Ambrosia received her first after break-in oil change today (at 1600 miles). I must say it was easier than expected, even without a garage in about 44 degree weather. I will admit I had my boyfriend assist me but he had me do all the work...even as my fingers were numb from the cold

I won't go into detail because there are other write ups on here (which were helpful!). However, my car took an 8mm allen key for the oil pan bolt and NOT a T-50 Torx bit. I picked up a filter from the dealer for only $10 and full synthetic Castrol 5W-40 from Olympic @ $7.99/quart. (On the back of the bottle it states it meets the ACEA A3/B3 and BMW-98 specs and on the front said it was specifically for German cars).

Moving the coolant reservoir was just a little tricky (I like to do things gently/carefully) but not a big ordeal.

My dealer charges about $100 for an oil change. The oil and filter only cost me $50 (bf already had the tools). So I saved about $50 doing it myself (and the 100 mile trip to the dealer).

So to any new MINI owners out there wondering if they can handle their own oil change on the MCS..I will say yes! Plus it's nice to get some 'intimate' time with the car...lol.

 

Congrats on the accomplishment. Felt good when I did mine. I got rather fed up with doing it on a 1990 Integra, but enjoyed on the MCS.

 

 

does that mean you have a 8mm allen hex as your oil pan nut? or just that a 8mm allen key fit into what would normally be the t50 torx?

 

Yes, the drain plug on my car is an 8mm hex and not a Torx 50. I am returning the Torx 50 bit to the store today...lol.