Which oil and filter should I buy for my 1200 mile oil change for my new 2009 Mini Cooper.

Thank you in advance!

 

I recently changed my oil at around 1400 miles, i used the filter from the dealer and brought the Mobil 1 0w-40 oil from autozone. I know I could use 5w or 10w-30, but since Mini recommand Mobil 1 0w-40 (and 3 other brand), I don't want to use other than suggested by MINI just in case something goes wrong and got blame for it.

 

Your Dealer Parts Counter just needs to know your auto year and model (the type of filter changed w/2007+ year, Prince Engines).

P/N on box is 11 42 7 557 012 and includes a new Copper 'crush' Washer for the pan drain plug along with a new 'O' Ring for filter canister.

On the filter is marked "PURFLUX L358" and >PA6.6 GF30< and a date code.

Orlando MINI just charged me $6.25 Quart for the oil (reasonable) and $19.63 for the Filter Kit, order several filter kits online and should cut that in half. Oil is a problem for shipment and would cost extra as "hazardous cargo".

 

The filter from your MINI dealer is (at most dealers) reasonably priced and comes with a copper crush washer for the oil drain plug. Third party filters don't always include the crush washer. It should be changed every time you change the oil to prevent leaking at the drain plug. If your MINI dealer charges too much for it, you can get it from www.minicarparts.net for $10
Or, www.germanfilters.com for $8.
Make sure they include the crush washer. They have the right part number for the filter, but it doesn't say anything about the crush washer.

For oil, it is best to stick with an oil that is rated ACEA A3. The MINI or BMW branded 5W-30 is specially blended for BMW by Castrol and meets the A3 spec. I found it to be the most economical at $5.40 per qt. at MINI of Mountain View. Prices may vary with different dealers. Otherwise, it is difficult to find a 5W-30 oil in the USA that meets ACEA A3. You would have to go with a 0W-40 oil, such as Sigo used.

 

FYI, I just bought 3 OEM r56 filters from morristownmini for $25 which is a pretty good price.

 

What do they charge for shipping?

The $20 I paid was too much, but I rationalized it on shipping cost (I only wanted one filter).

Some of my flights put me close to Orlando MINI (used to be 2 miles when they were downtown and now 12 miles at new location), and I use a crew car for the visit.

For my 'Break-in' change (at 1250 miles) I had no option for a 'Free' service from MINI, now, one year later at total of 4200 miles, I could drive five hours (round trip), but decided it was better to just DIY again.

MINI USA has announced opening of a local MINI Dealer for me, so I plan to use them in 2010.

 

They charged me $7.50 for shipping to CA so it works out to under $11 for each filter.

 

You might want to talk to them about this. The annual oil change may be necessary for the warranty, and they may not accept a DIY.

Lucky! (How come there is no emoticon for extremely jealous?)