I sought out this thread because I'm concerned that the oil consumption by our new 04 MCS is unusual. I had to add a full quart at 3000 miles, and just added 4/10s at 3750. That seems excessive to me. None of the Hondas that we have owned ever used more than a 1/2 quart in 3000 miles even after 150 to 175,000 miles. I don't mind adding oil, but I'm afraid to have an oil burner or an engine that goes weak early. My MG's have always used that kind of oil, but I think as much of that is leaked out of the main seals on the underside of the chassis as through the tailpipe.
I called the dealership and spoke to the service advisor today. He didn't offer much of an opinion, kind of wishy washy don't worry about it. Some use more than others attitude. I'm going to keep records of the consumption while I wait for the 1st 10k change. I will change it myself, probably this weekend with 4k. Castrol Syntek?
Any thoughts?

 

That does sound like excessive consumption to me. I'd keep good records for another 3K miles and if consumption stays the same, have your dealer check it out. At that rate, you won't have to worry about changing oil @ 10K miles, just change the filter My 04 was down about 1/4 qt. when I changed to Redline 5W30 at 2200 miles. Has not used any more in next 5K miles:smile:

 

More than you want to know about oil: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=28025
I had some oil consumpion on my Feb 04 MCS. I would guess about 1/2 a litre. The manual does mention to watch your levels during break in. I didn't consider the 1/2 litre excessive.

I am sure you are measuring your oil in simlar conditions ie cold and level

 

I changed the oil at 1800 miles with 5 quarts of Moble 1. At 6,728 miles I added 1/2 quart before going to the Pro Tour. Currently I am at a little over 9,000 miles and the oil is 3/4 up the stick.

 

A guys, I change my oil regularly every 3000 with the dealers oil and every 5-6000 with Redline 10-30w. Brutus has 41,000 miles and does not seem to consume oil any more. After the first couple of thousand miles, I had to add maybe half bottle, but thats it since then. motor motor guys!

 

I have added no oil in 8000+ miles. Maybe it's because I don't know how to read the yellow dipstick. I checked today and there is oil on the tip so should i add some oil?

Maybe I will run all the way out to Walmart and get a big jug of what ever is cheapest, MObil 1 or ...

 

karlmcw,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
Your oil consumption seems more than the usual 1/2 liter in 3000-4000 miles which is common. If you change oil you may use any full synthetic oil like Amsoil, Redline, or Mobil one which are all better than Castrol Syntec which is what MINI uses.

Keep good records and if this keeps up complain about it. They will need to check for any leaks and you can look for oil leaks on the ground and around the gaskets and seals on your engine.

For me I'd say that I use up about 1/2 liter every 3000-4000 miles and I am at 13,000 now. Dealer oil change was at 10,000. I just added 1/2 liter and I had done my own oil change at 6,000 miles.

 

I beg to differ.....the quality of the oil is based on the specs it carries. I really think you need to speak of specs as oppossed to saying this or that about an oil. This coming from a guy that sells the components to make the oils to ALL the brands you mention plus a whole mess of others.

MINI has only one spec approved for the "S" engine. Its main differentiator is a BMW approval spec called the LL-1 or LT-1 (I can confirm the spec upon return, I don't have my TIS on this computer).
Bottom line, there is a LOOOOONG list of oils that meet that spec and all of them are deemed equal by BMW, by the fact that the performance package that is included with that specific oil has been thoroughly tested by BMW for long drains.

Now as to consumption.....ALL internal combustion engines burn oil....in direct proportion to their use, misuse and throttle usage. It is a GRAVE sin not to check your oil and replenish as necessary.....long life oils have very tight volatility specs so they evaporate a whole lot less than mineral base oils but they still evaporate, they still get burned and they still mist out .......
CHECK YOU OIL, CHECK IT OFTEN. How much is too much? a quart per less than 1000 miles under NORMAL driving conditions would worry me......NORMAL (i.e. no welly) driving it like your granma......