Hi there! Hoping to become a first-time Mini owner soon. We're looking for an R56 S model.

I've found a great candidate at the local dealer. It is a one-owner with 35k miles. Prior to purchase, I will require a PPI done by my trusted Porsche/Mini indie mechanic.

My question for you folks is this. The prior owner had the oil changed at Mini at the following intervals:
- 9k
- 18k
- 27k
- 35k

That's not as often as I'd like. I'd much rather see every 5k or 7k, but I'm probably asking too much of an average owner.

What do you think? Would you buy a R56 S whose oil was changed at a 9k frequency?

I'm particularly concerned about potential timing chain issues.

This car is certified used and will therefore be under warranty for another 1-2 years, which is comforting.

Thanks!

 

Personally, I would have no problems with that, especially if the majority were highway miles. We bought our one-owner 32k 2010 MCS with a similar service history.

I would be more concerned with how often the oil level was checked between changes.

 

Thanks SuperD. But the car is at the dealer and I can't speak to the prior owner. I have to presume that he or she *didn't* check the oil in between changes -- is that a problem? thanks!

 

My interval is every 3k or one month mark.
What year is the MCS? I personally sought after model year 2011 and up. Supposedly less issues and less carbon build up problems. The timing chain tensioner problem scared me away from the 07-10's.

As far as oil level problems? I've read on several threads about dealers overfilling. It's just as bad as going under. Depending on what kind of oil brand/weight and driving habits, the level will drop.

 

Some guys on here say that their cars use oil, and some say they use none at all. Ours uses enough that even though we only drive it about 6k a year, it would be down at the low mark by the time a year passed if I did not keep an eye on it.

If it is CPO and you are buying it from a dealer, if I were you, I would have no concerns. Check to see if it has extended maintenance on it, also.

 

Patrick

Certified used is a good sign. It would also help to know the model and year. This way folks with the same vehicle can provide more insight.
I've owned three Mini's. A 2007 MCS, 2009MCSm and a 2013 JCW. All R56 models.( I still have the 2009 and the 2013.)
When I bought my first Mini, BMW spec'd condition based oil changes, or 15,000 miles. This was still the spec in 2011 When I bought my 2009 used.
BMW has since backed away from condition based oil changes and then recommended changes every 10,000 miles. This is across their fleet of models.
If a non-turbo car is every 10,000 miles, a turbo will need to be sooner. Turbo's have an accelerated impact on useful oil life.
I personally wouldn't let the car go 9K-10K between oil changes. The oil in my Mini's is changed about every 5000 miles.
Did it damage it by having a 9K oil change interval? Doubtful. The only interval I find questionable is the first interval. There should have been an oil change at approximately 2500-3500 miles.
If you like the car, and since it has a warranty, I say go for it, but change the oil/filter a little more frequently for the long term.

The timing chain issues with the car can be grouped somewhat into model years, and the OEM timing chain, tensioner and guides that were installed. Engines were also changed from the N14 to the N18 engine design, but I don't know exactly the model years associated with this change. I think 2011 was the starting point. This can have an impact on the reliability of the timing chain, tensioner and guide, based on design and OEM spec changes with the different engines.
My 2009 is an N14 and my 2013 is an N18. Both still have their original timing chain, and guide. The 2009 had a new design tensioner installed under warranty.

I like the cars a lot. I'm still sad that my 2007 MCS was totaled, to this day, by an idiot!( It was a beautiful, Sparkling Silver, fully loaded,R56 MCS.)

 

Do yourself/car a favor and change at 5k.

 

The previous intervals are fine. Nothing crazy. And who knows if the person did it themselves inbetween, it wouldn't show up on the record. Doesn't MINI still recommend 12-15k mile intervals? In the future I would do 5-7k if you buy it.

 

Don't get myopic about the oil. There's other things in there that need scheduled service. Brake, steering, gearbox fluids. Tires need rotated about every 5K. Outside scenery needs changed regularly too, especially with crooked roads less traveled.

 

I would change your oil every 5,000 miles, by then the oil is black. Cheap insurance. Also don't forget to add oil every 1000 miles if you want it to last as these motors burn oil.

 

I do mine every 7,500, but mine uses so much oil that it's practically continuous fresh oil.

 

I use full synthetic every 3 to 5k. it is not worth cooking the oil or go too low because im waiting on a preset interval and then be surprised that my engine locked on the highway!!!
in other words, regardless of the interval, CHECK CHECK CHECK the oil at least once a month and top it up if gets low.

 

Every 3500 liqui molly.full synthetic.

 

I read on their website that their oil is mineral oil based. Is that on par with other synthetics such as Mobil 1?

 

I have been changing my oil in my 13'R56 every 5000 miles since a got it with 32000 miles, on 2nd change now and the oil looks like new when changed, I am questioning the 5000 mile change interval, the car is run at 80 mph on highway about 500 miles a week 1 hr at a time, don't use a drop of oil.........thinking of going to 7500 mile change interval, what you think?

 

1) While there have been improvements in oil durability, those same improvements are NOT applied to the OIL FILTERS in general. Especially aftermarket filters. In most cases, sludge begins to build up in the oil filter at 8-9K miles....That said, until they begin manufacturing a "Magic oil filter" guaranteed to last 10K miles while maintaining the same flow rate and filtering qualities as new, stick with changes at 7K miles as your max.

2) 10K mile oil changes is what MINI is willing to "pay for" when purchasing the car new, not what's recommended.

3) Especially in the R56's where the oil pan only holds just over 4 qts, ( One quart less than my R53) and where cooling of the timing chain by the oil is CRITICAL to prevention of chain stretch and subsequent timing chain issues, stick with changes at 7K miles as your max.

4) In the R56's where free passageways of: oil feed line, micro screens for solenoid valves for timing, and hydraulic belt tensioner are necessary, stick with changes at 7K miles as your max.