When its a known fact that 90% of all engine wear is attributed to start up when engine is cold, I fail to see the reason why anyone especially with a brand new engine, would opt for a thicker viscosity.....regardless of your primary geographical driving location.

 

Sorry, I was looking at the amsoil site, and I thought they were
referencing MINI's recommendations about the viscosities.
http://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-an...rbo/us-volume/

 

+1 on the Mobil 1 0w40 Euro Formula at 5k intervals. $22/5qt. at Walmart!

 

I knew there would be an oil thread.....

So, the spec is 4.5 liters, or 4.75 qts ( I believe). Do you guys just put in 5 qts or should I be more accurate? I guess 1/4 quart is quite a bit really.

BTW.....I've used T6 rotella in my Goldwing for 10+ years. It's always seemed to work well. But it's apples n oranges to the Mini and the turbo I know. It was always pretty dark looking at the 5K change interval....which don't don't tell the whole story really IMO. But I don't know about it for the S?

 

I've used Mini Oil in both of Mini's since day one. The 2009 is an N14, R56S, and the 2013 is an N18 R56JCW. Oil gets changes at ~5K mile frequency. I use the OEM filters. Total mileage for the three Mini's I've owned is ~ 300K. ( First Mini was totaled with 80 K on the odometer. The '09 has 145K, and the JCW has about 70K.)
I generally put in just over 4 1/2 quarts and start the engine up. I'll let it idle while I do other stuff until it comes up to temp. Shut it down, let it cool off and check the oil level, and fill as necessary.
Mini/BMW used to state to check the engine oil level 5 minutes after shutdown, which is a little odd to me. If they can come up with an acceptable level after 5 minutes, it isn't difficult to come up with the level when the engine is cold. I check mine cold.
BMW/Mini used to spec 5w-30, but now it's 0w-30.

There are a lot of oil threads.

 

I'm a fan of the 5k oil change as well (because MINI's/Euro cars are temperamental). I use Amsoil Euro 5w30, but really any full synthetic at any of the recommended weights in your owners manual will be fine taking into account the temp/time of year you'll be heading in too.

 

Yes, I'm also a fan of the cold oil level check. There's never going to be more in it than at that time seems to me! I giggle at all these mysterious spins mfgr's put on a basic process that's been going on since the Model A. It's either full or it ain't....flame suit on now!

I will for sure use the 5K increment and probably 5-30...but likely not Mini or Castrol. Probably Mobil or Liqui Lube or whatever that is. Amsoil is also a candidate. I do appreciate a good "steady as she goes" approach and it's tried and trued results as mentioned. I do things the same way once established with all my vehicles. Another reason the Rotella will probably get a try at some point as it's served me well in the past and it rated for turbos.

 

I get mine changed at the dealer, they put 5 qts in there. Hasn't been a problem..

 

Capacity is 4.4 qts. though I don't see filling .6 over being an issue, I stick to what I know. If capacity is 4.4, I put in 4.4.

 

Also, I think it could be that the dealers started pouring in 5qts due to these cars using a little oil between changes.

 

Did you actually see them pour 5 quarts into the filler neck of the valve cover, OR did you get BILLED for 5.

Many shops lack the ability to bill out .6 qts quantities therefore "round up" that figure.

 

If you purchased a Craven Speed dip stick, you could read your oil level at any temp.....worth the $80 dollars IMO, and if you sell or trade your MINI, put the factory one back in and sell it in the marketplace. Bet you'd end up getting 60 dollars for used one shipped.

 

Should NEVER overfill the crankcase of any engine, including a lawn mower....read the OM's !

 

Ummhmm......they sure do!

 

What ?

Bill out or pour in ?

 

Oh, sorry, bill out i meant, for sure. I'm sure they don't overfill it....well maybe some techs do, but I'll not do that to any of my vehicles. And to not mislead.....I am not a real mechanic....only in my basement! Where I'm an excellent hack!

 

Zactly.

 

Anyone here actually validated the anecdotal observations with scientific measurements such as used oil analysis?

Do the aforementioned oils mentioned meet the API SM, ACEA A3/B4, BMW LL-01 specifications?

 

Redline, most Liqui Moly oils, Amsoil European Car Formula, Castrol Edge, to name a few.