I think the car is very much in doubt about when to do the service.

 

Mine also says 09 instead of 08. My SA says one year regardless. So I'll take it in 08.

 

This is a topic of much debate, but most press articles seem to support the higher mileage oil changes. The only thing I would suggest if following the maintenance minder is to routinely check the oil level since all engines burn oil to lube the rings, and I cannot imagine not having to add any oil in 15K.

15K still just seems wrong to me... and does the filter last 3 to 4 times longer too?

 

I couldn't agree with you more. Look at it this way, how long does one think an oil filter can continue to filter the oil? 5-7K is probably tops. The folks who choose to go with the manufacturer's schedule will pay in the end. It's the old mechanics' saying, "pay me now or pay me later, and later it's gonna cost a lot more."

 

I do not know exactly how the Mini oiling system works, but a filter should last as long as it takes it to clog. BMW engineers are not dummys, so I would imagine they designed the filter system to accomodate such a high mileage change interval. If anyone knows how the system works (like what happens in the event of a clogged oil filter), it would be interesting to know. A Bentley manual would sure be nice!!