Synthetic Oil required?
Synthetic Oil required?
I am coming up on an oil change schedule and reading the manul it states that synthetic oil is recommended. I bought the car used from a dealer and with the purchase I was informed that my 1st 4 oils changes are free.
I called the service center to schedule an appointment and upon discussing the oils change I asked what type of oil will be used, 10W-30 non-synthetic.
Keep in mind the dealership changed the oild prior to my picking up the vehicle, so now the dealership has used non-synthetic oil and was going to use the same oil for my upcoming appointment....to me if the manul states a certian oil....that's what you use.
What negative impact will occur with non-synthetic oil?
I travel ~ 2800 miles a month...and the temperature is dropiing to ~ 30°F so,
I thinking synthetic.
I called the service center to schedule an appointment and upon discussing the oils change I asked what type of oil will be used, 10W-30 non-synthetic.
Keep in mind the dealership changed the oild prior to my picking up the vehicle, so now the dealership has used non-synthetic oil and was going to use the same oil for my upcoming appointment....to me if the manul states a certian oil....that's what you use.
What negative impact will occur with non-synthetic oil?
I travel ~ 2800 miles a month...and the temperature is dropiing to ~ 30°F so,
I thinking synthetic.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 2
From: Laurel MD
This is a MINI dealer? BMW/MINI have been using synthetic longer than most manufacturers so I wonder of you got someone that didn't know what they were talking about.
As for your question, yes, you could run regular mineral oil in the car but with your miles, you would be changing it about once a month. Even then, I still wouldn't recommend it as your car is really designed for synthetics.
I would say thanks but no thanks. (i would call back to verify what they said though.
As for your question, yes, you could run regular mineral oil in the car but with your miles, you would be changing it about once a month. Even then, I still wouldn't recommend it as your car is really designed for synthetics.
I would say thanks but no thanks. (i would call back to verify what they said though.
Thanks for the info and I agree.
I purchased this from a non MINI/BMW dealership...I guess that explains alot!
With the synthetic oil should I change it out at 3k miles or can I extend the mileage?
I purchased this from a non MINI/BMW dealership...I guess that explains alot!
With the synthetic oil should I change it out at 3k miles or can I extend the mileage?
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
You should immediately change out the oil if they really did put regular old 10W30 in your MINI.
And if your "free" oil changes are going to be the same, I would never return to that used car dealer.
You should immediately put in a good quality synthetic oil. You do not need to change it out every 3000 miles. MINI suggests up to 15k between oil changes. I do mine about every 7k miles or so but don't freak out if I go a bit longer since I know the oil is still good.
MINI recommends Castrol. I use Mobil1 with the gold cap (NOT SILVER CAP) or Royal Purple which I get from my independent MINI mechanic.
And if your "free" oil changes are going to be the same, I would never return to that used car dealer.
You should immediately put in a good quality synthetic oil. You do not need to change it out every 3000 miles. MINI suggests up to 15k between oil changes. I do mine about every 7k miles or so but don't freak out if I go a bit longer since I know the oil is still good.
MINI recommends Castrol. I use Mobil1 with the gold cap (NOT SILVER CAP) or Royal Purple which I get from my independent MINI mechanic.
Last edited by Yucca Patrol; Nov 8, 2007 at 05:47 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 2
From: Laurel MD
Since you bought used from a non-mini dealer, I would have ti changed immediately. Castrol is the oil of choice by MINI but I use Mobil 1 5w-30 in my MINI.
Another thing to point out is that there is a service indicator in our car. When you first get in and put your key in there should be some mileage pop up in the odometer window that counts down to the next service. MINI is a 10 to 15 thousand mile interval car. Many on here have their points of view on the matter, but I have personally had my 15K oil tested at a lab and was told that it was still fine for use but on the edge of needing change. Others here will argue the low 5000 mile change. The choice is yours, but I like the extra dollars in my pocket.
Another thing to point out is that there is a service indicator in our car. When you first get in and put your key in there should be some mileage pop up in the odometer window that counts down to the next service. MINI is a 10 to 15 thousand mile interval car. Many on here have their points of view on the matter, but I have personally had my 15K oil tested at a lab and was told that it was still fine for use but on the edge of needing change. Others here will argue the low 5000 mile change. The choice is yours, but I like the extra dollars in my pocket.
Awesome feedback....I will change out the oil today with synthetic.
I have viewed the maintenance mileage posted with the key on position 1.
How do I reset the this once the mileage has been satisified?
Thanks again for the rapid response to my post.
I have viewed the maintenance mileage posted with the key on position 1.
How do I reset the this once the mileage has been satisified?
Thanks again for the rapid response to my post.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 2
From: Laurel MD
How to reset the service interval indicator [SIZE=1]DISCLAIMER:
The information below is based on the account of a MINI2 member. Although MINI2 and the author of this thread believe this information is accurate, using it as a DIY guide is done at your own risk. MINI2 and the author are not responsible for any damage, personal injury, or warranty issues that may arise from the use of this information. Some information below may be specific to model specifications that are unique to certain countries, and may not apply to your model of MINI One, Cooper, or Cooper S.
Do not undertake any DIY project that you are not qualified to perform. If you have questions about this project, you should consult with experienced professionals and/or your MINI dealer before undertaking it. Always follow standard safety guidelines for car repair in performing DIY projects.
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]The only time the following procedure should be performed on a vehicle still under Full Maintenance coverage would be when an owner chose to change their own oil on a SCHEDULED oil service. Doing it at any other time during this coverage will PUSH OUT the next service![/SIZE]
To reset the service interval indicator:
push trip button
turn ignition key to position 1 and 15A will appear to left of mileage
release trip button
wait 3 seconds
push trip button
wait (5 - 8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner
release trip button
push trip button
15000 [or kilometer equivalent] will appear as new service interval
release trip button
The miles [or kilometers] until next service will now count down from the reset interval.
Be advised that it may be a little different for the 05/06 models.
The information below is based on the account of a MINI2 member. Although MINI2 and the author of this thread believe this information is accurate, using it as a DIY guide is done at your own risk. MINI2 and the author are not responsible for any damage, personal injury, or warranty issues that may arise from the use of this information. Some information below may be specific to model specifications that are unique to certain countries, and may not apply to your model of MINI One, Cooper, or Cooper S.
Do not undertake any DIY project that you are not qualified to perform. If you have questions about this project, you should consult with experienced professionals and/or your MINI dealer before undertaking it. Always follow standard safety guidelines for car repair in performing DIY projects.
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]The only time the following procedure should be performed on a vehicle still under Full Maintenance coverage would be when an owner chose to change their own oil on a SCHEDULED oil service. Doing it at any other time during this coverage will PUSH OUT the next service![/SIZE]
To reset the service interval indicator:
push trip button turn ignition key to position 1 and 15A will appear to left of mileage release trip button wait 3 seconds push trip button wait (5 - 8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner release trip button push trip button 15000 [or kilometer equivalent] will appear as new service interval release trip buttonThe miles [or kilometers] until next service will now count down from the reset interval.
Be advised that it may be a little different for the 05/06 models.
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That's what you push when you want to activate the LSD.
Um, on topic - go synthetic, change every 10-15K and enjoy the MINI.
Note that you'll need a 36MM socket to remove the oil canister.
Um, on topic - go synthetic, change every 10-15K and enjoy the MINI.
Note that you'll need a 36MM socket to remove the oil canister.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Reset Oil Change Interval
FYI, I just used the above procedure to reset my oil change interval indicator and it work great. I had to try it 3 times but it finally reset. My next interval is showing 15,500 Miles but I'm sure I'll change it again before that.
Tom
Tom
Me too...thanks to the information from daflake the odometer maintenance mileage was reset.
Since changing out the oil from mineral type to synthetic my engine runs very smooth. I plan to go 10k miles on this oil, I'll let you know when I have the information avaliable.
Thanks again everyone!
Since changing out the oil from mineral type to synthetic my engine runs very smooth. I plan to go 10k miles on this oil, I'll let you know when I have the information avaliable.
Thanks again everyone!
id change that as well.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 2
From: Laurel MD
I change my oil filter every 5k and I plan on doing oil changes every 15k from now on. Yes my car only has 37k on it, but I had to add/replace oil a few times for various reasons. My last oil and filter change was at 30k, filter at 35k.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Mobil has an extended service synthetic oil you may wish to consider, good till 15K or your service interval. I have alway been a Castor Oil fan, but It seemed worth a try. It has been a bit hard to find. The discount stores are always out of it. I did find it at a NAPA dealer, but only after checking 3 of them.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,398
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, NY
How to reset the service interval indicator [SIZE=1]DISCLAIMER:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]The information below is based on the account of a MINI2 member. Although MINI2 and the author of this thread believe this information is accurate, using it as a DIY guide is done at your own risk. MINI2 and the author are not responsible for any damage, personal injury, or warranty issues that may arise from the use of this information. Some information below may be specific to model specifications that are unique to certain countries, and may not apply to your model of MINI One, Cooper, or Cooper S. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Do not undertake any DIY project that you are not qualified to perform. If you have questions about this project, you should consult with experienced professionals and/or your MINI dealer before undertaking it. Always follow standard safety guidelines for car repair in performing DIY projects. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]The only time the following procedure should be performed on a vehicle still under Full Maintenance coverage would be when an owner chose to change their own oil on a SCHEDULED oil service. Doing it at any other time during this coverage will PUSH OUT the next service![/SIZE]
To reset the service interval indicator:
push trip button
turn ignition key to position 1 and 15A will appear to left of mileage
release trip button
wait 3 seconds
push trip button
wait (5 - 8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner
release trip button
push trip button
15000 [or kilometer equivalent] will appear as new service interval
release trip button
The miles [or kilometers] until next service will now count down from the reset interval.
Be advised that it may be a little different for the 05/06 models.
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]The information below is based on the account of a MINI2 member. Although MINI2 and the author of this thread believe this information is accurate, using it as a DIY guide is done at your own risk. MINI2 and the author are not responsible for any damage, personal injury, or warranty issues that may arise from the use of this information. Some information below may be specific to model specifications that are unique to certain countries, and may not apply to your model of MINI One, Cooper, or Cooper S. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Do not undertake any DIY project that you are not qualified to perform. If you have questions about this project, you should consult with experienced professionals and/or your MINI dealer before undertaking it. Always follow standard safety guidelines for car repair in performing DIY projects. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]The only time the following procedure should be performed on a vehicle still under Full Maintenance coverage would be when an owner chose to change their own oil on a SCHEDULED oil service. Doing it at any other time during this coverage will PUSH OUT the next service![/SIZE]
To reset the service interval indicator:
push trip button turn ignition key to position 1 and 15A will appear to left of mileage release trip button wait 3 seconds push trip button wait (5 - 8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner release trip button push trip button 15000 [or kilometer equivalent] will appear as new service interval release trip buttonThe miles [or kilometers] until next service will now count down from the reset interval.
Be advised that it may be a little different for the 05/06 models.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: Chico, CA
I just put in 0-40 Mobil 1 . . . I didn't notice the color of the cap. I chose it because 5-30 doesn't cover the range of ambient temperatures in which I operate the car and because it meets the BMW LL-01 specification. I had bought some Castroil 10-40 but after doing some reading here on NAM checked and saw that all the the 10-XX Castroil's don't meet the BMW specification.
IMO I think reading the label is he way to go. I'm not sure cap color is the secret.
Ah, the reset worked magic. Mine said 51 not 15. Mine reset to 15,500.
IMO I think reading the label is he way to go. I'm not sure cap color is the secret.
Ah, the reset worked magic. Mine said 51 not 15. Mine reset to 15,500.
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