I previously owned an '05 Mini and the Service Interval Indicator (SII) counted down the miles to the next service as you drove. In March of this year, I purchased an "07 MCS and the SII showed 17,000 miles to next service when I purchased it. I know as you drive the computer determines the type of driving you do and projects the next service based on this data (freeway, stop & go, etc). About 2 weeks after I bought the car, the SII showed 18,000 mi. to next service?? I now have 3,700 miles on the car and the SII is still showing 18,000 mi. to next service and has not started counting down at all. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? Most of my driving is freeway but it still seems like the SII should be counting down by now!

Lyn

 

Since you don't know how it's bvehavior was before, I'd have the dealer check it out.

 

What you got there is a loose nut behind the wheel. Run it back by the dealership and have them cinch it up. Ain't but $20 down to Rollo's.



Your MINI must like the way you drive it.


Oops. I thought I was joking with LynnEl. Sorry Mr(s) Williamson.

 

same exact here...18000 for the last 2500 miles. and there is no way im following that. every 5000 for me.

 

I thought the R56 MCS started at 15,000 for service interval. Anyway, mine reads 16,000 currently. I've got a little over 1,000 miles on it. I assume that it means my driving is improving the oil.

Somewhere I thought I heard that this number is determined (at least partially) by the viscosity of the oil. Anyone know?

 

It does start at 15000. Mine is now at 16000. It is determined by the condition of the oil, including viscosity, as well as contamination.

 

Min as well is now at 16000... and the date is for 2009. That cannot be right.

 

My MCS is one month old, and has gone about 1500 miles. The service indicator says 17,000 miles, March 2009. I drive no less that 7 miles, and do very little stop-and-go. My M.A. says to stick to what the manual says for service interval.

About oil changes, I asked the service manager if he would do this to his own car -- are the oil and filter really that good? "Yes, they are really that good," was his reply.

 

I have trouble letting any oil go 15-18k miles between changes. Spoke with my SA at the delaership just to see how much an oil change is. $82.50 - for me that's an inexpensive peace of mind. I'm going to change it every 5,000 unless somebody tells me it's overkill.

 

The Service Interval Indicator looks at many different factors in determining the next interval. These include, at the least, average speed, average rpm, maximum rpm, engine hours, time (as in how long the car has been sitting without driving it) etc. For people who drive smoothly, and mostly highway, you'll definitely see higher service intervals. A car that spends more time in 1st and 2nd gear at lower speeds or idle will probably see short intervals. So yes, 18,000 miles to the next service is normal. That said, most mechanics I have talked to recommend changing the oil every 5000 - 8000 miles.

 

Mine is 5 weeks old, 2000 miles on it. Said 15k when new, now says 18k to service or 3-2009. I assume whatever comes first. If I drive it at 400 miles/week as I have been I'll hit 18k in less than a year, way before the date. I can get the oil/filter changed with synthetic for $50. The MA said it costs $125 at the dealership (free for me when service is due).