R56 Oil Level and Dipstick
#77
Thanks
#80
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#82
JoanieB ... thanks for all the pictures of the OEM and the Craven stick. I changed my oil this past weekend and could see the level on the OEM stick with no problems. The oil was so clean though, I can understand how hard it is to read the level on the OEM stick. I am thinking of doing what was suggested earlier, a blade slice at the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 between the bumps on the OEM stick.
Great discussion and one reason I joined this forum, was to learn as much as possible about the Mini I bought.
Great discussion and one reason I joined this forum, was to learn as much as possible about the Mini I bought.
#83
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Diego County, California
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Great to hear that Craven knows what is wrong and is addressing it for those few dipsticks that don't fit!! But then, we know that they stand behind their product!
DrSimmons, you will still love the way the dipstick fits into the channel and is so good looking, but if it isn't enough of an advantage for you, you could easily sell it at a run or club event. For those with newer cars, it IS a huge improvement!
DrSimmons, you will still love the way the dipstick fits into the channel and is so good looking, but if it isn't enough of an advantage for you, you could easily sell it at a run or club event. For those with newer cars, it IS a huge improvement!
#84
Great to hear that Craven knows what is wrong and is addressing it for those few dipsticks that don't fit!! But then, we know that they stand behind their product!
DrSimmons, you will still love the way the dipstick fits into the channel and is so good looking, but if it isn't enough of an advantage for you, you could easily sell it at a run or club event. For those with newer cars, it IS a huge improvement!
DrSimmons, you will still love the way the dipstick fits into the channel and is so good looking, but if it isn't enough of an advantage for you, you could easily sell it at a run or club event. For those with newer cars, it IS a huge improvement!
I love this line!!!! LMAO for some reason. Must be tired.
I'm sure when I get it it'll be fine. I like the red end better than the yellow.
Besides, a spare probably isn't a bad thing.
#86
The funny part is you could be correct about the video. So far every thing about the R56's oil has been substandard or strange in some way. I think a PG13 movie showing how to do everything to do with oil on a Mini R56 is a great idea. The factory dipstick is ridiculous, The chain guide can grab the early spring dipstick, the location of the dipstick is not centered magnifying the need to park on level ground, the maintenance interval at 15,000 on a turbo direct injected motor is crazy, dealer's overfilling, the filter location is hidden, The requirement that the coolant bottler needs to be moved stressing the hoses to change the filter, the plastic filter cover and filter can stick resulting in the cover breaking, the oil pan has a sludge trap that you can't drain from the drain plug, and I still wonder what is so special about the Mini branded oi?
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#95
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Diego County, California
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The first hundred sold out in hours, I think. Then they did the few replacements. Now a new batch will come out May 31st? SUPER!! Just be patient.... the original waiting list before the first batch of Gen 2 sticks was made, was months long. :-) Worth it.
Glad to hear that the double powder coated sticks have been replaced! I'll buy from Craven again ANY TIME!
Glad to hear that the double powder coated sticks have been replaced! I'll buy from Craven again ANY TIME!
#96
#97
Can I ask another question regarding checking the oil level and oil changes? If not point me in the right direction. I was actually in the Dealer yesterday and had them check a few things. I have only owned the Mini for a month. We are from a long line of "motor heads" with muscle cars. We change our oil every 3 months or season- that is why I asked the dealer about the Mini. At the time I was informed I needed to check the oil level every month. I was never told that until yesterday. They told me only to have it replaced in a year or 10,000 miles. He said we still could change it every 3 months, but only using a Mini factory filter and then have the dealer change it every 10,000. What do most of you do? I am completely confused and now this thread leaves me puzzled regarding checking the oil level with the factory stick. HELP!
#98
Yep, that's what the factory recommends. The general consensus here has been to change it around 5k-7.5k. 7.5k was splitting the old factory recomendations of 15k intervals. I personally do 5k. It's good practice to be checking your oil every 2 weeks, or fill up, because these turbo engines tend to burn oil. Some do not burn oil, however, but it's a good habit to get into anyhow. If the oil gets low, it can lead to timing chain issues and a host of other things, so better to be safe than sorry. The stock dipstick sucks! Save yourself the headache and uncertainty and just order a CravenSpeed.
#99
+1 on what Muzak says.
I change mine at 6K intervals.
I think anything is better than the 10-15K Mini recommends.
The reason for more frequent changes is due to the amount of heat these turbo engines produce.
Checking every week or two is just good practice and really doesn't take that long.
I change mine at 6K intervals.
I think anything is better than the 10-15K Mini recommends.
The reason for more frequent changes is due to the amount of heat these turbo engines produce.
Checking every week or two is just good practice and really doesn't take that long.
#100
I think I have finally been successful in reading the stock dipstick. When I pull it out of the tube, instead of holding it up in front of me, I look straight down it, while holding it dangling towards the ground, and can see where the oil is. Problem is the oil level is consistently above the top notch. I had the oil changed at the dealer and I understand that some of them overfill to try and prevent low oil problems. I have checked it each time warm and will try and remember to check it cold in the am tomorrow. I do feel like this is an accomplishment though. Been struggling with this for a while now. Just hope the level is accurate.