I'm hoping someone can help me out. For a Mother's Day gift to myself "Yes, I'm the Mom", wanted to change the oil in my new MCS 2012. I used to have a MCS 2007 and purchased oil filters for it back in 2010. Ended up getting rid of the '07 and could not live with out a MINI, so I got the '12. Of course, I used the oil filter that I had purchased for the '07 today thinking the engine is the same and it shouldn't be a problem... I noticed when I exchanged the filters the model #'s were slightly different. On top of the '07 filter the model # says L358 and the oil filter I took out of the '12 was L358A. When I looked up the oil filter for the 2012 the part # is 11.42.7.622.446 and the part # of the oil filter I got for my '07 is 11.42.7.557.012. The question is...is it okay? Or, should I get the 11.42.7.622.446 oil filter?

Don't know for sure but I do know the 07 is an N14 engine and the 12 is a N18 engine. If the part #'s are different I think I'd change it to the correct one. We all know, oil is something you don't want to screw up in your Mini.
You could call a dealership and ask them.

Thank you drsimmoms! I guess that's what I was thinking...but hoping it was okay. It's better to be safe. Thank you!

Another question..I wanted to ask on this thread.

I know the oil types the manual recommends but its plastered all over the engine to use Castrol 5W-30, but majority of owners on NAM recommend Castrol 0W-30 Edge SVT European Formula. Why is that? Does anyone know the oil type that ships from production? Does anyone know the oil type of the MINI oil that is sold at the dealer and is it the same oil they use in their service dept? Thanks for your help.

I believe the Edge SVT is a LL-01 (long life full synthetic) which is recommended by Mini. The Mini brand is Castrol 5/30w full syn LL-01 also.
I can't find the SVT down here so I use Mobil 1 0/40W european formula which is also a LL-01 rating. The LL-01 means long life because Mini uses 15K oil change intervals however, I believe they have changed that to something else.
I use 6K mile oil change intervals which I think is better and seems like many Mini owners follow a 5-7500 mile interval.
The Mini brand is probably about the same cost as the others and if you have a dealership close by you can use that. If not, one of the other mentioned is fine.
Just have to be sure it's LL-01 rated and full synthetic.
Hope this helps.
Also, be sure to check oil at least once weekly.

Thanks a bunch for the info drsimmons! Very helpful.

I think it is worse than "could not/ would not". I had my oil changed at a MINI dealer here. After a week when I filled up my car I checked the oil. The car was hot and I waited a few minutes. When I checked it the level was a little over a half inch above the the top bulge. So I called the dealer asap and I was told that was ok by the service tech on the phone.

I told them I wanted the oil level correct and they said I could come in and they would remove any excess. They looked at it and adjusted the level. I drove home and checked it. The level was between the two bulges. I have checked it every week since and it has stayed there. I guess that works. I'm afraid to touch it.

So, I worry if they know how much oil to put in.

Make sure that when you check your dipstick you are on level ground because of where the dipstick goes into the engine. It is offset to the side and not toward the middle of the engine like most cars.

Not sure about the level ground part. I don't have a way to check that.

This has been my experience, too.... two different dealerships overfilled by about half a quart. Next time (which is my FREE one, finally!) I will check it before I drive off. LOL! We set up a cheap hand pump and tube to pull some out last time, but we shouldn't have to. If they are measuring out oil, why do they waste half a quart on each car? I take mine in and pay the dealership, waiting for their internet special usually, and not only do they check the other fluids, last time they rotated my tires for free, AND it is all on the record (and on the CarFax reports, is that right?) PLUS they have good coffee, and I get to hang out and oogle the MINIs for sale. So I usually end up paying $70 or so each time, but it is a small price to pay because I think that Winnie the MINI can go to 200,000 miles and I'm out to prove it!!
Whether it is 4500-5000, or 7500, just don't go for 15,000 miles and DON'T let it get low! Somewhat dirty oil is better than no oil at all!

Get a small bubble level and place it on the rain tray gasket (center).

OceanMini2 has a good idea but I didn't mean it had to be that precise.
Just don't want the car facing downward or upward or leaning heavily to one side or the other. Eye balling is fine.