I'm with Robin. I changed my oil at around 800 miles, as an engine experiences the most wear upon break-in, and I didn't want all that metal floating around in my engine for the next year. I'll probably change my oil every 7500 miles or so. 15K, particularly on the first change, is too long, I think. Especially the way I drive.

 

I believe synthetic is required for both the MC and the MCS to keep the warranty intact. I would never use dino oil on a MINI.

Would you trust the marketing department and accountants. It may not have been the engineers who made the decision on oil intervals. There are very strong market forces pushing towards long intervals. It also costs MINI less money in the free service period to extend the interval as long as possible. At best, the decision was a compromise between marketing forces, costs, and engineering considerations.

Entirely different engine. Apples and oranges.

And totally irrelevant.

True. Changing the oil too often is a waste and an environmental problem.

Not changing the oil often enough is also a waste and an environmental problem. Not changing the oil often enough causes unnecessary wear in the engine. This shortens its life. Building a car puts tremendous stress on the envirnoment from mining and refining of steel aluminum, and other metals. Then there are the plastics and other materials. A lot of energy is also consumed in recycling, and building.

The best solution is to find the optimum interval. The best way to do that is to have the oil analyzed.

 

Did my first DIY oil change at 17K with 6K on the oil. Blackstone said the elevated levels of copper and silicon indicated an engine that was still breaking in (!). They said a shorter change interval would speed things up, but that my current 6K interval was no problem. This sort of falls in line with a paper I read a couple years ago in R & T. The new synthetic oils are quite capable of 15K, but the filters are not. 7.5K is about it before the filter goes to bypass mode. Doing a test for Blackstone on the current oil as I installed a Dimple Super Magnet sump plug. They and I are curious to see the effect on iron content on next change. First analysis showed 48 with normal being 34. Will let you know, if I remember.

 

I did a post break in change at 2k miles. Then i did one at about 9500. The next one the dealer will do in May/20k miles. After that i will do a mid year (!0k) and let the dealer do the yearly at 20k intervals.

 

Thank you all, was very helpful! Getting the oil changed next week - too cold outside for car work now unless you have no choice!

 

Too bad about global warming!

 

Global warming is said to be causing colder temps in parts of North America.

 

 

Keep the politics out of NAM!

 

Thank you Dwight.

 

KevinC,

The reference is from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute -- science, not politics.

 

If you change your own oil BEFORE the recommended mileage,does it void the 3 year warranty..???

 

Don't get me started.

 

Had my oil and filter changed yesterday at 7,800 miles. I just can't see going 15-20k on a oil change. The shop used a MINI/BMW approved synthetic oil, Pentosin 5w-40. The oil coming out was black, filter looked okay.

 

This may be a dumb question, but do you guys change the filter too when you change the oil? Do you do the in between oil changes yourself or do you take it somewhere? Thanks....

 

Yes, the filter gets changed too. You can take it someplace to have it changed, but it's not that hard to change it yourself. Depends whether you're comfortable doing it, or feeling adventurous enough to learn. Here's a thread that has a pretty good explanation (with pictures) of what's involved

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...with-pics.html

Basically, you

1) get a catch-basin for the oil and put it under the drain plug (bottom of the oil pan)
2) remove the drain plug (T50 socket or wrench) and let the oil drain into the basin
3) loosen (but don't remove yet) the oil filter cover (27mm socket)
4) let the oil drain out for 20 minutes or so
5) remove the filter cover (the filter comes out with it)
6) remove the filter cover gasket and replace the filter
7) torque down the filter cover to factory spec (18.5 lb/ft)
8) get the copper ring that was included in your filter packaging, fish out the drain plug, remove the old ring (it should be flat, like a washer) and replace it with the new one.
9) torque down the drain plug to factory spec (22 lb/ft)
10) fill the engine with fresh oil, about 5.5 quarts
11) wait a few minutes, then check to make sure nothing is dripping/leaking
12) start the car for 30 sec or so, then shut off and make sure nothing's leaking
13) drive around the block, then make sure nothing's leaking
14) crack a frosty beverage of your choice (but make sure you wait until you're completely done, or things could get real ugly)

 

It also helps to remove the fill cap before you start draining your oil. That way the air can displace where the oil was. That will enable the oil to drain smoothly so it doesnt splash out, preventing a mess.

 

Ah, better make that 4.5Qts on the re-fill. Also, get the engine fully warmed up before starting the change and then let cool down till it don't burn ya. You might look into a Dimple Super Magnet drain plug while you're at it. If you plan to continue DIY oil changes, get a couple ramps (~$35 @ Kragen). You'll get better drainage of the old stuff that way.

 

Thank you!!! My boyfriend is good with cars and said he'd be willing to do the in between oil changes. Thanks for the link & info!

 

Good point...forgot that

 

'Nother good point. I actually do my changes fully warmed up. Oil drain better that way. Just use a ratchet with a long enouhg handle you don't come near the oil.

 

The recommendation I've heard is to drive the car for five minutes to warm and stir up the oil before a change.

Before you remove the drain plug, open the oil filler cap to allow air into the system.

Rubber gloves are highly recommended when removing the drain plug. Heavy Bluettes help insulate your hands from the hot oil.

Some MINIs will take an 8mm Allen wrench for the drain plug.

3) On the MCS you need to move the coolant overflow tank. It has an 8mm hex screw then unhooks. Don't disconnect the tubes, just move it out of the way.

I think you mean 4.5 quarts. Although, some dealers fill it with 5 quarts, which puts the level about 1/4" (or more) above the to line on the dipstick.

Replacing the filter is important. The filter probably gives out before the oil does.

 

I changed my oil yesterday and put the o-ring in wrong place on canster and it made a mess . Just re-placed it and it was very easy job to do ! I did buy some rhino ramps from local auto store which lifted the cooper just the right height to change the oil . Now im set for oil changes for the life of my cooper = just buy filters on line and oil at local auto store ! Easy job if i can do it !

El Tiger

 

Got an '09 MCS and talked to the dealer service dept to see when I should come in for my first oil change, he said when the light comes on, which can be between 12 and 15,000 miles! Skeptical, I ranted about it and he said if I feel more comfortable I can change it earlier...anyway, I had 6000 miles on it and decided to do my "break in" oil change now, well,the oil was black and the filter was black! So I'm just posting that I highly recommend at least the first oil change should be done sooner than they say...I used Castrol Edge (get the 5 gal bottle its cheaper) and put in 4.4 quarts...
Feeling better now...happy revving

 

I would suggest changing your oil every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil (or 1 year, whichever comes sooner). Waiting 12,000 to 15,000 miles may do more damage to the engine/ build up sludge in the engine. For the first oil change some mini owners have done the first oil change at 3,000 miles, then between 5,000 and 7,500 miles for regular oil changes.
Good Luck with your 09 and have fun.