R56 Cost of 2007 MC Oil Change - YIKES!
North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Colorado
Surfblue says: Don't take this personally, but in general, if this oil change stuff keeps up, I'm gonna vomit on my keyboard. If you're a PROUD girly girl, then know your limitations, pay a professional and PROUDLY PAY to have it done. You DO mention that WE bought a new house, and although in these times people vary, (and that's OK) but I assume you have a MAN of the house? Real men DO DIY OIL CHANGES. You say, "metal shavings"...forget that. These are modern engines, not a 1927 Morgan.
Oil changes are absolutely 180 degrees out from rocket science. There is a LONG explanation or two (one of them mine) inside this overall forum. You need to buy a FEW simple and not that expensive tools, a five quart container of oil, an new filter an oil collection and storage pan (that will fit right under the car. You run the left side wheels up on a couple two by fours to angle the drain to the low side, you pull the plug, let the hot oil out...the thigh bone's connected to the leg bone, etc.
I have little faith in so many posters on this group, who just can't seem to wrap themselves around this procedure. Sometimes I honestly read this site and I feel I bought the wrong car, NOT because of the CAR, but because I have to associate with other owners. OK, my negative side is run down. MOVING ON: Here's another positive
thought. CONTACT your local Mini club. I KNOW that you have one in your area without even looking. Bond with them. Find someone to show you how to do it. This is called OWNERSHIP in the largest sense. IF you lived an hour north of San Francisco, I'd be PLEASED to put your car and your husband in my garage and show him exactly how it's done. It's an hour job, even allowing for oil drainage, which is most of the hour. So see, even ol Surfblue has a nice side. 
And I say again, if you're truly a proud girly girl, pay up.
BTW, you mention that next car, you're going CHEAP. Well, you just spent a pile of dough on a nice car. You can use it, you can abuse it, you can lose it. Your choice.
BTW, your next car should be a Toyota Yaris. It's super reliable, easy to maintain, and BOY are you gonna miss that Mini every time you actually DRIVE the Yaris. But you'll be out less than $13k delivered for your stripped down basic hatchback. And it will run to probably 250k without a hiccup.
Oil changes are absolutely 180 degrees out from rocket science. There is a LONG explanation or two (one of them mine) inside this overall forum. You need to buy a FEW simple and not that expensive tools, a five quart container of oil, an new filter an oil collection and storage pan (that will fit right under the car. You run the left side wheels up on a couple two by fours to angle the drain to the low side, you pull the plug, let the hot oil out...the thigh bone's connected to the leg bone, etc.
I have little faith in so many posters on this group, who just can't seem to wrap themselves around this procedure. Sometimes I honestly read this site and I feel I bought the wrong car, NOT because of the CAR, but because I have to associate with other owners. OK, my negative side is run down. MOVING ON: Here's another positive
thought. CONTACT your local Mini club. I KNOW that you have one in your area without even looking. Bond with them. Find someone to show you how to do it. This is called OWNERSHIP in the largest sense. IF you lived an hour north of San Francisco, I'd be PLEASED to put your car and your husband in my garage and show him exactly how it's done. It's an hour job, even allowing for oil drainage, which is most of the hour. So see, even ol Surfblue has a nice side. And I say again, if you're truly a proud girly girl, pay up.
BTW, you mention that next car, you're going CHEAP. Well, you just spent a pile of dough on a nice car. You can use it, you can abuse it, you can lose it. Your choice.
BTW, your next car should be a Toyota Yaris. It's super reliable, easy to maintain, and BOY are you gonna miss that Mini every time you actually DRIVE the Yaris. But you'll be out less than $13k delivered for your stripped down basic hatchback. And it will run to probably 250k without a hiccup.Mark
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 454
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From: New Jersey, USA
Rastven, I'm afraid I didn't get the name of the service person. I didn't mean to start an antagonistic thread. I was just surprised that I used to pay $65 for an oil change on my 2005 MC and when I called for my 2007 I was told $115. All I asked is what other people have paid, I didn't ask to be lectured on changing my own oil. Or how much I should pay. Or having my husband change my oil. Surfblue, your reply was totally rude and uncalled for, even with your strategically placed smiley faces.
Last edited by Rennie; Jan 5, 2008 at 06:21 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
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Oil Changes
I was told at the Autohaus of Clayton, in St. Louis that an oil change was going be $60. THe last oil change I did on the car was almost $45. for 15 bucks, and the fact the car is already going to be in the shop for warrenty work, I have no problems paying them to change it.
RT
RT
Last edited by MYMINI2007; Jan 6, 2008 at 02:49 AM. Reason: typo
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 454
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From: New Jersey, USA
But I've decided to wait until the first scheduled oil change. Which means I don't need to find out what others have paid, so I guess I'm done with this thread. Thank you all for your replies.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 1
From: South Florida.
woah!!!
even us girly gurls can change our own oil.. maybe its just a matter of her learning how to do it.. not everyone is in"tune" with their car.. and why do you have such little faith in someone who cannot change their own oil?? And you know you DON'T HAVE TO associate with mini owners, but apparently you can stand it long enough to post 409 times.. sorry not everyone has your acumen when it comes to changing their oil... I for one, went to the dealership when my car's oil was changed the first time, got right in there with the mechanic, took pictures, and learned.. not everyone has the time, nor the want to do so. Not all us girly girls have to pay up.. your post, antagonized me slightly.. and my husband who is a soldier? a real man as you might put it.. doesn't do oil changes on our car.. i do.. hm.. i have deployed to iraq as a civillian, have put up 150 meter masts, weighing 150 plus pounds and worked as hard as a man.. does that make me a real man, because i can do a man's work?
even us girly gurls can change our own oil.. maybe its just a matter of her learning how to do it.. not everyone is in"tune" with their car.. and why do you have such little faith in someone who cannot change their own oil?? And you know you DON'T HAVE TO associate with mini owners, but apparently you can stand it long enough to post 409 times.. sorry not everyone has your acumen when it comes to changing their oil... I for one, went to the dealership when my car's oil was changed the first time, got right in there with the mechanic, took pictures, and learned.. not everyone has the time, nor the want to do so. Not all us girly girls have to pay up.. your post, antagonized me slightly.. and my husband who is a soldier? a real man as you might put it.. doesn't do oil changes on our car.. i do.. hm.. i have deployed to iraq as a civillian, have put up 150 meter masts, weighing 150 plus pounds and worked as hard as a man.. does that make me a real man, because i can do a man's work?
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 529
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From: South Orange, NJ
Rastven, I'm afraid I didn't get the name of the service person. I didn't mean to start an antagonistic thread. I was just surprised that I used to pay $65 for an oil change on my 2005 MC and when I called for my 2007 I was told $115. All I asked is what other people have paid, I didn't ask to be lectured on changing my own oil. Or how much I should pay. Or having my husband change my oil. Surfblue, your reply was totally rude and uncalled for, even with your strategically placed smiley faces.
Maybe even talk to your MA or to Ed the Sales Manager if you feel like an explanation. I've always found Mo'town to be very accommodating and they will generally explain their rationale for something instead of just giving you the standard line that most dealers give you.
I agree that certain posters have been rude and out of line and it's uncalled for. As I said before, if you don't want to pay the dealer and don't want to go somewhere else contact LordoftheFlies here on NAM and I'm sure he'll be able to help you out at a better price.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: New Jersey, USA
That's ok, I just know from experience that sometimes you get a "better" answer from Mike or Fred
Maybe even talk to your MA or to Ed the Sales Manager if you feel like an explanation. I've always found Mo'town to be very accommodating and they will generally explain their rationale for something instead of just giving you the standard line that most dealers give you.
I agree that certain posters have been rude and out of line and it's uncalled for. As I said before, if you don't want to pay the dealer and don't want to go somewhere else contact LordoftheFlies here on NAM and I'm sure he'll be able to help you out at a better price.
Maybe even talk to your MA or to Ed the Sales Manager if you feel like an explanation. I've always found Mo'town to be very accommodating and they will generally explain their rationale for something instead of just giving you the standard line that most dealers give you.
I agree that certain posters have been rude and out of line and it's uncalled for. As I said before, if you don't want to pay the dealer and don't want to go somewhere else contact LordoftheFlies here on NAM and I'm sure he'll be able to help you out at a better price.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 318
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From: Sarasota, FL
I pay about $85 for an oil and filter change in my '07 MCS. I have a 335i and I pay $120 for an oil and filter change. As far as I'm concerned it's good insurance. And whoever said oil filter and oil comes to about $35, you obviously aren't using synthetic.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
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From: Paradise
5 qt = $27.00
Prices for the OEM oil filter have been reported to be anywhere from $9.00 to $17.00.
That puts a DIY oil change in the range of $36.00 to around $50.00
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 172
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From: Valley Grande, Al.
That tank is only in the way on the S model. It's also a heckuva lot easier to get to than on the r53.
of course they didn't if you were there on a regularly scheduled oil change. first 3yr/36k miles is supposed to be free.
For sure all the other minor tasks were things that are also covered under your maintenance plan or warranty.
of course they didn't if you were there on a regularly scheduled oil change. first 3yr/36k miles is supposed to be free.
For sure all the other minor tasks were things that are also covered under your maintenance plan or warranty.
Last edited by Dex05S; Jan 6, 2008 at 07:12 PM. Reason: only wanted second quote
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From: Valley Grande, Al.
of course they didn't if you were there on a regularly scheduled oil change. first 3yr/36k miles is supposed to be free. For sure all the other minor tasks were things that are also covered under your maintenance plan or warranty.[/quote]
Exacly!
For sure all the other minor tasks were things that are also covered under your maintenance plan or warranty.[/quote]Exacly!
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 308
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From: Los Angeles, CA
MINI branded Castrol (meets ACEA A3/B3, BMW LL-01 ratings) $5.40 qt. at MINI of Mountain View. Others have paid a little more at other dealers.
5 qt = $27.00
Prices for the OEM oil filter have been reported to be anywhere from $9.00 to $17.00.
That puts a DIY oil change in the range of $36.00 to around $50.00
5 qt = $27.00
Prices for the OEM oil filter have been reported to be anywhere from $9.00 to $17.00.
That puts a DIY oil change in the range of $36.00 to around $50.00
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 476
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From: Corona, CA
I would absolutely NOT do this. Do you get synthetic with that? Do they put the correct oil in, or whatever they happen to buy in bulk? Do they know how to replace the filter? Do they even have the correct filter? Do they actually remove the plug or suck the oil out with a tube? Do they know how to reset the maintenance minder?
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 174
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From: Pasadena, MD
Wish my MA had mentioned that when I asked what that number/date were, damn I felt stupid
At least I can get my compartment opened
Last edited by mrweasel; Jan 7, 2008 at 10:41 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 395
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From: Houston
My bill for filter, oil and tax was a shade over $40. Yes I have worked on cars for about hmmm 21 years now....
I did make a mess when I pulled that filter housing out. Any way around that?
I did make a mess when I pulled that filter housing out. Any way around that?
MINI branded Castrol (meets ACEA A3/B3, BMW LL-01 ratings) $5.40 qt. at MINI of Mountain View. Others have paid a little more at other dealers.
5 qt = $27.00
Prices for the OEM oil filter have been reported to be anywhere from $9.00 to $17.00.
That puts a DIY oil change in the range of $36.00 to around $50.00
5 qt = $27.00
Prices for the OEM oil filter have been reported to be anywhere from $9.00 to $17.00.
That puts a DIY oil change in the range of $36.00 to around $50.00
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I say pull the plug but some people are of the contention that they can remove just as much with a tube.
I believe in a heavy stream of oil to pull particulates out of the sump
Sump is english for oil pan...aka boot for trunk....bonnett for hood
I believe in a heavy stream of oil to pull particulates out of the sump
Sump is english for oil pan...aka boot for trunk....bonnett for hood
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 230
From: York, Pennsylvania
completely off. Wait a few minutes (the oil will mostly drain out of the
filter housing back into the engine to the oil pan). Then take it off with
a paper towel around it, and there'll be very little mess.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
Unscrew the filter housing several turns until it breaks the air seal, but not
completely off. Wait a few minutes (the oil will mostly drain out of the
filter housing back into the engine to the oil pan). Then take it off with
a paper towel around it, and there'll be very little mess.
completely off. Wait a few minutes (the oil will mostly drain out of the
filter housing back into the engine to the oil pan). Then take it off with
a paper towel around it, and there'll be very little mess.