I don't know much about warranties and what not, but dad was telling me to get my oil checked at the dealer (Yes, I know people don't get their oil changed at dealerships due to the cost), but was wondering was that does the regular maintenance checkup cover for oil and if so how many miles until it expires. Dad was suggesting that if you go over a certain mileagepoint (within the first year or whatever), that they wont cover you for oil or iono something like that... Any help would be greatful thanks.

 

What year model is your MINI. There is a maintenance package that comes long that would cover you on some of your oil changes for the first 3 years 36k miles.

 

When you first start your car there will be a readout at the bottom of the tach that gives the number of miles and date of the next service. Usually, it starts out at 15,000 and then varies with the kind of driving you do. Mine actually went up to 18,000 at about 4,000 miles and is now coming down.

If you don't reach the zero point within one year of taking delivery of your MINI, take it in on or before the anniversary.

Many of us think that the recommended service intervals are too long and are changing our own oil in between. I changed the oil at about 1,200 miles to clean out all the break-in metal. I'll probably change it again somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 miles. If you use the correct oil and filter, this wont affect warranty.

The easiest way to insure you are using the correct oil is to buy the MINI branded oil from your dealer. It is reasonably priced for a full synthetic. I found it to be less expensive than Mobil 1 (which doesn't meet requirements).



If it is difficult to get to your dealer, you need to find a 5W-30 full synthetic (no blends) with ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01 ratings.

BMW dealers have a BMW branded oil that matches these specs. It may be a little more expensive than the MINI oil. Or, it may vary from dealer to dealer. Both the MINI and the BMW branded oils are a special formula of Castrol made for BMW.

Most synthetics you buy from auto supplies are A1/A5 rated, which is thinner than the MINI oil at operating temps. There is a "European" 0W-30 Castrol Syntec which is A3, but only seems to be available at some Autozone stores. It is also reported that Valvoline makes an A3 oil.

In a pinch, you can top-up the oil with an A1/A5 full synthetic, but I personally wouldn't use if for an oil change.

Filters are available from your dealer or several of the vendors here on NAM.

This thread has instructions for doing it yourself. It is a good idea to scan the thread for corrections, if you don't want to read all of it.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=101513

 

well i have about 14000 miles and changed my oil around 12,000. Changed it myself and didn't know if that tampered with the warranty. and it's a new 07 mcs. thanks casady for the detailed info :D

 

Unless you use a non-OEM oil filter, or use some strange color oil, I don't see how the dealer would even know that you changed the oil. I also think they don't have a problem with more frequent oil changes. My dealer will happily sell me five quarts of oil.