Car cost = $20,000 +
Dealer oil change in so Calif = $150
Engine replacement = buckets of bucks

You have a R56 MINI

Engine needs 4.5 quarts of 5-30 synthetic oil
5 quart container at Walmart = $25.00
OEM filter @ MossMINI or MINI Mania = about $13.00
So for about $45.00 you can change tour own oil in 10-20 min in your driveway....The oil doesn't go bad it's the filter....
Have you seen the filter?
It's puny.

Learn to do your own oil change. I have a R56 Cooper and change my own oil.
Tools needed
27mm socket to remove filter...so easy a child could do it.
Torx 50 for drain plug.
Drain container to hold used oil.
2 Ramps to get the car up about 4-6 inches.
If you have a MCS you will need a 8mm socket to loosen water tank so you can get to the filter.
I also agree with all the people who do the following:
1200 miles after run in
then at 5000 and every 5000 miles thereafter.
Very cheap insurance.
I once read "Always be at Cause, Never be at Effect."

Your mechanic doesn't own your car, doesn't drive your car and for sure doesn't pay for it when it breaks.
If you don't now how. Join a MINI club and ask.
I joined SCMM the month after I bought my Cooper.
Find a local club and have the time of your life with your MINI.

Enjoy
Mostyn

 

Very easy to change your own oil/filter, don't even really need ramps, but a couple wood blocks would increase room for drain access.

T-50 Torx was a loose fit on mine, correct tool was an 8mm Hex.

Before starting: This is one of the best DIY Oil/Filter change Threads

Think that one of the NAM Alliance Magazines (free download in PDF) also has an article about it.

 

It appears there are different drain plugs on these cars. The Torx is what fits my Mini. A hex would not work at all. It's definitely a Torx with mine.

 

This subject will raise so many diffrent opinions it will make your head spin. I have been building engins for a long time. And this is how I do it...before the manual nanny's chime in please do not tell me I am wrong because there is no data to back up what I do is incorrect or will make a diffrence. There is no way this cannot be an improvment. The engine built process uses many diffrent lubs for assembly so I think the first one is critical.

1st oil change I do is at 500 to 1,000 miles max no matter what.
2nd oil change I do at 2K
and every 4-5K after that. I use Mobil 1 and a factory filter.

 

They should also have told you you can have an annual oil change as well. We tend to get to the anniversary at about 8000 before the computer tells us the oils due, so I go with that.

You aren't going to find any consensus on this issue around here though.

 

Not every manufacturer. Our old Civic recommended 7.5k or 6 months, I'm pretty sure that was with dino oil, not the fancy stuff. The Civic's lastest over 15 years and getting on for 200,000 miles and we didn't always stick to the 6 months when he wasn't being used much.

 

That's what my 1986 Toyota PU reccommended, 7.5K miles or 6 months. I usually do every year before my smog test, since it's my 2nd and winter weather vehicle and I put on about 2-3K/year now at the most. been running Castrol dino since new and 403K and still going strong, no major repairs, no oil burning, nada. still as tight as a snare drum head

 

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I am worried about long term wear and tear because well, I love my mini and I want to take good care of her. I don't believe everything the dealer says so thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.

 

I still haven't changed mine..10000 miles..I am going for the 15000 as per the mfr.

 

I got mine at almost exactly 6 months from purchase at 6500 miles. I paid for it and they said my next one will be free on or after my 1 year purchase date.

ETA: My dealer only charged me $79. Total deal!