Yes, Mobil 1 5W-30 has a different "High temperature / High shear rate viscosity" than the MINI packaged Castrol you get at the dealer. In short, Mobil 1 5W-30 isn't as suited to high performance engines as the MINI oil. The other difference has to do with how long it holds up, but that doesn't matter much if you are changing oil frequently.

Frequency of oil change is just half the issue. The other half is what it does at engine temps. So, changing the oil frequently doesn't really make up for the difference.

What you want to look for on a bottle of oil is ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01.

 

I hope you meant Mobil 1 0W-40 because 10W-40 doesn't even come close to what you should use.

 

Here is another thread with detailed instructions and photos. There have been some corrections and useful hints further in the thread, so best to at least scan all of it.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=101513

 

Here ya go:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...specifications

 

Same story here in regards to dealer not changing oil until computer says it needs changed. In this case that would be 22,500 miles before the first change! Dealer/BMW did not seem to care. Decided to just do myself, googled and found posting from Giancola. While I have an MCS, Giancola's very nicely done article was a tremendous help. Certainly easier than my 2002 MC. Incidently, I use Castrol on both 2002 MC (with 97,000 miles) and new MCS and change at 15,000. Might as well take advantage of the synthetic oil.

 

Not all synthetic oils are rated for 15,000 miles, and not all are adequate for the R56 MINI. It should have ACEA A3, and BMW LL-01 (or higher) ratings on the bottle. Not a lot of USA Castrol does.

 

Well much harder is all relative. It's only 1 more bolt to move the coolant tank. Then you have all the room you do in a non-turbo.

 

Mobil 1 0w40 is the way to go. It meets BMW longlife requirements as well as Porsche and VW/AUDI. It is what I run in my Audi RS4. Fortunately, the px sells it here in Germany for around $6 a bottle. If bought on the German economy it would be about 20 euros (24 USD) a liter.

see link for more info
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...il_1_0W-40.asp

 

Just a quick advise, the reason why the oil filter housing is at an angle like that even with the r53 is so a little oil stays in the filter compartmend. I do not recoment cleaning that oild oil with a rag. It will starve your motor on start up for a second so leave that "old oil" there and don't wipe it off.

 

Full synthetic 5W-30 is approved by BMW.

 

did you reset the computer??? if did can you tell us how to reset the computer???? after oil change

 

Again thank you for taking the time and putting up pictures.

 

The MINI branded oil is ACEA A3/B3. Castrol 5W-30 is ACEA A1/A5 which has a lower viscosity at engine temp. The recommendations in the MINI manual are rather broad and can include a great variety of oil qualities. It is my belief that the engine was designed for ACEA A3.

Perhaps it doesn't matter for street driving. However, I'll stay with A3 quality.

 

I posted this on a new thread after reading this and other threads about oil. I am not sure if I should have posted it here, or if starting a new thread was the correct way to go.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=128096

 

Sorry if this has been asked before but I haven't changed my own oil in YEARS and I'll probably be doing it with my new Mini when I get it.

Where does everyone take their used oil and do you have to pay them to dispose of it? Also, how do you get it there (so it doesn't spill and screw up your car)?

 

Most auto parts places take used oil for free. My local garbage pickup takes used oil for free as well. They give you a container to put it in with a thick ziplock type bag for the filter. Check with your trash company or an auto parts chain. Some of the speedy lube type places take oil too.

Buy a drain pan with a pour spout like this. Lets me fill my recycling container without a funnel. Makes for no mess.


Or one like this if you are not going to pour it into another container for recycling.

 

This is totally off topic but after seeing your sig tjtull are you going to have a white russian when your car arrives?

 

You know it

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll check with my garbage collector. Nice looking drain pans too. I'll have to get some of those.

 

Are you sure this shouldn't be 1-1/16" not 11/16"? 1-1/16" x 25.4 = 26.9875mm

 

We use 1 gallon milk containers--screw top only--and we do use a funnel with no problem. Been doing it since forever--60's?

 

Thanks, that's likely what I will do.

 

Do they still have gallon milk containers with screw tops? I thought they had all gone to the pop-off type.

 

Just to chime in on the recommended oil issue.

BMW recommends their own brand, which is Castrol stuff and absolutely simialr to Mobile 1.

I have run and seen others run Mobile1 (10-30) on several M3s, M5s and 7 series with no issues and with engines looking like new when opened up after 50 or 100K.

I would not hesitate to put Mobile1 in my MCS, well discounted from Costco, rather than pay the dealer for no reason...

 

Mobil 1 10W-30 is an ACEA A1/A5 oil recommended for GM cars, not approved by BMW. It is not the same as the BMW/MINI branded Castrol which is ACEA A3/B3, BMW LL-01.