I just had my oil and filter changed by the dealer. I told the service manager I did not want the oil overfilled and asked them not to put more than 4.4 quarts in. When I read the level using each of the methods shown in the following link, the level was about the middle of the upper buldge. The tests performed by OceanMini2 in this link indicate that the correct upper level is slightly below the upper bulge. He gave the following information about the difficulty of getting all the oil out. Since my dealer added the correct amount oil and allowed plenty of time for the oil to drain out, I assume the difference in level is due to the amount of oil remaining in the oil pan after draining. I would like to know if this is the oil level reading others are getting after a dealer oil change.

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Getting all the old oil out
One more interesting challenge when changing oil on a Mini R56 is getting all the oil out. The pan plug is higher than the lowest point in the pan. Some people use a topside system that pumps the oil out the dipstick tube. Take a look at the picture below and you will see the plug boss that is taller than the lower points in the pan and the curved dipstick. I don't understand why any engineer would design an oil pan like that. As far as topside draining goes, you could pull the hose out too soon or not insert it far enough and miss some oil so be careful.




The oil drain plug is easy to get to but make sure you don't mistake it for the transmission plug. The crush washer is a special design so make sure you have a replacement before removing the drain plug.

 

I only had the dealer do the two free oil changes under warranty. If my memory serves me well, both times the oil level "touched" the second bulb on the dip stick.

I wouldn't call that overfilled by any means. That's where I run my oil fill... just touching the 2nd bulb. I find that transition between the coils and the bulb to be an easy place to read as opposed to where on the coils the oil has touched. Never had any problems.

 

It's not enough overfill to worry about, but it sure might be from some left in the pan.

 

My dealership has always overserviced the car. I suspect they do so deliberatly to lower the chances of low oil for those who don't check their oil frequently. I haven't seen any side effects yet - my car currently shows over the upper bulge and has since I got it back from the warranty oil change. My engine also doesn't seem to burn much oil - not enough to be noticed before I insist on changing the oil - 9000KM or so...
Hmmmm I'm due but... -8C this morning and unless I buy the oil tonight, the dealership parts and service counters are closed on weekends!!!
E

 

4.2 liters (4.4 quarts) is the amount of oil shown in the operating fluids technical bulletin for generation 2 MINI's. The technical bulletin doesn't specify whether that is the amount for a totally dry engine or the amount to add for a oil and filter change. My 2011 MC owners manual shows an earlier version of the dipstick and shows the correct level as being in the center of the upper bulge. I assume the spacing between the bulges is the same for my dipstick and the eariler dipsticks. If this is true, my oil is at the correct level with the 4.4 quarts added by the dealer.

Morris, 2011 MC, PW/B