I know this is a terribly controversial topic, but all along I've been thinking that despite BMW/MINI's 10,000 mile oil change policy, I would pay to get mine changed (no, I'm not a do-it-yourself type) between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.

So, I've already sort of decided I'm going to do it, even though everyone at the dealer seems to think it's uneccessary.

The issue/question is this:

I'm driving from Memphis, TN, to Las Vegas for AMVIV. Then plan to continue on to Los Angeles and San Francisco before returning to Memphis. My MINI currently only has about 2,700 miles on it. I'll probably take it up to 3,000 before I leave. Memphis to Vegas is approx. 1,605 miles according to Yahoo, taking the mileage up to 4,605.

So, should I:
1) Get an oil change next week before I drive west?
2) Wait and get it changed in Vegas? (may not have the inclination or time to want to do this)
3) Drive the entire trip and get it changed when I get back?

I've read quite a few opinions on oil changes for the MINI, but it feels like I'm in a weird spot with the mileage. If the car were at 4,000 miles say, I'd probably go ahead and do it. Then again, I've heard people dumping the oil after several hundred miles.

thanks!

 

If you'd do it at 4K, then do it at 3K.
I drove mine across country after it had several thousand after an oil change (was 8K+ by the time I got home.) I fretted all the while, but in the end, all was fine. I'm getting more comfortable with the extended change periods, but will still regularly do at least one in between 'scheduled' changes. I see the long interval as a safety net if I don't get in done at my preferred time.
See you in Vegas!

 

Changed mine at 6200 just before a 2500 mile road trip. I think you will be fine till you get out to the left coast.

 

When you get to vagas have it changed buy the filter before you leave at the dealer it doesn't cost that much to change the oil just do it your going to put a alot a miles at a time 5 or 6 hours of driving is diffrent then 20 there or there or a hour but six hours a clip will reduce and brake down the oil what speed are your driving at what revs

 

In my opinion, of which no one cares, on a brand new engine, I say you are already 1700 miles overdue. Change it asap and then relax and enjoy your trip knowing you did no harm.

YD

 

Hey Mini Dreams,
Did you get your Mini at Roadshow Mini ? I'm still looking
for a used mini at a good price but that's hard to find.

 

yep... i did. are you in Memphis?

they have quite a few 2006's in stock but i think only about 2 used. i think they are only discounting the 2006's by $500 or a better interest rate.

call them and speak to Brett... he was my MA and very nice to work with. they are all pretty decent.

send me a private message if you need more info.

 

thanks for the feedback. guess i need to decide.

 

anyone have oil recommendations?

dealer said that the cost for the oil change is $75, with about $30 just for the oil, but that I might be able to buy 5 quarts cheaper and bring it in.

he suggested i buy Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic

 

yep......Mobil 1 5W30

 

I'd change it, or rather have it changed before the trip. I'd use Mobil 1 5W30 too. Have a safe trip.

 

Alpine Autoworks also works on MINIs...they are off Whitten rd. Really nice guys...they replaced my wheels and tire when they got destroyed on the way to the Malden car show.

I don't know what happens warrenty wise if someone else changes your oil though.

 

Should not matter.

Mark

 

thanks vargasgal... good to know about this place. I was wondering if there was another place I could go.

i will probably go to Roadshow, though, since it is the "1st" oil change.