I got my 2010 Clubbie S back in July with 7K on the clock and have been reading these forums pretty closely to glean information on how to treat them for the long haul. I generally clock 200K on my vehicles and am a new MINI owner, so I am trying to soak up as much info from the many learned people on these forums.

So, from what I've been reading, it seems that the oil is a key component in getting the most trouble free life out of the MINI. MINI had recommended a long oil change interval and most people would follow that possibly causing things like carbon build up, oil coking the turbo lines leading to blown turbo's, etc.

Trying to be a responsible MINI owner, I took it in to the dealer to have the oil changed under the last remaining time on its maintenance plan when I first got it at ~7K. I paid them to do an intermediary oil change 5K later and have since paid closer attention to the oil level.

Before reading a lot of threads on the crappy dipstick and the difficulty in reading it, I assumed that what I saw when I pulled out the completely oil covered dipstick was indicating that the oil level was full. Now I am worried about the possibility of overfill and that it may have gotten too low in the 5K between oil changes.

After the intermediary change, I took it to the SA to have him help me read the dipstick. He said that I should see an area where the texture of the dipstick end shows more than the rest of the oil coated area and that is the reading. To me this seems to be much more an art than the science I would want to maintain my MINI.

So, I've been reading up and trying to get an accurate reading on the oil, trying when hot, when cold, etc. I waited 30 minutes for the oil to drain from the sides of the tube before taking the readings, let it sit with the dipstick out overnight, did the same... Still can't seem to get a reading I'm comfortable with.

This is what I did last night and this morning:

Turned off the engine, pulled out the dipstick and let the oil drain for roughly 30 minutes. Suspecting an overfill, I did not insert the dipstick all the way figuring the actual level will be an inch over what it reads.

The first picture is with the oil warm, the second is the reading in the morning.

Should I bring it back to the dealer and bug them about a possible overfill? When I brought it back after the oil change, he assured me that the level was correct.

 

If for nothing else than your piece of mind take it back. I have bitched

from day one on the MINI dip sticks. I thought that my R53 one was

bad until I bought a R58 JCW. Instead of firing the guy that designed

the R53 one they gave him a promotion and had him design the 2nd

generation stick! I know different engine builders but you know what I

mean. Just sorry design.

 

I pull the dipstick wipe it down, then back in & out. Lay it on a paper towel. The resulting witness mark is your oil level. This is so easy folks......

My oil is checked with the engine cold.

 

I, too, read all the posts on measuring oil level. It seemed to my eye that the oil level was more an inch above the plastic section. Called the dealer where the car had been serviced a few days before. They claimed that it was not a problem, and since MINIs use oil, they always overfill a little.

Gave up on the crappy dip stick and invested a big chunk of money in a Craven Speed dip stick. I had questioned why anyone would spend that kind of money for a dip stick. Once I put it in, pulled it out, and read the level, my question was answered. It read an inch too high, but was easy to read - the first time.

Took the car to a small independent garage. Asked them to pump out the excess oil through the dip stick tube. I watched as they pumped 1.5 quarts out to get to the full mark. Nice guys. Knew what they were doing. Filled out all sorts of paperwork and added the service to the AutoFax. Charged $0. I'll be back.

Green Flash, 2011 MCSm

 

I think you are better off to rotate the (crappy) dipstick to see where the oil isn't, that's usually the actual oil level... and yes there will be some oil above that mark

 

I am wondering the same, after draining about 400 ml of extra oil. Should I let the dealer know they are idiots or keep my mouth shut? This post was very helpful, like the art and science behind reading the MINI dipstick.

 

Hi ,my dealer installs 5qts. With filter change . I do the same . This is my 3rd. Mini since 2009 . I have tracked all three including my new 2013 jcw coupe never a problem .

 

Pepperwhiteknight,

That post was very helpful. After reading that, I put in an order for the Cravenspeed dipstick.

I had tried persistently to get a reading on the OEM stick that I felt comfortable with. Tried many methods found in this forum, how freaking hard can it be?!? But I finally admitted defeat and put in the order. The oil is just too important to leave it to MINI's crappy design.

 

Got my Craven dipstick and I can actually tell how much oil is in my car now. The dealership had overfilled it by about a quart. Went down to the local parts store and got a siphon to pull out the excess.

I would highly recommend the Craven dipstick if someone is on the fence about it. In my opinion, the money is well spent for the greater accuracy it provides.

 

OP, keep in mind that our cars drink the oil away. My 09 r55 S loses 1 quart every 3000 miles. There are no leaks and several people in the know assure me this is normal. Top off your oil b/w changes!

 

5 quarts is too much. It's more like 4.4 quarts.

 

Agreed, I've done the same to both my R56's. No issues here and it was a good idea since my MCS eats about half a quart now at 60K miles.

 

Before confronting the dealer I drained oil until it read just below the upper bulb on the dipstick. Total oil drained 400 mL or 0.422675 quarts. Went to the dealer to get other service and gripe about oil. They read the dipstick and agreed the oil was at proper level. I then pulled out the pickle jar and asked, "Why did you put so much oil in my car, are you trying to break it? The manual says DO NOT OVERFILL. If MINI wanted more oil in the engine the maximum mark would be higher up on the dipstick."

They supplied these excuses for overfilling...
1. They put 4.6 quarts in when changing the oil pump solenoid. (Excuse for previous overfill)
2. It would take 2 quarts overfill to damage the engine. (We didn't break your engine)
3. People don't check their oil. (Obviously I do because I am complaining)
4. Car can consume oil at rate of 1 quart per 1000 miles. (That is why I check the oil)

In the end the dealer still put 4.5 quarts in the car and it reads to the top of the plastic on the dipstick. Clearly above maximum. They know how much oil goes into the car, 4.2 liters or 4.43809 quarts. I was told their procedure is drain oil for 5 minutes. Oil is refilled with a digital gauge set to 4.5 quarts. I also requested documentation instructing to overfill the engine oil. None was supplied.

Hope you enjoyed the story.

My rational rules on oil level...
1. The dipstick has minimum mark.
2. The dipstick has a maximum mark.
3. As long as the dipstick reads between minimum and maximum the oil is at an acceptable level.
4. If dipstick reads below the maximum add some oil to get near or at maximum mark.
5. Never let oil fall to or below the minimum reading.
6. The maximum mark would be higher up on the dipstick if the manufacturer wanted more oil in the engine.
7. If oil reads above maximum on dipstick remove some oil because of 6.

 

I think if I went back to confront my SA about the oil level, I'd get #4 and I think the reason they do overfill is the assumption that it will burn oil combined with #3.

I guess the real question is at what overfill level is it starting to do damage? Is it something like: with .5 qt over you get more oil mist going through the PCV and hitting the backs of the valves to create carbon build up and at a quart over, you start straining the oil pump? I don't know the answer and am curious as to whether someone with a greater understanding of this can chime in.

I bought the Craven with the desire to know exactly how much oil is in my MINI. It is a 2010 R55 S with 13.5K on the clock and don't have any idea as to how much oil it is drinking. The dealership did the oil change at 7K when I bought it in July and another 5K later.

I've siphoned out the excess oil and it is now reading just above the top notch on the Craven dipstick. I will be paying close attention to it so I know how much and often I'll need to top it off.

Thanks to all the knowledgeable people who have already chimed in here.