is the mobil 1 5w-50 fully synthetic okay for our MCS?

btw i'm from the philippines (tropical country)

-->ed

 

Ed - it's not the MINI spec - that's 5W30 as you probably know - and you can get fully synthetic Mobil1 in 5W30.

However, the 50 value in your 5W50, means that it maintains it's properties at higher temperatures, so might actually be a benefit in a very hot climate...

Chris.

 

yup.. but so far, only the mobil 5w-50 grade is available here in the phil.... so will it do?

-->ed

 

re-read that last part

 

oh okay... just making sure...
tnx!!!
-->ed

 

I'm switched to Mobil One too...every 3000 miles.

 

yup i love 'em.... what grade do you use? 5w-30?

-->ed

 

yeah, that works for California....it's not as tropical as the Phillipines!

 

I don't think the standard mobil 1 has the high mileage additives that mini's synthetic has. Mobil 1 makes a high-mileage version that would be safer if you are going to rely on the MINI oil change intervals. However, if you're going to change the oil more often (7,500 miles or so should be safe) , Mobil 1 is very good oil. Everyone who has studied synthetics says changing at 3,000 for synthetics is a waste. Only the oil change companies are recommending it. As I mentioned before, there are studies that the oil gets better at protecting the engine rather than worse during a longer change interval.

I would like to change my oil for the first time at 1,500 miles because of the new engine, and am debating Mobil 1 (which is very cheap at Wallmart's oil change place), but I don't know if I can safely go with the Mobil 1 until the next MINI oil change (that would be about 8,500 later). So it would mean two Mobil 1 changes, or getting some extended service synthetic like MINI's Castrol extended service or Mobil 1 extended service. I might go with two changes on my own dime - one at 1,500 and one at 6,000 -- I think it would be cheaper if I go to Walmart than buying the MINI oil alone. I am a bit worried about Walmart's people changing my mini oil - especially with the environmental mini filter, but I'm hoping they won't screw it up if I tell them what to do (and bring them a mini filter).

 

Classpro:
I used to work for Wal-Mart in a Tire & Lube Express center. They hired some real bozos & pretty much turned them loose with tools. It was a very frustrating work environment and more than once costly and avoidable mistakes were made.
Do what you will but remember this - it's very easy to change your own oil, and someone paid minimum wage to do the job likely won't be overly conscientious or even knowledgeable about the procedure. I would highly recommend you do it yourself.
Peace - Bodinski

 

Love Mobil One - have used it almost exclusively in my last 4 cars - Current daily driver Audi A4 1.8T has 106,000 miles (with GIAC Chip) and still runs like new. However, FWIW, if you're dumping Mobil 1 every 3,000 miles, you're wasting a lot of money. A good friend of mine is a development tech for Stillen, and pointed me at a study (sorry - don't have the link) that indicated not only is the good synthetic oil good for at least 7,500 mi., it actually starts to work even better at about 5K - don't know all the details, but every mechanic I know (and they make money changing your oil) says its not necessary to change Mobil 1 until 5K soonest (one guy saves the 3K interval changes and uses the oil in his car).

 

i would bet there is at least one independent bmw mech. in syracuse that would have no problem doing an oil change. also, check out royal purple oil while youre at it.

 

Bodinsky: You don't know how bad I am at doing mechinacal things. No way can I change my own oil. However, that doesn't mean I can't go to a better mechanic. Walmart is cheap, but they sure get some bad reviews. The one i've gone to in Syracuse has, so far, done it right on my other cars. But I may take your advice and go to someone more trustworthy for my new MINI. I do appreciate the advice!

 

it will probably be ok. it will shear down into a thinner oil. check out www.bobistheoilguy.com there are full explantions for oils and the their viscosities... might even learn about group I, II, and III arent true synthetic oils were group 4 and 5 oils are.... like the ones in REDLINE and MOBIL 1