Is there any reason why I can't use mobile 5W-20? They don't specifically list Mobil 5w-20, but they do list 5W 20. I think they list European Mobil One 0w-20. I can't see how it would harm the car and I've always like Mobil one. And I've got the case.

 

What's wrong with Mobil 1's 0W-40? As for 5W-20 forget it, not a good idea. The oil thickness is just too low for a turbocharged engine!

 

MINI calls for Mobil 1 0W40. Although you don't have to stick strictly to that, I would think 5W20 is too much of a variance to be good for the motor.

Where have you seen 5W20 listed as an acceptable weight for a MINI?

 

Dealers sell 5W-30 for all MINI's, not sure about the new F56 models, haven't checked on that one yet.

 

Look at the back of the container… A3/B3 is what your looking for! If the oil does not have that designation, then I wouldn't use it.

 

Also look for LL-01 (BMW Longlife Oil 01) on the back, which MINI specifies as well.
Mobil1 0W40 Euro Formula has A3/B3 and LL-01, Mobil 5W20 has neither, and
it's too thin at operating temperature (my opinion). Not that many other oils have
those two specs and a proper weight, making the warranty approved choices few.

 

This - This THIS!!

20w is too thin for a Turbo application!

 

I used this in my MINIS from 2002 to 2013 ... going thru a GEN1 and a GEN2 car . . .



I let the dealer change the oil while under maintenance (at the factory/computer interval) and then started doing myself once every 6 months when my miles driven per month dropped off. About 8k a year now.

I can not remember ever needing to 'top off' even tho I checked the level regularly .. I did NOT 'burn' oil ..or lose oil . . . even at the Dragon

Neither car had an oil 'drip' when sold . . .

MINI OE filters all the time

 

Exactly the oil and filter combo I used for my first oil change on my recently purchased used 2011 MCS with 21k. This is the oil/filter combo I will continue to use as long as I own this car. Bought 3 original BMW filters on eBay for $30.00 shipped, got the Mobil 1 0w-40 at Walmart for less than $30.00 for the 5-quart jug. I do kinda use my MINI hard! I plan on oil/filter changes every 5k. Is that overkill?

 

i have been using the mobil1 0-40 euro formula for oil changes half way between the "free" dealer changes

also used it for a change at ~1200, ~2500 and ~4500 when it was new

 

Thanks all. The 5w-20 gets given away.

 

Totally agree on Mobil 1 0-40 Euro spec oil but can it be topped off with Mobil 1 5-30? Currently I am on the dealer freebie but will soon be doing my own oil changes… I guess my main question is.. can I mix both weights?

I happen to have 3 cases of Mobil 1 5-30. I can return it if need be. Costco has a great return policy on anything...

 

I personally would not mix oil brands and/or weights. Just me. But if I were dangerously low on oil? Anything slippery would be better than nothing!

Return the oil if you can. Spend the money on the 0w-40 Mobil 1.

 

You can mix weights and brands, but use quality oils. Your local temperatures will be a factor too. I use Mobil 1 everything, 0w-40 or 5w-30 work best with the turbo cars.