other advice or recommendations for me? (and how the heck am I going to make it through the next two months?!?)

Thanks in advance!

Tony

 

Scheduled maintenance only covers oil changes when your MINI's computer says it's time (usually between 15 - 20k mi. dependent on what kind of miles) or every year, which ever comes first. Any other oil changes you will have to cover.

I paid the dealer to change the oil in my R53 at around 1200 mi.and changed it my self at 8k and 22k.

I'm no expert, but I think the MINI synthetic oil should comfortably last at least 6k mi., no need to change it every 3k.

 

Remember, Mini's come with synthetic oil, and with continued use, you can go 10K+ or so between changes. Just select a good oil. Most folks tend to use Mobil 1 or Castrol German.

Me, I'm more of a 6-7K changer. Peace of mind kind of thing.

It's easy to do yourself if you know which end of a wrench is which. NAPA makes a better oil filter than the Mini original.

I have a 2006, which has a different engine than the 2007 and later, so I can't give you directions about the actual oil change.

 

First and foremost, welcome to the NAM. Anyway, onto business. The old 1k mile break in rule should apply to either re-built engines or old stuff, circa:mid 80's and back. But, it still may not be a bad idea if you can do it without too much hassle. If not, don't sweat. There really is no more break-in time for new cars. Finding a reliable tech is not hard. If you have a family or personal favorite, go for it. I've been using the same people before my MINI and now that I have and they've had no issues. Check the club listings and ask someone in your area about a good, MINI savvy tech. And the oil, I'm old school. I'm one of the few willing to bite the bullet and get it done every 3000 miles with Mobil 1. Yes, it adds up but I'm picky about these things.

 

Disclaimer: I'm sure this is covered in existing threads, but I couldn't find them; I did look!
Covered extensively - keep searching.

Q1: Frequency: Oil changes under the maintenance program are only free when the cars computer says that an oil change is due. This could be 10-15k miles.

Q2: 1,000 mile oil change: Good for piece of mind, but Mini will not cover it under the free maintenance program. Their theory is that the motor is run in at the factory and does not need the oil change.

Q3: Any Jiffy Lube will change the oil, but with the goofy filters and little things that can cause major havoc with this car I'd recommend going to a dealer. Mine offers a basic oil change for $65 and that includes synthetic and a filter. Price out synthetic and a filter and you'll see that $65 is pretty good. My dealer also said that if I did the oil changes there that they would have a much easier time going to bat for me for issues that go wrong right after the warranty expires.

Q4: Is it easy to find good mini mechanics? There are sub forums on NAM that are for local clubs. Search or post for help there and you'll get a more focused answer. I was surprised how many tuner shops for the Mini were in my area.

Q5: Any other advice or recommendations for me? Keep reading here and don't panic with any of the negativity that you may read. Lots of people come here to look for solutions to problems, so it may seem that these cars are problematic. It's generally nothing to get worked up about.

 

There are some comprehensive threads in the 2nd Generation Coupe Talk (2007+) forum.

There is much debate on this topic. The only way to know to have oil analysis done periodically to see how the oil you've chosen holds up to your driving conditions. Many have chosen 5,000 for peace of mind. Others are going with the factory recommendations.

The few oil analysis results that have been posted so far on the R56 (2007+ Coupes) have indicated that going with factory numbers is really pushing it a little too far.

IMO, BMW is responding to market pressures applied by Mercedes and Porsche, expense of the free maintenance period, and engine life when determining oil change intervals. The people I know who buy Mercedes, BMWs, Porsches, and Jaguars tend to see the longer service intervals as a great advantage. So, I'm sure the market pressures to match the competition is something BMW is keenly aware of. As an owner, my concerns are different than BMW's. I tend to keep my cars for long periods. So, long-term engine health is important to me.

A lot of us have done it at the 1,200 mile official end of the break-in period (during which you are supposed to keep it below 4,500 rpm and 90 mph).

I would stay far away from quick oil change places. There are many horror stories. I have my own regarding Jiffy Lube. Never again. The MINI is a very sophisticated engine with very specific requirements.

My advice is to ignore the oil specifications in the USA version of the owners manual, and go with the stricter requirements listed in the UK version. The UK manual recommends synthetic oil that meets ACEA A3/B3 ratings. This is a much stricter European spec. than the USA's API SH. I suspect MINI didn't want complaints, from patriotic Americans, about requiring European specs.

Oils with ACEA A3 ratings in the 5W-30 or 5W-40 classes are a little hard to find. The MINI or BMW branded oil from you dealer meets the specs and is reasonably priced (at most dealers). This oil was formulated for BMW by Castrol. Other A3 oils that come to mind are 0W-30 "German" Castrol, Mobil 1 0W-40 (Mobil 1 5W-30 does not meet specs.). There is also a Valvoline synthetic (don't recall which one), and some other brands like Royal Purple. You have to check that the specific oil you are looking at meets the specs. If you look closely, you will find significant differences in the different weights of Mobil 1. Some meet the long life ratings, some don't. Few meet the viscosity at operating temp ratings of A3.

 

Tony, I did my first oil change at 1K. No MINI USA didn't pay for it. I didn't care because I plan on keeping the MINI for a long time. I also plan on changing every 5k miles on going. Also I will rotate the tires every 5k too. Here is a good thread on doing you own oil change.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=oil+change

 

Thanks to all who responded; this is a very helpful group.

Tony

 

Here's another thread I started a couple of weeks ago with the same question. Enjoy!!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=134315