I just checked my oil today and there was just a drop on the tip of the dipstick it seems like it all disapeared? I looked inside the oil cap and you can see all the internals I dont know if its supposed to look like that or what? any ideas also what type of oil should I put in if i need some to atleast get me to the dealer??

 

You'll always be able to see the valvetrain internals if you look inside the valve cover, so that's normal.

If there's any oil on the dipstick at all, you're probably only down by a quart or less. Per the owner's manual, any full-synthetic oil of appropriate weight (like 5W-30) can be used for top-offs in between changes.

 

Ok cool has anyone also had the problem where your service computer which tells you the milage to change things just dissapears? I can still change the time and date but can not look at any service stuff? To many problems to little time!

 

It is quite normal to use a little more oil during breakin, so I wouldnt panic. Also make sure that your car is level and you are reading the dipstick correctly. a white paper towel will help.

 

the countdown indicator isn't the amout of mileage you can ignore your oil. You still have to check the dipstick and top off regularly.

Matt

 

True, although you'll probably find that the "top-offs" will be non-existent, or at least infrequent. You still have to check, though!

My wife's MINI used up about 3/4 quart in the first 4,000 miles, but hasn't required any top-offs since, even with long oil change intervals. Mine took about a 1/2 quart in the first 5,000 miles, but hasn't required any top-offs since then (factory oil stayed in the car for 12,500 miles, next batch of oil stayed in the car for 10,000 miles, and the third batch has been in for 8,000 miles.)

 

for someone who doesn't realize that when the engine is off, all the oil is down in the pan and the valve cover will be 'empty' ......

Not a hit ... just an observation

Hey, I give you credit for checking the oil b4 a warning light came on.....

 

using the factory recommended oil change intervals... I thought I stood alone

 

Yah man sorry I didnt know that! For christ sake just trying to find some answers to my questions. Atleast some people on here are helpful thanks guys.

 

Well, it may be just you after all. I left the factory oil in both MINIs until the OBC said to change it, and although the oil in both cars was near end-of-life when the interval came due (10-12k), it wasn't totally shot - yet.

But, the OBC-recommended interval before the *second* oil change on my car would have been 19k miles, and there was no way I was leaving it in that long, so I changed it after 9k.