Car is approaching 6mon/7500 miles..
I want to change the oil half way to the free change..
how much do dealers/independent shops normally charge?

 

My local MINI dealer quoted me a price of about $80 to change the oil. Jiffy Lube charges about $50 for a synthetic oil change, but after watching them work I wouldn't trust them with my lawn mower. If you don't want to do it yourself (about $30 for 5 quarts of synthetic oil and filter) find a good local mechanic and have him change your oil.

 

ok this is canadian dollars, but my dealer wanted $250 to do the oil change, forget that. i jus buy the oil and filter from them, $65, and get a local mechanic to change the oil, since its all pretty tight.

 

Like you, I didn't want to wait until 10K for an oil change. I wanted one before the roadtrip to AMVIV. I also wanted only a MINI service tech. touching my car...though with some of the horror stories I read about here, I'm not sure why.

1 oil change on an '06 MCSC in mid-March, with approx. 7,000 miles on her...$110.00 My MINI wasn't the only thing that needed lube after that experience.

 

My dealer quoted $82.50

 

I guess I just don't understand why you would only want a MINI service tech. I hate to break it to you but most of them suck ***. You'd be better off finding a really good shop in your area that will charge you $75-80 and save yourself the money.

 

Around here it's $90. I did it myself for $30 and it was really easy.

 

Don't you need to apply it before the experience?

 

I got my oil changed at a local shop that works on European cars for $60

 

I do my oil changes myself, and its easy........not only you save money but you also get to know your car a little better
ITS A WIN-WIN SITUATION

 

Here's what I do.

I find a Goodyear or similar oil change garage near my work place.

I fine a coupon in the newpaper, a flyer or in the mail for the Goodyear
$19.95 oil change special (usually good for about one month).

I show up at the Goodyear with the coupon and I bring with me-
MINI Oil filter and O ring
5 quarts of my favorite 5W30 Fully synthetic Oil usually Redline or Royal Purple

I've removed my Tower strutbar to make the oil change easier.

They do the oil change and charge me about $14.95 since I brought the stuff with me and they enjoy seeing my Modded MINI until next time.

They call me at work and I walk over to pick up the car when ready.

 

Here's what I do.

I find a Goodyear or similar oil change garage near my work place.

I fine a coupon in the newpaper, a flyer or in the mail for the Goodyear
$19.95 oil change special (usually good for about one month).

I show up at the Goodyear with the coupon and I bring with me-
MINI Oil filter and O ring
5 quarts of my favorite 5W30 Fully synthetic Oil usually Redline or Royal Purple

I've removed my Tower strutbar to make the oil change easier.

They do the oil change and charge me about $14.95 since I brought the stuff with me and they enjoy seeing my Modded MINI until next time.

They call me at work and I walk over to pick up the car when ready.

 

i just called my local mini dealership (new country in hartford, ct) and it is only $76. i am due for my first change (5K miles), so i am glad it is under $100!

 

I agree with the DIY crowd! There is this "bonding" thing that happens when you carress your own MINI's bolts and oil filter housing! Only be sure to put some papers down under the oil filter location, as I was not able to keep from dropping a few drops even after letting the suction out by slowly unscrewing the filter cover. The cost is minimal and knowledge required is also minimal. ("righty tighty, lefty loosie")Let us know how it turns out! Best of luck!

 

what do you do with the oil after the change? this is my barrier. I've found gas stations less and less receptive to accepting my used oil, although I admit I haven't tried in a while.

 

Autozone--they will help you.

 

Our city has an oil pick-up program - they come around and get it when garbage and recycling is picked up. However, if that's not an option for you, most auto-parts stores will take it for free or a small fee.

 

No tools for the DIY..
how come there are no MINI specialist in the 714 area?!?!?

 

$15 worth of tools at your local auto parts store - a wrench and 2 sockets.

 

thats a great quote........

 

My dealership quoted me $260 are they out of their minds?

 

Actually, I live in the country, so I save it for the next burn pile of branches, etc. and pour it on! Makes the fire hotter! Guess not everyone has this advantage. At least its better than two generations ago when they just poured it in a low spot in the ground and let it soak in!

 

I took Flo to an independent garage whose mechanics used to work for a local BMW dealership. They charged $65, which included oil/filter/labor. I was a little concerned because they idemized 6 qts of oil on the invoice. I didn't notice until I was home. I checked the oil level, and it didn't appear to be overfilled. Just assumed it takes a fraction over 5 quarts of oil. Anyways, the price seemed to be in line with what people on NAM are paying.

 

Too easy to pay someone to do, change it yourself and buy yourself a gift with the money you saved.

 

My dealer just quoted $75, trying to talk me out of it. Don't know what the problem is with changing the oil more often than recommended. I mean, it may not be necessary, but it certainly doesn't hurt!

I'm an apartment dweller with no place to work on my car, otherwise I'd do it myself.