It depends on the brand. MINI recommends 5W30 with their own brand of oil, but recommends 0W40 for Mobil 1 brand oil.

 

Bought our 2011 Clubman Justa N16 engine at 26K miles have 35102K on it now. Dealer did oil change at 32337 so I am about 1/2 way between 5K oil change interval I will use. Checked oil this morning down about 1/4" from top bulb. Going to pick up some oil and Coolant at dealer tomorrow and top it off. Still learning about this car and what it needs and when. The programed service interval that shows up on the dash is a little confusing and I missed the oil service by a few thousand it looks like so I will do my own at 5000 mile and let Mini do their thing when the computer says. We have the extended service contract and CPO Warranty. I check the oil every week first thing in the morning after it has sat all night, that way every thing has a chance to drain down. Was an Auto Tech for the CHP and we change oil every 5K trans at 15K Brakes when ever. I believe changing oil is the best insurance. Having it analyzed is good also we used to open filter and check for metal and other goodies. Did the same with our race car also ran 50W oil and changed it every 4 night and opened the filter each time.

Tom

Tom