2014 F56s
Going on to do my first oil change on the mini. Have done them for years but the mini is new to me. I like to change before AZ summer. Is this suitable. Price is certainly right

Castrol EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGQLZJ4/?coliid=I2FHVNSQONPL92&colid=E6NFPBIU7BUD&ref_=lis t_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp&th=1

Thank you in advance for any help!!
Alex

 

Hello,

As long as it meet LL-01 , the specs are what matter.

We have the details here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...full-saps.html

Here is the DIY: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rocedures.html

Should be a sticker under the hood. On the F56 2014 MINI Coopers its

 

Thank you so very much! Is 0W-30 suitable for AZ summer where temps can regularly get to 107 to 115F or should I move up to 5w-30. Seems to me 0w-30 would be enough?? The price on your site is more than fair!
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...-/83215a2afa2/
Alex

 

Glad to help. It will work. Some people like a thicker oil in the summer heat and thinner in the winter. Lower first number is the thinner the oil. But with multiple grade newer oils its not really needed.

Here is a good learning guide on oil from our friends at liqui moly.

 

2014 F56S .. 2 liter turbo
Just want to confirm since I am finding different numbers and the manual doesnt provide the information.

Oil capacity is 5.25 Liters .. Right? I know you cant get all the oil out with an oil change so if I am changing filter and oil my plan was to add 5 qts and then build up close to max level over a couple of drives. Sound like a plan?

I have done a hundred oil changes over the years on bikes and cars but that lack of a dipstick has my nerves on edge!! :(

If anyone can help out an old dude doing his first mini change .. I would so greatly appreciate it. The procedure is simple .. the lack of a dipstick sucks.

 

Hello,

" UPDATE: The amount of oil used in the F56 MCS is actually 5L (5.3 quarts) "

After the change, do the electronic dip stick check to confirm you are in range and should be gtg.

 

ECS Tuning .. thank you so much for your help. Made me go to your page .. and now I want an exhaust system. :0

So just in case someone comes along and is interested in the experience...
2014 Mini F56s
The oil change could not have been easier. I drove a Crown vic for years and the drain is midway back on the car and the filter was buried in the engine compartment and required some serious manipulation to get in and out.

For the mini .. Everything is down in front with no obstruction. I probably could have done the whole thing with out needing to lift the car. You can reach everything just lying at the bumper. I did just that to drain the oil. A pan slipped in easily and I was easily able to take out the drain plug without jacking it up.. After it drained I lifted the car on one side since it made it a bit easier to get at the filter. Again .. I could have done it without but it did make it easier with that 6" lift.

The job can be done in 20 minutes without rushing.

I put in 5 Quarts of Castrol euro 0w-30 and upon checking .. the level was right at max.

Now .. why did it take me almost an hour .. I bought the K&N filter kit which included a new filter, housing gasket, crush washer and filter drain plug.
I sat on my back steps like a monkey looking to have sex with a football but try as I might .. I could not get the Filter drain plug to screw into the housing. I am glad I did it before installing the housing but still sitting there desperately trying every manner of touch magic. It would not thread and I wasn't going to force it. I spent nearly 30 minutes just trying to get that damn thing to mate but .. pitch looked the same but who can tell. It was not going to thread so I took the washer from the new one and put it on the old drain plug and reinstalled. Worked fine. What a stupid thing to get held up on! I will try a different brand of filter next time.

Outside of that .. easy job you can do yourself quickly. Oil and filter came out to $72 with tax.

Last word. Many of the videos I had watched said you would need a T55 torx. I bought one .. didnt need it as my filter plug was a standard socket. I will be returning the torx so take a peak first if you are tooling up to make sure you need it. Second... you will need a short 32mm. I bought a deeper 32 and you have a real chance of gumming up your filter housing because the tool will be at a slight angle. Amazon has shallow ones for about $7.

 

I've only bought Mahle filter kits for my daughter's F54 with the B46 motor (2 liter S model). They come with a replacement drain plug for the filter housing and a crush washer for the pan drain.

I don't know what's on your car, or included with other kits - but her car had the T55 torx plug on the filter housing, and the included replacement plugs were also both T55. Personally, I'd recommend replacing the plug as provided at each change, as it's plastic and (assumption) it's not designed for multiple removal/replacement/tightening/torque....and why return a tool that you'll probably need down the road?

 

Welcome. Next mod

 

Good Morning spaktacular
Its interesting because I saw on the filter housing the name mahle.I had done a quick search for Filters and the K&N popped up and having used their filters in a number of Motorcycles .. I knew the name and went with it. Not only did the drain plug not fit but the filter was far looser in the housing than the one I removed so I will be sure to buy the Mahle on the next change. Thank you. Already found it online.

I dont think there will be a problem with reusing the drain plug, although I would have much preferred putting in a new one. I think the important thing is the o ring and I did use the new one and torqued the plug to its suggested mn so it should be good. Have since driven the car for 20 miles and no leaks but ...Time will tell !!

Good point about the Torx as well. I am assuming by your post that the Mahle uses the torx so ... thanks for the heads up and I will hang on to the set of torx. However I still hold to not going out and buying a torx until you take a peak and see what your dealing with.

Thank you for the input and the point to the mahle filters!
Alex

 

I think next is grill and then maybe .. exhaust! Such a fun little car. Being retired .. its ok for me to take a week to do something someone does in a day so .. Grill and Exhaust are on the menu!!

 

Welcome aboard Alex!

I'm deep in to the MINI culture now. Started with a 2007 R56s that we got for my wife, then my daughter bought the F54, my brother bought an R53, other brother bought an R60s, niece bought an F55, I finally joined the party and got my R55s for myself...then bought an R58s for the wife when the R56 burned a valve.

I love these cars and this community, so much fun to drive and it's great attending rallies and other events and meeting fellow owners. Have a great time wrenching on yours!