I have only had my 2009 Clubman since June, 2012. I had an oil change done in October and my mechanic (a mini guy) told me to ignore the ODC and change it every 5000 miles. It has only been 3000 and today while driving to work, an oil indicator flashed for 1-2 seconds and then was gone. I don't even think it was the full three alert chimes.... I drive less than 200 miles a week and most of it is slow boring driving. Has anyone ever had this happen?

 

You are low on oil. Go check it. I agree but you still should check it every 1000 miles IMO.

 

+1 Bradminator

 

I check the oil on my wife's MINI every week - it only takes a minute to do.

 

When you see that oil light you are damaging the engine, stop the car & check the oil. As has been said at least once a week. Check & add oil as needed you'll most likely be OK.

 

I have had this happen on my 2011 5 different times. It is now at the dealership and they are replacing "sensors and wiring harness". It is most definitely not an issue of low oil in my case. It always happens at highway speed and stays on for about 1 second and 1 chime. The way Mini is approaching the problem I would say (1) they have seen it before and know what to do or (2) they don't have a clue. No grey area here.

I will keep you posted.

gary

 

The more fiddly bits they add to a motor the more fiddly bits there are to cause problems actual or perceived. Idiot lights are no substitue for proactive attention to the operating systems. An idiot light can as easily flash erroniously when there is no problem as it can NOT flash when there is one.