If you're reasonably handy and have the inclination, you can do it yourself for around $30, oil and filter included. There's a thread on NAM for the DIY oil change with step-by-step instructions.

If that's not an option, buy the OEM filter on-line, get the correct grade oil at a local auto parts store, and have a local shop you trust do it. Even if they charge you $50 labor, it will still be half the price of the BMW dealer.

 

After reading through some, not all, of the posts here, I think I am going to stick with the Mobil 1 0W-40 that I always used in my Audi S4, and probably go about 7K between changes (all highway cruising). I did a lot of research on the Audi Forums, and most agreed that the only true synthetic is this oil. Like mentioned above, it is easy to find, and I can always find it on sale so I can stock up between changes. And compared to the Audi (removing the belly shield was a PITA), this change looks like a piece of cake, that I am actually thinking of foregoing the freebie change offered by the dealer, unless it causes a warranty issue (probably). It'll save me a 150 mile trip.

There is nothing like the feeling of an easy DIY. The beer always tastes better afterwards.

 

Sorry to revive an old thread. 4,900mi just bought a new filter and this
mobil 1 0w 40

 

Just had to add my input about Royal Purple... I changed to Royal Purple after 1,500 miles (bought brand new at 2miles), and the engine felt silkier after that. I didn't think the pull and grunt was that noticeable at all, but the throttle response was notably improved.

I just changed back to OEM Oil because my 15,000 mile oil change is coming up and I don't want the hassle of being interrogated when purple oil comes pouring out of the engine (yes, it really is purple). Well, after I installed everything, the engine felt much... chunkier... and not so willing to rev. It was odd how used to Royal Purple I got. I change my oil every 4,000 miles, so I doubt the Royal purple will affect my engine life as much.

Anyway, my place of employment uses Royal Purple in their vehicles, and we do some serious off-road driving in sand dunes and thick brush. It is a trustworthy and durable oil, even though it is a feminine light-purplish color.

 

I thought Royal Purple turned brown like all other oils after some miles are driven? I have to take my Mini in for service later this week. Should I change the oil back to Castrol? Royal Purple meets or exceeds manufactures recommendations for oil, should I even worry if the dealers knows its Royal Purple?

Just thought i would let everyong know I went ahead and changed the oil. I bought 5 quarts from BMW for $6.25 a quart which is cheaper then buying it at Autozone or Advanved Auto etc. While I was changing it i did notice I have a leak around the transmission area . Just one more thing for them to fix this week.

 

Your dealer doesn't care what color your old oil is. Any synthetic oil of the proper grade is fine. MINI has a few recommended oils, but that's what they are, recommendations, not requirements.

 

Well, that is good to know.

Royal Purple does darken after miles, like any oil, but mine was changed just 2,000 miles ago, so I don't know if it is still slightly purplish in colour.

I changed it just as a precaution. I don't know much about the service folks at MINI of San Antonio.

 

Yes it was dark brown like any other oil when I drained it yesterday.

 

Has anyone compiled a complete list of manuf and viscosities that meet the current requirements? I searched the local Walmart today and did not see any 0W weight oils availablle in any brand.

 

Why are you looking for a "0" weight oil? Owner's manual for my '08 Clubman specifies 5w30 weight. Is the '09 spec different?

 

Yes, my manual states the approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40, and 5W-30.

And MINI recommends CASTROL

 

That's a change from the '08 oil spec. Thanks for the update!

 

I use Mobil 1 in everything I own..dont see many people using this...why?

 

All I use is Mobil1. It's a very high quality synthetic, and recommended by MINI.

 

Has anyone tried the new Castrol Edge. I saw it on a superbowl commercial. It is a new version of Castrol, they claim is good for 15,000 miles. Is it finally a US product that is as good as European spec Castrol? Spec sheet is available at castrol web site.

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp...strol_edge.pdf

 

From the spec sheet,

Exceeds European ACEA: A1/A5

Unlike the Euro spec Castrol, no mention of ACEA: A3.

 

Changed my oil yesterday and used Mobil 1 as well...

 

I noticed that Castrol Syntec 20W-50 states it meets ACEA A3/B3. Ironically, this is not an approved weight oil listed in my manual.

 

Hey guys, how long should I let the car sit after driving home before starting the oil change?

 

Long enough so you don't have 200-degree oil dripping down your arm!

I usually wait at least a half-hour, but unless it's very cold outside the oil will still be warm an hour after you've shut off your car. The oil only has to be warm, not hot. It flows very easily.

 

Ok, please help asap. I'm trying to unscrew the drain plug, but it is really on there. Is this normal? Lefty loosy, right?

 

yes lefty loosy and the filter will snap in/out.

 

20W-50 is probably too thick for the MINI's engine design. The UK manual for 2007 specified 5W-30 ACEA A3 (the B3 part is for diesels). The fundamental design of the engine hasn't changed since 2007. The change is specs has probably come for the MINI USA's marketing folks. Most USA available 5W-30 oils do not meet ACEA A3, and are the wimpier A1/A5. My belief is that MINI marketing expanded the recommended oil specs for the USA, because 5W-30 A3 oil is very hard to find in the USA.

The MINI branded oil available at dealers is one of the least expensive 5W-30 A3 oils available here. I paid $5.20 per qt. at MINI of Mountain View last year. Price seems to vary from dealer to dealer. MINI oil was formulated by Castrol specifically for BMW.

Based on the specs on the bottles, it seems that the BMW branded oil is the same stuff (which would make sense), but often costs $1.00 more.

 

Somewhat off topic, but can I throw the empty oil bottles in the trash, or do I need to take them to the same place as the oil? Also, what about the filter?

 

My SA told me yesterday that using 0W-30 will void the warranty (re using thinner oil in the winter to mitigate the cold start issue.) what you stated is in the manual??