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As it stated above, what motor oil and filter you guys are using in your engine now in days?? I bought an 08 MCS vert two months ago daily with 120k. Oil change is due soon.
oil: full synthetic, I use Mobil 1, 0w40 (Euro formula) and have since 2004 . . . regularly available at my local Wally World
if you have an owners manual you know it says: Only use High Performance Synthetic Oil ... Approved oils feature the SAE grades 5W-40 and 5W-30
many of us will say use genuine MINI filters ONLY ..... in the early days there were many issues with other brands not fitting correctly. I usually stick with MINI but have had folks bring me MANN for use on their cars I work on, and have not had a problem with these
an 08 'vert is a GEN1 and there a number of 'lessons learned' about changing oil on a GEN1 to be aware of if this is your first rodeo:
- most significantly read up about the drain plug being STUCK ..... you can find MANY threads on this topic. Here's a BIG hint .... the bung is a PERFECT 1/2 inch and NOT metric!!!!! Try it and you'll see! Many a bung has been rounded off by a poorly fit metric socket.
- the GEN1 plug is technically a ONE TIME USE item, with a built in plastic seal ..... you don't replace the seal, you replace the whole plug. I recommend switching to a Fumoto valve and forget about the entire stuck bung issue!
(left one mangled by a bad fit & a good one)
- you need a 'special' socket to get the oil filter can off. 36mm and SHALLOW as you don't have a lot of room to work with. Example: https://www.outmotoring.com/3-8-driv...mm-socket.html p.s. you will need to use the socket to get the can back ON fully .... I've never gotten it fully seated by hand only.
- first timers often expend many cuss words trying to get the can back on correctly ..... my trick is FIRM downward pressure while turning helps A LOT to get the thing threaded correctly ... hand turn until you feel the o-ring make contact ... I always need to use the tool to get the can fully seated ... it is TIGHT.
- Most of us have improperly replaced the canister at least once, resulting in a nice oil spill in the garage/driveway . . .
DC has a pretty active MINI group ... check out FB group: DC Metro Minis
I use the Mann filter, Genuine oil in the past and now have Liqui Moly. 100% above the on filter and that drain plug size. Been changing mine since late 2004. Almost 300K now. I use the schwaben 36mm 6 point low profile socket .
For oil just get some 5w30 full synthetic and any local parts store. The brand is your choice as it's like picking different flavors of Kool Aid. I use Motul and Liquimoly in my shop.
For oil just get some 5w30 full synthetic and any local parts store.
Some good deals can be found at the big box stores for oil too. Believe it or not Home Depot carries quite a few automotive maintenance products including several brands of full synthetic 5W30, for a couple bucks cheaper for the five quart jugs than some of the brick and mortar parts stores. They also offer a 10% discount for military / veterans / dependents if that applies. Unfortunately they sell Fram filters, never to be used even in one's least loved lawn mower, much less a car, but that is a different discussion.
I have only done one oil change, but I used Mobil 1 5W-30 with a MANN filter. From what I understand, MANN is the OEM for BMW/MINI, and is much cheaper because it lacks the roundel on the box. However, I may be wrong. Whatever you do, avoid Fram for reasons that are very well known. I would use Super Tech before I would use Fram!
MANN may make the OE filter but having them side by side on my bench it is clear the MANN boxed one and the MINI boxed one are not 'the same' ..... the MANN functions fine but they clearly are different in construction and appearance.
