I bought my MINI used, with about 20,000 miles on it. The indicator on the speedo says it still has roughly 12,000 miles to go for an oil change?

I know its synthetic and all, but I was always under the impression that normal oil = 3,000 miles, synthetic about twice that. But to go almost 12,000-15,000 miles with no oil change seems really really weird to me.

Is the MINI just special with the oil or something?

 

yes it is. The computer adjusts the countdown based on how you drive. That doesn't mean you can't change it more often. Some will tell you its a waste of money, others will swear by it. Your choice!

 

There are tons of posts on this subject. MINI dealerships don't want to see your car until that indicator goes down to 0 miles. Some dealerships are a bit more leanient, allowing you to go in with 1000 miles left, but others, (including mine), are very strict about following your car's individual count-down. My very first oil change, for instance, was at an astounding 12,600 miles.

Yeah, that goes against pretty much everything we all grew up knowing. But that is what the manufacturer specifies for our cars!

It is weird, and hard to get used to, but nevertheless, that is the way it is.

 

I believe a lot of dealers will also change it once a year, regardless of the indicator. If you are outside of the free oil changes, then you can go up to 2 years per the manual.

Cars evolve and the engine oil is just one more thing that requires less regular maintenance. When was the last time you used a grease gun on the ball joints or had to repack the wheel bearings? How about replacing points on a distributor?

 

I may as well be the one to jump in and say...

Keep in mind that MINI only warranties your engine for 50,000 miles.

And Castrol Syntec (MINI-supplied oil) is a synthetic oil in name only. The longer intervals are probably OK, but with a better-performing, truly synthetic oil such as Redline, AMSOIL, or Royal Purple. I may just be paying for peace of mind by switching, but it's worth it to me.

And DEFINITELY don't go 12-15k without at least checking the oil level periodically. Amazingly enough, that's what some people here do.

Do a search and you'll find waaaay more opinions on this than you ever wanted to hear.

 

Jonnieoh... what dealer do you go to? Towne in Buffalo or Keeler in Albany?

 

I should also add that you should ALWAYS check your oil levels from time to time (no less then monthly)

I change mine every 7500... I can't bear the 15000 mark... it scares me too much and like chrisneal said, 35-40$ (DIY) is a good price for peace of mind.