I plan to get the oil changed at 1250 (at the dealer), and probably will have the transmission (standard) drained and refilled. I spoke to the tech the day I picked up the mini about scheduled maintenance. He said first oil change at 10K. I said I was planning at 1250, and then at 5000 mile intervals, and he thought that was a good idea.

Have others done, or considered doing this? Are there any disadvantages?

It's probably a little neurotic, but it is a small engine and I have always changed oil every 3-4 K. Oh well, can hear my analyst now "steve, let it be, you have to learn to let it be." I never said the analysis cured me..... still crazy as a loon.... but more comfortable with it... and I like this car!!

Steve

 

I agree that the oil change intervals are nuts. Especially the first one during the break in period. While I know that manufacturing processes, metals, and overall quality have improved greatly over the years, the moving parts still are not a perfect fit and must wear down to adjust to each other. I believe that the first few oil changes are the most important due to the small metal shavings that will be floating in the oil. I'm planning on changing the oil for the first time VERY early (500 to 1000 miles), and later regular changes at 5000 or so.

 

question for ya :smile:

I went by jiffy-lube to have my levels topped off -- i don't have my MINI, but it will be here soon -has to come across the pond.

I asked if they changed synthetic oil and they said 'yes'. I was told it would be $55 for an oil change w/synthetic oil - and it's only $5 more for one of the 'premium' oils. I have no idea what oil they use, but I saw cases of Mobil around.

yes... i'm a chick and i don't know how to change my own oil.

my nearest dealership is Nick Alexander in LA and from what everyone has said - they suck, i mean, they are not the nicest dealership.

Gidget

 

You're in good company. Many of us have anguished over this question. Tha camp seems to be split between changing the oil early and going with the MINI recommendation of 10,000 miles.

Personally, I changed mine at 4,000 and don;t intend to go any more than 5,000 between changes. Yes, it's a little engine, but a high quality one.

Also, having the oil change done at a MINI dealer will be very expensive. I bought two filters from a dealer for $7.50 each. Bought 5 qts. of Castrol Syntek 5w-30 at about $5.00 each and went to a Firestone shop. They charged me $8.00 for the service. So for $40.00, I got the job done. I have heard as high as $150 for a change at a dealer shop.

Whatever, take good care of it. It's a great car. But, you already know that.

 

I found out (from PatrickH- thanks) that you can buy the synthetic MINI oil from any MINI dealership's part dept. for $3.80 a quart (buy 5!) and the filter replacement is $7.40. Then take it to a place that does oil changes on BMWs and such (because only the paper filter inside is changed out, not like standard US oil filters where the metal container and all is one piece) and they should only charge you $20 for their time. I went ahead and bought the oil and filter to have it done soon. I'm at 3800 miles now. It can't hurt.

 

>>question for ya :smile:
>>
>>I went by jiffy-lube to have my levels topped off -- i don't have my MINI, but it will be here soon -has to come across the pond.
>>
>>I asked if they changed synthetic oil and they said 'yes'. I was told it would be $55 for an oil change w/synthetic oil - and it's only $5 more for one of the 'premium' oils. I have no idea what oil they use, but I saw cases of Mobil around.
>>
>>yes... i'm a chick and i don't know how to change my own oil.
>>
>>my nearest dealership is Nick Alexander in LA and from what everyone has said - they suck, i mean, they are not the nicest dealership.

Gidget,
(I love the trailer on your email!!)



My information is that BMW has made a synthetic oil especially for the mini (per the head tech at the dealership). The tech said they are not to use the synthetic for the BMW's for the mini, so he thought there was something substantive to using the mini synthetic oil. I guess that you could buy the oil and filter at the dealer and take it to another place to get it changed, but I would worry about voiding the warrenty on the mini.
Ya know, someone with such a funny and creative trailer (I laughed out loud), and an enthusiasm for her MINI, I think could make friends of even the worst dealer--just use your humor and charm. If after that, you find they really do 'suck,' well then you could let them vacuum your car out (since at least they suck), and find the next closest dealer to take care of your mini.
For what it's worth, i'm a guy, and i do know how to change the oil in my car, I just don't know why I would want to again. I'm probably lazy in part, but there are some things I do very well and often, and when someone needs that done, they come to me; and for car service I go to someone who does it all day and can make a number of discernments and minimize errors that I can't do as well. I figure living is a team sport....

Good Luck,
Steve

 

>>I found out (from PatrickH- thanks) that you can buy the synthetic MINI oil from any MINI dealership's part dept. for $3.80 a quart (buy 5!) and the filter replacement is $7.40. Then take it to a place that does oil changes on BMWs and such (because only the paper filter inside is changed out, not like standard US oil filters where the metal container and all is one piece) and they should only charge you $20 for their time. I went ahead and bought the oil and filter to have it done soon. I'm at 3800 miles now. It can't hurt.

Thanks CMINIGO! I am going to check how much it is at the dealer in Columbus, and your suggestion gives me a plan B, in case the price they quote requires that I jump start my pace maker

 

OK now. The warranty issue has come up. Please don't worry about the warranty being voided. Here is an email I got from MINIUSA on the subject of oil changes. Hope this helps. Some of us fought this battle many months ago.

Hi again Fred, good to hear from you again!

I apologize for the confusion. While we recommend that you have the oil changed only at your MINI dealership, you can get your oil changed locally or do it yourself without voiding the warranty. If you'd like to do so, you'll need part number 1142-7512-446 for the MINI oil filter available from your MINI dealer. The strongly recommended and approved oils are MINI High-Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil (Part Number 07-51-0-143829) and Mobil 1 5W-30 and 5W-40 oils. Keep in mind that your MINI dealership has the special tools needed to reset your computer. I apologize again for the confusion, let us know if you have any more questions.

LET'S MOTOR.
Jen Schuelke
MINI Division
Customer Relations

 

Steve, My husband suggests that it might be a good idea to change JUST the filter at 1250, but NOT the oil that soon. I think I would agree that changing both out at 5000 is a good idea...don't know why, just women's intuition!?! Just our $0.02!

Cheers!
Clover

 

frails wrote:

>>OK now. The warranty issue has come up. Please don't worry about the warranty being voided. Here is an email I got from MINIUSA on the subject of oil changes. Hope this helps. Some of us fought this battle many months ago.
>>
>>Hi again Fred, good to hear from you again!
>>
>>I apologize for the confusion. While we recommend that you have the oil changed only at your MINI dealership, you can get your oil changed locally or do it yourself without voiding the warranty. If you'd like to do so, you'll need part number 1142-7512-446 for the MINI oil filter available from your MINI dealer. The strongly recommended and approved oils are MINI High-Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil (Part Number 07-51-0-143829) and Mobil 1 5W-30 and 5W-40 oils. Keep in mind that your MINI dealership has the special tools needed to reset your computer. I apologize again for the confusion, let us know if you have any more questions.
>>
>>LET'S MOTOR.
>>Jen Schuelke
>>MINI Division
>>Customer Relations<<
>>

Thanks for posting this very important letter, Frails! I'm sure it's a huge relief to many of us!

Cheers!
Clover

 

Ok, for those of you who don't know how to change oil... LEARN! The mini will have a cartridge type filter. This means it will probably be a 36mm socket but you can probably find the correct size in your manual or from your dealer's parts department. I'm pretty sure its 36mm on my mom's 3 series bmw. You put a pan under your oil pan to catch oil and then you unscrew the drain plug and wear rubber gloves if you don't want to get dirty. The oil will drain out into the pan. You then unscrew the oil filter canister top, by popping your 36mm socket onto a rachet. If its upside down it needs to drain into the pan also. If not you just remove the old filter element and replace it with the new one. There will probably be a rubber seal which you should lube with new oil and then tighten the canister back down just over hand tight. You then put the drain plug back in the oil pan and fill the car with oil in the spot that will be marked under the hood somewhere. Put in the right amount of oil that is stated in your manual. check the oil dipstick and make sure it is reading that oil is in your car. Then you can start your car and your done.

Now some of you will say "why do it when i have 3 years of free oil changes" Well if you want to wait 10,000 miles between changes its up to you. I wait no longer than 6 months or 6,000 miles on synthetic, especially because of the south florida heat.

Also, people that think the shifter is too notchy, which it kind of is, could have a reputable shop put redline transmission fluid in the car. On some transmissions it works great to smooth it out.

Wow, i'm a dork, that was a long post. Stop laughing at me now.

ERiC

 

Hey, Eric! Great post. If that's dorky, I want to be a dork, too! Tell me more!

Cheers!
Clover