I checked the oil in my '11 MCS the other day, coincidentally at almost exactly 5,000 miles since my last change. I use Castrol Edge 5W-30. I've burned about 1/2 a quart in those 5,000 miles. I figure roughly a quart every 10,000 isn't bad at all. How does your Mini compare?

 

2007 MCS- I use Mobil1 0w-40 and change every 5,000. I usually have to add a 1/2 quart between changes.

 

Zero burned so far. 5,000 mile changes, roughly.

 

'11 MCS 36k miles. I burn about 1/2 qt between my 5k oil changes using Mobil 1 0w40.

 

I check my oil weekly and add 1/2 quart 2 or 3 times between oil changes. This means I go through about 1 to 1-1/2 quarts every 5000 miles. I generally use Mobil 1 0w40.

It used to be worse. On my car if I keep it full to the top bulb on the dipstick, I would add oil nearly every week. Now, I fill it to midrange and only add when it gets to the lower bulb. Also, when I replaced the valve cover the oil usage seemed to drop (there was an 'improved' PCV system supposedly mid run on the N14). Just my experience.

Have fun,
Mike

 

I have a '13 MCS. Since I purchased new last January, believe it or not I haven't burned ANY oil at all. When it went in for service at 15K (third oil change) they've drained EXACTLY what they put in the previous oil changes. Hopefully this trend will continue.

 

neither my 2011 or 2013 use more than 1/8th of quart between the 7-8000 mile oil changes with MINI oil.

 

08 Justa no oil used in the 5,000 miles between changes.

 

2012 MCS which used a quart in the first 4000 but zero in the next 4k.

 

When I first got my current MINI It would use about 1qt in about 3k miles. I switched to 0W-40 Mobil1 it was reduced slightly. The last oil change I added an additive called Liqui Moly with the oil change, and so far I have had very little oil usage. I'm still considering replacing the valve cover as good measure as I have a '07 R56 and its still the original valve cover/PCV system, so it couldn't hurt.

 

I'm new to Mini. I have an 07 Justa. It's calling for 5w30. I see a lot of you are using 0w40. Is there a reason for this or does the S call for different grade oil?

 

MINI has a specific spec oil (OK, BMW spec) that most normal synthetic oils don't meet. The mobil 1 0w40 european formula meets the spec, and 5 quarts is about $25 at walmart. It is easy to find. There are other brands that meet the spec, but look at the back of the label for 'meets BMW spec xxxxx'. I don't remember what the spec # is.

Mike

 

So Mobil 1 5w30 doesn't meet the "BMW" specs?

 

i know this is an old thread, just thought i'd pop in. my 2010 MCS has just over 60K on it. im at about 4k for the oil and just put a quart in it. I only knew it was low when i took a hard left doin about 40 and the oil light came on mid turn and went off afterwards...

 

no oil consumption isn't possible, often water condensation(cold engine) and fuel will get in the oil.After a long fast highway drive the oil level will then lower when those products will evaporate.

 

I am at 71k miles and change my oil every 5k. I use 4 1/2 quarts during the oil change and use that left over 1/2 quart during the 5k miles between changes. It works out good. Before around 50k miles I never used any.

 

Now at 23k, and still not burning ANY oil. Keeping our fingers crossed!

 

My MINI uses 1/2 quart in 5000 miles. It used more during the first year, I attribute that to the break in period.

 

Correct, it does not. AFAIK 0w40 Euro is the only one.

I have been using the above oil since the first drain and do not burn any (that I have measured).

 

I'm a firm believer in break it in like you plan to run it. My 2013 with 13K uses no oil between 8K changes, maybe 1/8 qt. The wifes 2012 with 36K uses 1/4 qt.

I think MINI got the PCV system fixed with the N18. I just replaced my FMIC and there was NO oil residue inside the OEM IC

 

I have 23k miles on my 2013 MCS with no noticeable oil usage. Oil changes every 4k miles.

 

I can back this up. First engine was burning 1+ qt every 750-1000 mi, after I replaced the original valve cover with the updated one (2010+ should have it already), that consumption dropped in half. That engine also ate a valve or piston ring at 76k, I'm sure it was ruined by lazy previous owners.

Second engine is doing great, even with driving the **** out of it, zero consumption so far. Its got about 4k on it now, 3 oil changes, and I'll be doing it every 5k. I've used Mobil 1 0W40 for at least a year and a half now.

 

half court, usually between 5000 and 7000 miles. as soon as it drops, I do change next day off.

 

2011 R56S No oil usage between ≥5000 mile changes using MINI oil and filters -- approximately 35,000 miles on odometer now.

 

My 07 Justa owners manual says to use 5w30 and under the hood says 5w30 also. Did Mini change required oil weight since 07?