My wife's MINI is coming up on the first scheduled service, and I'd like to pull a sample of the engine oil right before the service and have it analyzed. What's a good analysis service to use?

I'm an engineer, not a chemist, so in addition to all the viscosity/contamination/additive numbers, I'd also like a plain-English "here's what shape your oil's in" description.

Also, can anyone confirm the brand/viscosity of the MINI factory fill? I think it's synthetic Castrol, 5W-30, but I'm not positive.

Thanks,

 

my 03 was originally running the synthetic BMW grade Castrol 5W30.

 

http://youroil.net/

Other ppl on NAM have sent their oil there. You can read their FAQ but it says

Q. What will the analysis report show? A. Ø Unit ID (vehicle's engine number or VIN) Ø Date sampled Ø Unit sample ID Ø Results of wear metals, physicals and Glycol Ø Brand and Weight of Oil Used Ø Unit sample ID Ø Interpretation Ø Advise and suggestions to be taken regarding abnormal results

One thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=youroil.net
Oil is 5W-30. Not sure where MINI gets its oil from.

 

Try
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

 

Thanks for the replies. I've ordered a test kit, and I'll post the results here when I get them.