If we want to err on the side of caution, that is better than going too far the other way. Especially those if us who plan to keep our cars for a long time. Which would you rather buy- a MINI that went 10 15k between oil changes and filled with cheaper oil, or one that had synthetic at 5 to 7.5 K as part of a comprehensive maintenance program? Given the choice, most people would prefer to buy from the obsessive and cautious owner. Especially as the engine gets older and begins to burn oil.

 

Wondering if anyone has seen anything 'official' stating "oil change every 10,000 miles/12 months"? The window sticker could imply a one time deal. Also, some dealerships are only honoring the 15,000 miles. MotoringFile has reported wrong gouge before (ie: MINI JCW Clubman to get JCW Aerokit as Standard)...don't get me started on that.

 

My 2013 is set for every 9K or 1 year. I was told my by buddy who works as a tech at the dealer that they code every car that comes in for 9K.

 

my 08 is set for 12k i usually prefer every 5k so i just split the difference every 6k ill do an oil change myself in my garage

 

It's so easy to change the oil on these engines with the filter reachable from on top, why not do it more often than 8/10/15k miles? I suck mine out the dipstick tube, change filter and refill in my parking space. Jack the car up to rotate the tires while waiting for it to cool down before starting the change.

Now auto tranny oil, boy that's another story altogether.

 

Makes me feel better about my 6 Month or 6k Mile rule (avg yearly miles is approx 12k)

 

Right... for $30 ($25 0W40 @ WalMart and $5 Wix filter locally) it is cheap insurance to change it at that interval. Plus it is peace of mind. I bought my car used and the PO did his first oil change @ 20K miles and I shudder at that thought but that is what MINI told him to do.

 

I change mine every 4500 miles...

 

I usually "splurge" and get the OEM mini stuff. My dealer sells it for a reasonable price (i think i paid $45 for 6 Qts and then about $8 for the filter. Gives me something to do on a saturday in the garage :-)

 

I was splitting the oil service on our '12 S.Was having the dealer do them.

Well I took the Mini in for the 30K service expecting an oil change only to find out a tech reset the minder last time (23K) so no oil change was performed.

I ended up changing it myself for the first time.That oil filter is a little hard to get to!