Im obviously not the most knowledgeable on the topic, since i started the thread.. but it was my understanding that the computer adjusts to different driving styles, maybe thats what happened?

edit:
Didnt see tykoons post

And i know mine counts down and is displaying 6000 right now, maybe 3000miles ago yours said 18000?

 

Remember each Service Indicator is on a different schedule and the only way to tell what service is needed when is to go through the OBC, all of the information needed is in the "Service Info" portion of your OBC, the information stored in the OBC is Conditional Service Based, so there is really no guess work involved. Hope this helps!!

Ps. I'm kind of **** when it comes to Molly getting Serviced, she is at the Dealer every 6mo. for an Oil Change and for what ever other issues arise or any other Beautification she might need.

 

Interesting. I must have missed that part when my MA was telling me about that. Either that or he just didn't tell me that.

 

They probably didn't mention it. OBC will start a number of engine revolutions then take in account for start ups, time driven, style driven, and a few other things that escape me at the moment.
Soooo, if you start up and drive further on the highway vs. short drives with multiple start ups and say traffic and traffic lights, the mileage will differ. For the most part though it is just plain engine revolutions translated to miles, or one year. Yes it does a countdown on the display or gives a date depending on the service.
Clear as mud? I hope not, but sometimes we tend to make things complicated.

 

We don't drive any rig over 10,000 miles a year. I have no problemo with the yearly change recommended by MINI and the same OEM recommendation for our GMC diesel truck at one year. I have seen the truck oil life monitor range from 6 months and 6,000 miles and never over 10,000 miles. It holds 10 qrts!

To be cautious I would go 6 months or 5,000 miles whichever is first, but no less. Even that is throwing out good oil and filter.

 

1. you seem to be driving an MCS and I am driving a Justa automatic so, I imagine the turbo would be scheduled for a change more often.
2. My ususal round trip of 40 miles is about 1/2 expressway at 75MPH so the computer may think I don't need to change as often.

If I were going the full 18,000 miles before a change I think the only thing I would do diffferently is check my oil level more often. Otherwise, it probably will not make a huge difference with modern technolgy and lubricants.

 

Anyone got an oil analysis report with 18,000-20,000 or more on the oil ????

Love to see it........

 

I overlooked that there was no S next to your MC in your signature.

 

I agree 110%. Had Blackstone evaluate my oil @ 5k miles and they recommended increasing the interval to 6.5K miles. I don't know how you would triple that mileage and still be OK.

 

So does your local MINI dealer do the annual oil change at no cost? Or do you pay for it out of pocket? My car is low mileage as its only used in the summer, so I am barely at 4500 miles since I took delivery in May 2010. I guess I'll have to call the mini dealers around here and see if they will cover the 1 year mark oil change.

 

1 Year will be in July - But NAM peeps report that low mileage BS was just a blip - MINI dealers are covering the 1 year oil change again...

 

I am also driving a justa but it is a manual and mine also said 15k for the first oil change. I was probably going to change the oil myself at 3k, just in case there is any gunk in there from when it was built(I know, that is probably one of those internet "truths" but it is peace of mind lol) and then follow the regular schedule till it is out of warranty, then do it myself semi annually.

 

JUst called my dealer and they insist following the recommanded interval is OK but I just to not feel goood about that. So, since I do not drive in heavy traffic, just country road back and forth to work do you'all thing 5000 for first oil change and once a year afterwords be OK ?????

 

I drive everyday in traffic I follow the computer intervals maybe I'll do it alil sooner but I check my oil regularly and I've got 106k on my '05

 

Possibly - How many miles do you drive a year?

I am changing ours every 6 months because it is mostly a short trip grocery getter. We do 10,000 miles a year.