So I have a r50 and currently my engine oil seems to be burning fast. I am currently using 5w30 however someone told me that 5w40 would help it burn slower since its a little thicker then the 5w30. Can anyone recommend which oil I should use and if the 5w40 would be better for me?

 

Burning or leaking oil? I have to ask, mine also, but I live in an apartment and never get to park in the same spot so it is hard to tell if I have a slow leak somewhere.

 

The heads of most cars are designed for a particular viscosity of oil. The viscosity is determined by the manufacturer. In the case of the MINI it is 5W-30 Synthetic.

Various lubrication ports are milled into the heads to disperse the recomended oil effectively to parts only when the proper viscosity is used. If it's too thick for it to make it from point A to point B, adverse and premature wear to internal parts will occur.

And while that suggestion would have been on target maybe 15 yrs ago, modern day engines like those in the MINI's would not do well with thicker oil.

The 1st Gen MINI have known leak areas. But could be more accurately described as "seeping" areas because they DO NOT leave oil spots on the pavement 99% of the time. They seep during motion and just make the bottom of the engine block wet/dirty....makes detection impossible unless you get down under there and look.

Go here for a good read on those issues Motoring File 2003 MC/S known leak areas

Had all mine fixed at 70K miles. Been dry under there ever since and I am at 126K miles....