It's probably covered here somewhere but I can't find it. Has someone posted pics of an oil change on a Cooper S Clubman. I owned an 05 Cooper and always changed my oil but the Clubman has me scratching my head. I have the new socket, filters and Mobil1 Oil, now if i just new where the darn filter was???????

 

Here you go. Click on R56 Oil Service in Issue 1 (2008-02-29).

The coolant tank is blocking the view of the filter.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/alliance

 

you know it's free right? I mean i get doing the work yourself, but it's free.

 

It's free according to MINI/BMW policy. IMO, going 15000 miles + for n oil change is not a good thing. You will find many points of view on this matter but, until I am able to have my oil analysis conducted over time and am satisfied with what I consider an acceptable oil change interval, I am changing my oil on the Clubby every 3-5K using an OEM filter. IMO, its the old Fram Oil Filter commercial, "pay me know or pay a lot more later!". Have Fun!

 

Guess what i overheard on this subject at teh dealer the other day. (i was in to have a wheel bearign replaced)

One customer to anohter (NO service tech involved in this conversation)

Customer 1: (in a questioning tone) The car needs a quart of oil every 1000 miles.

Customer 2: Yes, MINI states that is an accepatble amount of oil to burn.

Customer 1: Then why not just change the oil filter every 5000 miles as all the oil has been chagned every 5000 miles. As I see it you should never have to have an oil change done becuase you are putting new oil in every 1000 miles.

Customer 2:(with a very strange look on his face) Sounds good but does not seem right.

I moved away from this convesation as I really did not want to get in volved.

 

Didja giterdone, oldhippie?

If you remove the screw that's holding the coolant overflow reservoir, and move it to the left you can see the filter housing - it's now on the front of the engine instead of the back. It's plastic, so lube the o-ring up well and don't overtighten it when you re-install it.

You need an 8mm allen to remove the oil pan plug.

If you buy the filter kit from your dealer it will have a new drain plug seal and o-ring for the filter container in it too.

Good luck, and post up if you have any problems....

 

Thanks guys. Downloaded issue 1 and I'm good to go. Yep, I know it's free but I like changing my own oil and also a little more frequent than BMW/MINI recommends. I know synthetic is good but is it really that good. Thanks to all for your assistance!!!!!

 

Absolutely - use synthetic oil!

I buy Mobil 1 and usually find a 6-pack on sale at either Costco or Wal Mart - it makes it only a little more expensive than regular dino oil.

You have a turbo engine, I would not use anything less, even if you were changing it every 3K (which you do not need to do with Synth oil)

 

Right there with you.
I've been in the quick-lube business before graduating college, and there's no nasty junk that drains out even after 4K miles.

Another way to know if you need to do less / more often change is to send a oil sample to Blackstone Labortories.

- Erik

 

Just wanted to get opinions from everyone else about their feeling for synthetic. I've used synth for years and the wife's last 2 Pathfinders have/are enjoying Mobile 1 too. Motor on Folks and Thanks !!!!