Is it normal that when you start up your mini when the little screen says the next oil service is... (in my case 9,000 miles) and the EML and service engine soon stay lit for about 3 seconds? is this normal, or is it warning me that i need to service my engine soon....?

hopefully normal

 

I haven't seen said light on my MINI yet, but on other cars I own, and have owned, it sounds more like just a reminder for your xx,xxx mile service. If it were throwing a code, it would stay lit.