Firstly, let me start by saying I have a 2009 Mini Cooper S.

Alright, I really want to start doing my oil changes myself. I've watched videos and also have read a lot up on it. It doesn't seem all that hard to do myself. My question is, do you think I should just venture and do it myself or have someone help me that knows a little more than I? I'm not an expert by any means, but I need to get my oil changed and don't feel like paying the deal $100 to do an oil change.

I need to know a couple of things, though. Should I just get a jack or get the Rhino Ramps? The Rhino Ramps seem like the easiest way, but I'm not sure what you guys regularly do. If anyone has the Rhino Ramps, how's the clearance on them? My car is all factory but, the front end sits pretty low.

Second thing is, what kind of oil do you guys suggest? I read somewhere that the Castrol Edge 0W-30 is best, but I'm not sure. How much do I need? I know that's a stupid question but, like I said I've never done my own oil changes.

Third thing is, how often should I do them? Right now I'm doing them like every 7k miles or so. It's time now to do one, so I'm really wanting to learn how to do it myself.

Fourth thing, how much should the supplies cost? Just the filter and the oil itself. I think I have all the tools to do it, aside from the jack, unless I can use the one that came with the car. Just want to know if it's a significant difference than taking it to the dealer to get it done.

Anyway, thanks in advance. I know this stuff is probably basic to you all but, I've been wanting to do this stuff myself for a while now and just never had the guts to do it.

 

Hi cdboss,

I have been changing the oil myself since I bought my Mini in '08. I use the Rhino ramps and have been using the Mobil 1 0-40 European Blend which is available at Walmart. They now sell it in 5 qt jugs for $24.99 U.S. locally. I have been buying the Mini Oil filters online any place that has a good price. Others buy them at their dealer, but that's not convenient for me as the dealer is about an hour away. I think the filter cost is about $8.00. I don't have any problems with the Rhino Ramps clearance, the front drags a little bit but it gives and hasn't been a problem. I think the Rhino Ramps come in different sizes, so you need the smaller ones.

There's also a lengthy thread in the "How To" section on doing oil changes that you should check out!

 

Thanks for the reply. What Rhino Ramps did you end up getting? I was looking at the 12,000lb ones for about 50 bucks at my local Pep Boys. Also, my dealer is only about 20 minutes away, so maybe it would be beneficial to grab a filter from them?

 

I have a fairly common low profile plastic catch pan for the oil. I can get this under my 07S (GEN2) with out using ramps OR a jack .... and I have plenty of room to reach the drain bung (an 8mm allen btw)

I could fit a pan under my GEN1 S but the bung was hard to reach w/out ramps or removing a wheel (my preferred method) ... not a problem on my GEN2 ... the bung is EASY to reach from the front of the car . . .

Been changing my own MiNi oil for 10 plus years . . .

I ONLY use OE filters and many threads here agree, the only consistently trusted alternate is MANN IMO. The dealer price should be compared to certain web sites where you get a discount if you buy multiple at a time . . the OE filter 'kit' includes a new crush washer for the bung, you need that. If I'm out I get 'em from the dealer if I'm low. My dealer price is OK but dealer prices VARY ..... A LOT.

check your cabin filter too . . .

 

So you're thinking I might not even need to jack or ramp the car at all? If that's true, I could possibly do this tomorrow if I can get a filter from the dealer. Also, where can I get a cabin filter? I'm not exactly sure where they sell those other than the dealer.

 

I use some Rhino Ramps when doing mine. That gives me the advantage of being able to slide on up under the car and do a visual inspection.

 

Which ones did you get?

 

If you were in LA I could show you how it's done. Straightforward, but it can get a bit messy with the way the damn oil filter housing is designed at an angle...

 

Just you offering if I was over there is enough for me. I should go to a meet and hit up with some of the other enthusiasts that can maybe help me out.

 

For sure!

Hopefully someone can show you how it's done. If you're on stock height, you should look into getting a fumoto valve. Some say it hangs too low and you'll tear it off blah blah blah, but I've had it on for over 4k miles and 1 oil change and it is awesome...

The drain plug when removed has the tendency to want to spit the oil out, so when you have the oil collecting in your button, it spits it out and when it hits the old oil it causes splatter around your bucket and causes a mess. With the valve it's just so ridiculously easy to drain directly into your pan without even having to lift the car.

 

Sorry, I can't remember back that far. I'd say they are about 6" tall though.

 

Yes I am on stock height. Is it something difficult to install?

 

Nope, once you get the existing drain plug off and you've allowed it all to drip, just install the fumoto valve and you're done! Viola!

 

Oh wow, I'll have to take a look at that. Seems like it'd make oil changes very easy, lol.

 

Yes it definitely does. BUT, keep in mind there are plenty of naysayers on here that'll say you'll be an idiot if you ran it because it's directly perpendicular to the oil pan and it can snag on something blah blah blah. Anyways, I think it's a fantastic valve and once my GP2 engine shield comes in, it'll actually cover up the pan and it'll make it more peace of mind.

 

Hey ra2fanatic,
Is it this 14mm?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/F-111N-14mm-1-25-Fumoto-Engine-Oil-Drain-Valve-/220824063481?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item336a23cdf9&vxp=mtr

 

Hello guys, that's a neat little valve. I guess squirrels might not think so if they happened to get hit by it!

Out of curiosity, it looks like it hangs down about an inch below the sump, is that correct? Or more or less?

Thank you,
Mini _42

 

Close but I'm surprised you didn't go directly to Fumoto's website. It would tell you which model to go with. Any N series will have a nipple and I highly recommend you don't get that model since it adds unnecessary length. The one you're looking for is model F-108. That is for our MINI and you can get it off Amazon for I think $24. That's where I got mine.

Yes it does hang around 1" below the oil pan. Hence why people are up in arms when they put it on and then immediately don't want to run with it on.

 

On the subject of oil changes: Is there a brand or something that is superior to the others? This question is mostly for those who track their Mini or have upgraded their engines. I've been using the standard BMW/Mini oil, but JM Turbo Coopers suggest that using the dealership brand oil isn't the best option.

 

I have been using Mobil1 0W-40 Euro Formula. Seems fine to me at the track. I will change out the oil after a track day, but since another trackday is coming around the following weekend after I had just changed it last week, I may just top off instead of completely changing out. That's just another can of worms kinda question that'll get everyone spewing what kinda oil they're using such as Redline or Castrol, etc etc.

 

don't track, but mobil 1 0-40w euro car is only 22.50 for 5 quarts at my Walmart (39.99 at pep boys) so that's what I'm using.