Mobil 1 spec's http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Mot...duct_Guide.pdf

 

So, if I understand that chart, these Mobil 1 oils meet Mini specs:
Mobil 1 0w-40
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5w-30

 

long Life4 is a different approval tha Long-life 1.
Mini Needs Long life 1, (gasoline engines)
Long life 4 is BMW's spec for advanced diesels....so Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 does NOT meet the spec.

 

I've been using synthetic Castrol (US version) 5W30, but I change it more often than the computer says. Question is: Is anybody using the Valvoline SynPower 5W30 that is recommended by MINI as a "long life" oil? Seems like it would be easier to find at a reasonable price than some of the others.

 

If the manufacturer specifies a 5W-30, then that's what should be used. If you second guess either the cold or hot number, you're gambling. Period.

That said, Mobil 1 is still an excellent synthetic. Redline is better. And Amsoil is the best by test. (And no, I'm not an Amsoil dealer.)

Royal Purple is just a mid pack oil and barely so at that (by test).

I run Amsoil in my '06 JCW. And Redline in my motorcycle. And both using the factory recommended weights. Too thin cold and you risk engine damage at start up. Too thick hot and you again risk damage. Stick with the weights recommeded. The engineers aren't idiots.

 

The two main anti-wear additives added to the oil are zinc and phosphorus. If you look at the Mobil-1 chart you will see that the GF 4 rated oils all have the lowest level. The reduced levels trade some long term engine wear for better emissions, good for the EPA bad for the MINI's. The 0-40 oil spec for the BMW's has more of the good stuff as do the racing and motorcyle oils. The 0 weight multi vis oils also come from a more highly refined or better base stock.

 

I use 0w40 M1, if anyone else here uses that i was wondering if you have more oil consumption using this oil. i really, really like it and have to say that's the only drawback for me using it.

 

Thank you all for the good input, I have read a lot of stuff about oil and I finally settled with German Castrol 0w-30. There is a sale going on at autozone from may 6 till 31. 5qt GC 0w-30 with bosch filter for $28.
I planned to buy 10 qt which will last me for 15k.