My local mechanic who services BMW's suggested I use Castrol Syntec 5W 40. He said it was a little better than 5W 30, which I believe is what the mini manufature recommends. I've recently purchased a 2005 mini cooper (3 days ago). I just want to make sure I'm using a good oil. I've also asked him to order the manufactures filter. Would 5W 40 be okay? I know there's a lot of different threads with regards to oil but I did not see one with regards to the above oil. I'll likely start doing my own oil / filter changes in the future and wondered which oil I should stock up on, and whether any Canadian Mini owners knew of a good place to purchase filters / oils.

The mechanic said it was full-synthetic and it did say on the label approved for BMW's and European cars. He also mentioned that is was a little thicker than 5W 30.

Thanks in advance!

 

You'll be fine with the 5-40 although you may want to use that as a summer oil in you live in Canada. It may be a little on the thick side (and yes, it is thicker than 5-30) in the winter. I run a 10-30 in the summer due to the mileage (68xxx) and warm, humid PA summers. Winter, I'll probably switch back to a 5W-30.

 

Makes sense, I'll see what the mechanic says tomorrow. Thanks!