planning to do my 1st oil change on my recently acquired Clubman.
never b4 had a vehicle the mite have synthetic oil in it.
is it safe to assume the synthetic will still retain a reddish color even if it is old and dirty?
with that reddish tip on the dip stick i am not sure if i am looking at a conventional oil or synthetic in it now.

 

A quote from an email I received from an equally enthusiastic MINI person.
"I did some research on compatible alternatives to the BMW oil and discovered that Pennzoil, the maker of BMW oil, bottles that identical oil only labeled as Pennzoil EURO L Full Synthetic 5w30."
You can find it locally. WalMart among others carries it. If you get in the habit of changing oil/filter every 5k miles you'll never have those concerns again. That's also a good time to rotate tires. Negative camber is the culprit.

 

If you don't have records for the last oil change, I would follow the old saying,"when in doubt drain it out." Pennzoil as Fly'n stated is MINI's supplier for BMW synthetic oil.. I figure if BMW is using it in all their models, you can't be too far in the wrong direction using it. Also get an OEM oil filter-another can't go wrong manuever.. Good luck.

 

that is exactly why i want to change it. . .because i don't know.

is it safe to assume the oil filter cap is a screw off unit?
i have a socket that fits it nicely but i see what appears to be 2 release tabs in the hex.
and if it is a screw off, is it normal clockwise threads?

 

Penzoil is owned by Shell, so any Shell branded oil would work as well. You also should be fine with Castrol, or Valvoline. As long as you use teh correct weight, you should be fine.

 

Any current, brand name synthetic is usable.
Amsoil, Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol, etc.

I use Mobil 1, Valvoline and Amsoil are good seconds (in that order for me)...

Mike

 

Normal threads, so lefty loosey.

No release tabs on filter housing, but your oil filter should come with new o-rings for the re-install

 

Pennzoil? My dipstick tube holder is stamped with 'Mini recommends Castrol"...

Regardless... As long as the oil weight matches what is needed, purchase the synthetic brand of your choice and change every 5000 miles.

 

The only reason it says Castrol is that Mini had a business arrangement with Castrol at the time of your car was manufactured. Now that arrangement is with Pennzoil/Shell. It's just business, nothing else. Nothing magical about Castrol. Just use a good quality, synthetic oil in the right viscosity for your climate, and change regularly (i.e. every 5000 miles) and you will be fine.

 

Just talked about changing oil here and the cap, make sure you use the correct tools and procedure:
DIY linked also.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4482804


Yep its shell aka Pennzoil, used to be Castrol.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4479153

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...do-i-need.html