Sorry, but I ain't buying any SA "info". If low oil level was causing the cold start rattle, then why did BMW make a kit to correct the problem? If too much oil is "no problem", then why bother with a high mark on the dip stick? Oiling down the entire intake from turbo to combustion chamber and carbon build up the rest of the way is no problem? Probably not until out of warranty. SA's from 2 other dealers said the proper oil quantity was in the owners manual. Not in mine! Another said normal coolant temp was 160-180F. HA! Should have heard an alarm bell when I got my MCS (2/08). The SA AND shop foreman didn't know the engine was all aluminum. This isn't just me, I'm seeing the same thing on several other MINI Forums. What gives?

 

I agree with you about the unreliability of info from SA's. MINI doesn't seem to be very good at training personnel. My MA complained that although he had requested certain info from MINI on the R56 when it came out, he got very little from them. Had to learn about the NAV while he delivered cars to new owners.

Anyway, my post was speculation, and sharing what info I'd been given. To me, the important point is that this seems to be a consistent practice with many, if not all, dealers. They are using machines that can dispense an exact amount, so the over-fill has to be intentional.

There is some speculation that "...air is getting into the oil circuit operating the hydraulic lifter system..." This is from a different source than my SA who said something similar when asking about oil level. I've also heard that the problem has returned after a "fix" was done.

I would assume that the policy change was made after the dipsticks were manufactured.

How could one check for this?

 

Disconnect the turbo hot down tube and stick a clean rag/finger inside. Do same on intercooler cold uptake. Hope it doesn't come out oily. I lowered my level to top mark about 4K ago. I can still feel a little slipperiness, but nothing like before.

 

ZORANB-
Sorry, I had you disconnecting the wrong tube. No pictures, but the INLET tube is the large rubber tube leading from the air box to the turbo. The smaller tube connecting to it is the PCV outlet tube. Guess I get a head slap for posting so late at nite.
DW

 

While at a MINI Dealer to purchase my oil/filter, there was a Tech doing an oil change and he had five quarts on his bench.

Waiting to see if he would over fill, I was pleased to see him hold up the fifth quart and ask who had a 'half' which he swapped for and properly topped the one he was filling.

They have changed the dipsticks for the late '08's and 09's from the all stainless version in the '07's and most '08's to the one with the plastic tip.

After 3150 miles since my 'post break-in' oil change, the level is down ¼ Quart and more importantly, no 'gasoline' odor.

Now with the color of maple syrup, the level is easy to see on my all steel dipstick.

 

"ZORANB"?

Fortunately, I haven't done anything before reading this. Just checked it. Pretty dry inside.

Interesting that they are using bottles, instead of a dispensing machine.

I recall the oil level dropping in the fist 5K miles on my MCS. However, last oil change (regular service at dealer) was around 8K miles. Now, at about 11K miles, the level is still a good 1/2" above the top mark on the old-style dipstick.

 

few! a good thing i was away on vacation and didnt see your post! still i dont really understand what you describe so can someone send in a pic?

 

 

Is this right?

Loosen hose clamp at red arrow (below) and slide tube off. Feel inside rubber tube for oil.

 

ok, thanx, tell me again what is that tube for?

 

Great Picture! Now I know where a lot of stuff is that I couldn't see before. However, I don't see a red arrow anywhere.

WTF, all of a sudden the arrow showed up and the screen went back to normal size. Is there something wrong with the site server?

 

There should be an image in my previous post. If you can't see it, try reloading the page.

 

DIY, it's easy, inexpensive and you'll be sure it's done right

 

Just had the first big service done at around 19,200 miles at Mini of Birmingham. Had a "courtesy change" back in January at 12k miles at Mini of Nashville, and I don't recall the level being high on the dipstick. However, when I got home from this change, it was better than a half inch high on the dipstick. Pulled out over 1/2 quart to bring it back to just barely above the top marker on the stick. I will say that Mini of Birmingham was terrific to deal with, but I don't understand the oil being overfilled like that.

 

Most, if not all, dealers seem to be doing this now. I left mine high after learning that it was done by an oil dispensing machine and the Service Manager said it was fine. I have a suspicion that this over-filling is intentional and MINI has directed it. From the way it was described to me, it couldn't be so consistent from dealer to dealer, and be accidental. If they were just using bottles, I could see how it would be quicker to just dump five bottles in. MINI of Mountain View is using a machine that can be set to deliver any specific amount. Why set it for 5 qts when they could set it for 4.5?

Think of how many oil changes MINI pays for during the free service period in the USA. Multiply that by what they pay for half a qt. of synthetic oil. Why throw that money away, especially if over-filling was likely to cause problems.

 

Like I said, "I don't understand the oil being overfilled...". If there is a reason, then MINI had better start advising people of it. If not, they are setting themselves up for a big class action suit down the road if people start having oil-related engine failures due to them not advising people that the car is running a half-quart low. And, I'm sad to say it, but I'm not likely to trust a Service Adviser just because they say it's okay. They should give me some rationale instead of something that sounds like a brush-off.