My ly/C is still two months away but it is never to early to get things ready. My mechanic reccomends an oil change at 500 and 1500 miles. I would lile to do it my self but would like to know a couple of things first for those of you that have done it yourselves. Does the Cooper have a skid plate over the oil pan that needs to be removed to change oil? Is the oil pan aluminum that might strip out easy?, do you use a troque wrench?, have you replace washer each time? Finally, where have you got you oil filter, from a MINI dealer or can we get them someplace else yet? Thanks very much. Production date 11/08.

 

I changed the oil on my MCS at 1200 and 5000 miles. The drain plug is very easy to get to (with a shallow pan you don't need to raise the car off the ground). I have used the same gasket for two changes and it still seals tight. I tightened the plug without a torque wrench.

Get the filter from a MINI dealer. I got oil from them as well.

Search the forums for "oil change". There are several good threads with lots of info.

Aaron

 

Thanks, sounds fairly simple. Can't wait to "get my hands dirty".