My dealer has an oil change "sale" going on now; $49.95, regularly $118.00. Their shop rates are $116.00/hour which probably explains why the prices are so high. You're not getting the most experienced mechanic performing that work either.

 

Well, I just took mine in for the oil change today. I brought them a coupon from another local mini dealer, which was for 79.00 and they would not accept it. They charged me 124.00 including tax. What can you do.

 

My BMW mechanic charges me 90-100.

 

Hahaha

Not sure if anybody else appreciated it... But I thought it was funny

 

Since you haven't posted your location...........I find it hard to believe that you can't find a local independent garage who will do a simple oil and filter change for you. I live in Sarasota, FL and there are many local independent guys who do oil changes on any car you bring in. I pay about $85 for an oil & filter change and they check all the other fluids too. I'd suggest you call around your area to see if you can find someone to do it. It is not a difficult job. If I was a younger man I'd be doing my oil and filter changes myself. Good luck.

 

There's a website called German Filters and you can get Mini filters in bulk for about $8 each.

 

Considering it's a $30,000 car, thats a good price. But still very easy to do yourself. I would never take one of my cars to a "Quick Lube" place again. Too risky ever since they forgot to put a filter on one of my cars years ago.

 

I have done many oil changes on many different types of cars. I did my first oil change today at 700 miles. This oil change can be done with your eyes closed and ZERO spilt oil. Remove one 8mm bolt (10mm head), dis-engage small plastic retaining clip on hose, pull up and away from small tabs that holds the tank in place. Take 27mm socket and place on cannister. Crack cannister, remove filler cap, remove drain plug. It's all of maybe 5 minutes taking your time. Let oil drain for 30 minutes or so, put filler plug back in with new crush washer, remove old filter from cannister and remove old o-ring, lube new o-ring, put new filter in cannister and put new cannister on. fill with 4.5 qts of oil or whatever you feel is needed.

Granted I have a lift but my car is low. A standard ride height cooper doesn't even need to be jacked up I don't believe. Very, very easy and with all OEM parts (including oil) it was only $38 out of the door. Cake.

 

And now you have to get rid of the oil and not just toss it in the garbage. It needs to go to a recycling center. That was the part that I did not like when I used to change the oil on my cars myself.

 

My Mini dealer charges about $110 for an oil change.

 

I just had mine changed last week and it was $93. All things considered that's not bad.

 

The transfer station/dump is 2 miles from my house. There are plenty of recycle centers around. Some people will even BUY the used oil to burn in their furnace! My father, who happens to live one street over, has a guy stop buy ever 3 months or so looking for the used oil.

Does NY not have recycling centers?