So its about time for an oil change, so both Mini and my local shop don't have any openings for weeks. Are there any chains that you guys trust to bring your cars to? Valvoline or any like that?

 

Go to the dealer, pick up a MINI OE filter and have a local shop do the change with a quality synthetic oil such as Mobil 1 or Royal Purple.

Many of the aftermarket filters are garbage and unfortunately that is all that many of the quickie change places stock.

 

Do you feel that you are able to do the job yourself? (Have tools to do it as well) If so we have a great step by step that can help you out. Otherwise, you can do a local search at this site here to help you find another shop in your area. I, personally, am not a fan of chains like Jiffy Lube due to some scary stories. If need anything let me know!

 

Do NOT take your MINI to a Quickie Lube place. It is a great way to have your car screwed up. Either do it yourself or have the dealer do it.

 

What the others said is true. Do it yourself or Mini dealership. Had my done today when she was in for some warranty cosmetic work. Was on special for 69.00 plus tax etc. I normally do these things myself but for that price and this time of year it was an easy choice.

 

The OEM filter is your best choice when it comes to oil filters, it comes with the o-ring for the cap and the crush washer for the drain plug, the aftermarket filters don't and if the quick lube chains don't replace them now you have two places for leaks. If they cross-thread or crack the filter cap now you car sits while they wait to get one from the dealer. Some of the older filter caps aren't available and now the entire oil filter housing has to be replaced. The coolant reservoir has be be moved out of the way to change the oil on the "S" model. If they don't pay attention when putting it back now the hose on the bottom of the reservoir leaks and so long anti-freeze.

 

Just wait a few weeks if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

+1. Waiting a bit won't hurt anything. I wouldn't let it go 5000 more miles but a few weeks won't hurt anything.

 

I would not visit any facility other than your Mini dealer or a well established shop that regularly works on Minis. Quick lube places are out of the question.

 

I do not recommend that you use a quick lube... I have used an independent shop for the oil change several times with no problems.

 

I would learn from the posts and vids here, and do it myself, using the proper MINI oil filter and Mobil1 0w40! I have been doing just this since I got my 2011 MCS. That way you know the quality of the filter and oil, and you know who to blame if anything goes wrong. Yeah, it can be a bit messy, but after the first 2 or 3 oil and filter changes, it just becomes "the norm". Have a few rags and a couple cans of Brake Cleaner available, maybe a bungee cord to hold the coolant reservoir out of the way (if you have an S model), and you will be just fine! A couple of beers always helps as well...if you are so inclined!

 

worst screw up I ever experienced with an oil change was at the dealer

they brought the car out, I started it and no pressure. Checked and the dip stick was dry.

they don't exactly put their best mechanics on this task . . .

at most quicky places you can WATCH 'em work.