Hello everyone,

I bought 2006 MCSa back in Feb, it had 11,000km (I'm in Canada) on it, was told by the dealer that the oil has been changed at that time. Couple of days after I noticed the oil service computer has not been reset and was showing 4880km left till oil service. I decided to change oil when it would hit zero.

When I was changing oil at my mechanics yesterday (at 16,000km mileage now), it came out really dark and mechanic said there is no way that's "5K oil". Mechanic said it is not likely I damaged the engine by keeping oil that long, but engline flush would be advisable in 5K or so.

My question is - is dealer obligated to change oil before selling car to me?
I don't think there's any point of going back to dealer now and yelling at them is there?...thanks!

 

I don't think the dealer is obligated to change the oil, but if they told you they did, they they should be responsible.

 

This is so weird, I have been meaning to call my dealer as the car reads about 12k miles until next service, I bought it a month ago and the last recorded oil change was in 06/07!!!! I bought it from MINI cherished and figured they would have changed the oil.

I am also a bit suspect about something else. My mini cherished booklet was filled out by another person about a year ago? the car has had 2 owners before me but I would think they would have restarted a new mini cherished booklet for me.

Peter

 

I don't think the dealer is obligated to change the oil, they should have just for good relations but not obligated.
Personally, I change the oil on every used car I buy just as soon as I get it home. Just because I want to know the quality and life of the oil in the car when I have ownership.

However, I change the oil on my MINI every 5,000 and most of the time it comes out BLACK. Not just dark, but BLACK.
As you can see in other posts, the color of oil now-a-day does not mean much as far as how well it is working.

 

Theres something really wrong then with your car.. And true the color doesn't mean anything when it comes to how its lubrication is doing, but it says alot about how the oil was changed prior and how worn the rings are if they are allowing that much blow by to get into the oil and darken it like that..


Again, sorry to sound so blunt but these oil changes at 12-15-18k or whatever the computer tells you is simply too much.

makes me VERY nervous about buying a used MINI unless I have proof of oil changes at least every 5-7K miles AND proof of what oil was used.

 

You may want to read my post again.
I change at 5,000 like clock work, use M1 and OEM filter. The car does not use any oil, or at least I never need to add any between changes and I get great mileage.
Also the car only had 15K on it before I purchased and the prior owner was like me and could document changes every 5k.

You are entitled to your views but you may want to restrain from condemning my car from one very short post.

 

Hmm... then something is amiss since it is not normal for oil to be BLACK when you change it at 5K. Unless you have a diesel. IN 24 years of motoring and wrenching, I have never seen a oil turn BLACK in just 5K miles unless the oil previous to it has never been changed regularly or it was a diesel

 

We are way off point, but with much more than 24 years of hands on auto maint, repair and modification, black oil is not that unusual. The color is not as significant as it used to be. Oil analysis is a much better way to determine problems and/or the condition of oil.
Just as your analysis of my car from afar is not the best method.

I do agree with you the long changes are not a good idea.

My point to the original poster is the same as to you, just because the mechanic said the oil could not only 5k because it was black may not be correct.

 

AgentCoop. You're probably ok. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Black oil is black oil, and not oil that doesn't work. In fact I have some very black oil in a container that I sent in to Blackstone Labs to have analyzed and they said I had another 4,000 at least on the oil before it would need a change.
Could be the service guy was looking for a couple bucks for an engine flush and was just planting the seed of despair in your brain.
If you want to feel good, put 3-4k on the current oil then send a sample in for an analysis. They will be able to tell if the oil is good and if there is any unusual metal or solids caused by wear.
No worries, no need to panic, and no need to condemn the car to an early death. More facts than "black oil" or "mileage driven" are needed to confirm that oil no longer protects.

 

Thats a dealer for you. They will say anything to get you to buy it and put your mine at ease. Even when you see for yourself that it is otherwise they still tell you different.

 

Well, if it means anything, I wouldn't flush the engine no matter how bad it was.. flushing the engine loosens up crap and sends it circulating around.. Now given that your car is relatively new, that won't be the case here..

Black oil could also mean that it was overheated by running it low.. and the oil essentially cooked itself

 

i'd still change oil every 5-6000 km. cheap insurance

 

If you guys lived in the UK where an oil change can easily top 100 bucks, 160 bucks (80 pounds) is not unusual. I used to spend 50 dollars on an oil change on a classic mini 1.3Liter engine. i would go broke had I had to change the oil every 5-6k KM, I do believe it has been brainwashed into folks in the USA to change oil every 3000 miles by the likes of jiffy lube. I would like to think you would be able to go every 7500 w/o mishap. Believe me, I used to change oil like a madman when I lived in the USA, I just don't think it is needed that often. Over here it took me several years to get used to the fact that oil changes were a once a year thing, No one I know does it more than once a year. I am not saying that is right, just that this is the norm over here.

Peter

 

oil is good for about 10000ish km but i drive my car real hard. and i get oil for cheap so... 6000 for me

 

I just spoke to my dealer regarding my issue with the last documented oil change being done in June 07, I bought the car in April 08 and thought the car would have had an oil change done, The computer says approx 12k more miles until the oil needs changing. Unfortunately on the dealer stamp in June 07 no mileage was documented, The dealer said that this was about normal and 18months to 2 years was not uncommon for the computer to say an oil change is needed!!!!! Yes, I am flabbergasted. Peter

 

True, some dealers have no scruples, but in your case I wouldn't jump the gun too quick. Castrol Syntec (MINI Synthetic) oil does have a tendancy to become black fairly quick in my personal experience. I wouldn't panic; it doesn't mean the oil isn't working or capable of protecting your MINI's engine. If you need the reassurance, do an oil change and monitor the oil over the next cycle to see how long it takes for it to darken and show up black on the dipstick.

I have decided about 3 months ago to start doing my own oil changes; you always are guaranteed that the oil was in fact changed and you know what oil is being used. I'm using Amsoil and I am liking the results I am seeing so far. There are a lot of quality oils out there, I just like Amsoil.

I would stay away from the Jiffy Lubes, Wal-Marts, etc., I have known several individuals who have paid for the "quality oil" to later find out a cheaper brand/type was used.

Changing the oil isn't hard and takes all of about 20 minutes. Installing a Fumoto Valve makes the task a snap!

 

Thanks for all replies guys, nah - it's my own mechanic, known him for years, I bring my own stuff to him i.e. oil, filter, parts and he charges me little for labour only (I could've done the oil change myself but wanted to have a receipt from a certified place).
So where could I get the oil analysis done in Toronto, Canada? Anyone knows? thanks again, this place is great!

 

I know this seems to going off-topic,...but since we're here, wanted to add this: My 05MC that I bought in Feb, had had its oil changed every 5 to 7,000 miles since new, with Mobil 1...............50,000 miles now.
Its oil is dark when drained,.....but when I had the valve cover off recently to replace a leaking gasket,...the valve train looked like it was just assembled,....it looked absolutely brand new [color-wise], and no wear anywhere. That was a testament to me as to how the Mobil 1 was keeping and protecting the engine.
[I know...I'm just assuming the lower end is just as clean, no wear, and in equally nice condition]...but I've no reason to think otherwise.

Steve