Hi all,

Our coupe now has around 11000km on it, and the complementary service from Mini only covers the 25000km oil change. We are going to bring it to an oil change now because 25k seems a bit too much.

Which oil do you guys use? I read something about the oil has to meet the specs of BMW LL01. I looked through the manual, unless I am blind, I don't see a recommended oil type.

Thanks!
Chris

 

I was told Castrol synthetic by my dealer.

 

You just opened a big can of worms. I use only mobile 1.

 

Oppppppps, sorry! lol

I found this huge thread at the R56 forum, and I am just..confused: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-r56-mcs.html


Appearently Mini uses Castrol 5W30, but it's one specifically made for Mini/BMW since the ones off the shelf doesn't meet LL01 standard but the Mini one does?

 

There is an European formula Castrol 0W40 that is pretty popular. We use the regular mini synthetic fluid from the dealer. We change it about every 7k miles and the used oil analysis we've done for all the changes suggest there are no issues with the Mini brand oil. It's comparably priced to off the shelf synthetic from an auto parts store. At least at our dealer.

 

Mobil 1 0W40 (European car formula) has all the right specifications and is a good weight for a MINI.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/..._1_0W-40.aspx#
The other Mobil 1 oils don't.

 

Pennzoil ultra 5w-40 euro formula !

 

Oil is oil just use synthetic.

 

Second that
This question always seems to spark arguments.

 

And so it will begin.

 

I use MINI brand oil purchased at the MINI dealer. With a 10% discount, due to my membership in the local MINI club, the factory oil costs about the same as any other synthetic from the auto parts store. I got the MINI brand filters from Outmotoring.

You know that you can get your oil changes annually at your MINI dealer regardless of the mileage under the three year free service program. So you can get your oil changed before the recommended oil change interval once a year.

Dave

 

You are supposed to use Castrol Syntec 0W-30, European Formula. I found it at Pep Boys

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...6/DSC02898.jpg

 

I have had 5 MINI's, always used Amsoil Signature 0-w30 and change it every 6-8000 miles. I have had it tested and it always comes out to be very stabile at that mileage. Our 05 R53 has 111,000 on the odometer and has had this oil it's entire life without any issues. I will also say, when it is very cold out, the car starts much nicer with this oil Vs the dealer standard Castrol oil. Just my $.02, but it was tested,
It works and the cars run nice with it, I won't use anything else. As a disclaimer, I have had several quads and motorcycles I did not like the Amsoil for, but I really like this oil for the cars.

 

I also use the amsoil signature series .. never had any problems using it in any of my MINIs..lol..

 

The MINI website lists the 4 or 5 oils that have the Long Life rating. If they want to be strict and you cant prove what you use, they could refuse warranty work. By law they can't require a specific brand, but they can require a specific rating. VW is very tricky with their turbo requirements. I have been using Mobil 1 since 1990 and am about to start using it with my MINI. I have a 1990 V8 Mustang with 245,000 very abusive miles and just tore it down to replace a broken ring. It still does not need to be bored. he first time I had it down to change the heads at 138,000 I could still see the factory hone marks in the cylinders. Besides that it has always been spotless on the inside and I change that oil every 10k. I will do the MINI every 5k because of the turbo.

BTW I work at a Castrol facility and see drums of BMW oil filled about once per week. I always think, man wouldn't some folks like to have one of those!

Anyway, my two cents in this can o worms.

 

Amsoil Signature Series 0-30w

 

Mobil 1 0w40 euro spec.

 

Amsoil high zinc 10w40

 

Mini oil 5W-30 from the dealer.

 

I've been using M1 since it came out in, I think, 1974 in everything I've owned: car, motorcycle (air or liquid cooled), generator - I even put the used car oil in my ugly but usable lawn mower.

 

I use the NAPA synthetic 5w30. It is the private label from Valvoline. It is on sale about every other month for about $3.99 quart. I've had it tested by the guys at WIX and it does a good job.

 

I have been using Castol Edge Titanium 5w30. any thoughts on that oil?

 

Hi
Let me tell you something, if u havent know already
long life oil is nothing more than fully synthetic oil or 100% synthetic oil with new technology. The number 0w-30 5w-40 and so forth are the viscosity of oil in different temperature. which 0w or 5w mean the viscosity is low when the temperature is -25 Celsius and when the temperature is reach 100 Celsius or normal proper temperature of engine the viscosity is 30 or 40. So if you live in cold temperature or snow you would best use 0w and 5w but 10w will not suit your engine because when the weather is really cold when you start your engine the oil will move from oil pan to engine part quite hard which can result in engine wear. if u use 0w-20, u will find ur engine accelerate faster because it's viscosity is low but if you want to protect your engine, the more viscosity is the best but the response from ur engine could be slow but u shouldnt know because it's just a little bit difference. So you should use 0w-40. However mini require you to use at least API SM or newer which are API SN. the letter before M is older which you should not use. The API SN is a technology of oil which provide more advance protection and longer. this located in Mini online manual

On the other hand, choose viscosity that suit your weather and USE AT LEAST API SM or NEWER. i recommend Castrol, Mobil 1 but other brand is the same as long as it is equal specification.
I do oil change every 10k Kilometers.

 

So i went into my local parts store to look at the different oils. i was told i want a oil that meets BMW-01 and A3/B3 or A4/B4. the only oil's i could find that met these specs were the 5w40 or 0w40 Euro spec oils by Castrol, valvoline mobile 1, penzoil ultra. i'm wanting to know what 5w30 oils out there meet these specs. i looked at the signiture series ams oil and i did not say on the back that it met these specs and none of the 5w30 in the the oil i just listed met these specs. it was only the 40 weights.