Hello everyone! new member here in Maryland just dropping in to say hi I just bought myself a 04 mini last week and have a few basic questions like what type of oil/filter to use for the oil change & what type of antifreeze to buy etc.
the car i bought has always been serviced at the mini dealer so i want to do it properly since i'm going to be doing all the maintenance myself.
Thanks! Seth Copeland

 

Congrats on your new ride Seth! You can find all the info you need if you search the forums here on NAM. As for the oil I believe all MINIs are shipped with Castrol synthetic. As a very new owner myself I haven't changed my oil yet but it looks like you need to be sure to get the filter with the plastic insert inside to keep it from collapsing. The coolant is the blue BMW/MINI variety. Not easy to find unless you go to a dealer from what I have read. When you get a chance post some pics please!!!

 

I use MINI synthetic oil and MINI antifreeze.

I joined a local MINI club and get a club discount on MINI parts, so the oil and antifreeze cost about the same as they do at an autoparts store.

Dave

 

Don't use any filters except the OEM MINI oil filters, we've found aftermarket filters are too large, too small, don't fit etc.
As for oil pick your brand, everyone has a favorite. But I've never put any certain brand in a car and see it run better.
Antifreeze just normal 50/50 mix, do NOT use dexacool.

 

Ok sounds good I guess ill probably use mobile 5w-30 or something like that. And my antifreeze level is a little low is it ok to mix colors the color in there now is red.