They're not $hitting you about using MINI spec oil filters
#1
They're not $hitting you about using MINI spec oil filters
I bought a 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4 in early January. The selling dealership, a Kia dealership, performed an oil and filter change before I picked it up. Everything about the sales experience at that dealership was top-notch, BTW. I noticed soon after that when I really gunned the car so the N18 turbo would go into its designed over boost mode, the red oil pressure warning light would briefly illuminate along with the warning chime. I would back out immediately, of course. Remember, this is with a fresh oil change so definitely not low on oil. This was completely reproducible. I thought that maybe it was the oil pressure sensor because, you know...it's a German car LOL. Fast forwarding to now (early March) I have enjoyed a good relationship with my local MINI dealership here in Ottawa, Canada. I've had a couple of niggly leftover maintenance items completed at the dealership. I mentioned this periodic oil pressure issue to the service advisor when I was getting my valvetronic motor replaced about 2 weeks ago (1.5 months into ownership basically). He said that the issue was most likely the non-OEM oil filter that the Kia dealership had used which was causing the oil pressure issue when I dipped hard into the boost. He also said that even if I chose not to get my oil changes performed at the dealership, I should always buy OEM oil filters for use at my favourite oil change place. [Sidebar: In my case that's Mr. Lube here in Ottawa. I know the regional manager and he gives me a very good discount as we track our cars (not my MINI) at Calabogie Motorsports Park].
I thought, "What the heck" and went ahead and had them change the oil for me ($160 vs. $90 at Mr. Lube) and you know what? They were right. The issue has completely gone away. I have since Googled this issue and the Internet seems mostly to support the fact that some oil filter brands should be avoided.
I thought, "What the heck" and went ahead and had them change the oil for me ($160 vs. $90 at Mr. Lube) and you know what? They were right. The issue has completely gone away. I have since Googled this issue and the Internet seems mostly to support the fact that some oil filter brands should be avoided.
Last edited by eric.stewart; 03-01-2019 at 11:43 AM. Reason: Fixed a couple of typos because I'm OCD ;-)
#3
Ha ha! I'm not going to perpetuate Internet myths by posting my own "no go" list of oil filters for MINIs! I would just say stick with the OEM ones. I've done this with my Audi TT track car and it's been bulletproof. The Interwebs (and this includes a number of self-styled expert garage sites) say that there is a high variability in the quality of non-OEM oil filters. I suspect that much is absolutely correct but to extrapolate this to all non OEM filter is just plain dumb. Also, I don't want my car to be a test bed for non OE filters. I also tend to not listen to the siren call of quality aftermarket ones such as AMSOIL, etc., because after all...who knows OE quality better than OE? Lesson learned for me. I should have listened to my own inner voice. I'm such a hypocrite.
#4
#5
I have read that the non oem filters will release lint off of them. When I pulled the vanos solenoid off of the n14 clubby I'm redoing it was blocked up with filter lint fibers. I will only use oem filters myself just for that reason. I will also give them a blow with an air hose to remove any loose material.
#6
I have read that the non oem filters will release lint off of them. When I pulled the vanos solenoid off of the n14 clubby I'm redoing it was blocked up with filter lint fibers. I will only use oem filters myself just for that reason. I will also give them a blow with an air hose to remove any loose material.
#7
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02-19-2011 05:07 PM