I got my oil changed two weeks ago. So today as I was on my way home I noticed that my oil pressure gauge needle jusy shot down. Immediately I started to pull over, and right as I made to the emergency lane the car shut off. I got open the bonnet and was smacked in the face by this very strong odor . So I decided to feel under the car and was left with my arm heavily covered in oil. I wasn't driving the car hard, I was just cruising enjoying the car, 3,500 rpm- 50 mph. Now the car is sitting at the dealership, and I'm waiting. It was the weirdest thing.


Danny

 

Any Mods?

Who did the oil change?

 

Ahem Dan - read his sig

Oil drain plug not put in correctly?

 

lol.. thanks..

or did the not replace the seal on the filter cover.

 

The oil service was done at my dealer, dont excatly know anything b/c the car was dropped off at the dealer about 30 min ago by MINI RSA. So I have to wait till tomorrow. Car had alot done to it, but luckily I'm very good friends with my mechanic and my service advisor. I used to work there as a porter so that helps a little.



Danny

 

good luck

 

Yes, good luck - let us know what happened!

 

Hey Danny:

So sorry to hear about this. So what's the final verdict on the engine? Dead for good?

Let us know what happens tomorrow.

 

Thanx guys, I'll keep you updated, Hey Pilo, I could probably use those pistons now. What time frame are you looking at?



Danny

 

I hope you get a new 2005 MCS if the dealer turns out to be at fault. Dude, South Motors is a mess!!!!!!!

 

LOL, we'll see. The advantage I have is that since I worked there they kind of turn there head on the mods I have on the car. I always change my oil at roughly 3,000 to 3,500 miles, so that it the part that makes me think its the dealers fault. I hoping for the best because a new engine is like $6,032.00 and remanufactured is like $4,500.00. So there is no real cheap solution.


Danny

 

Have you talked to Luis (Louie) for a second opinion?

$6K for a new engine is almost 25%-30% of the car's current market value.

Persue this with the dealer but my suggestion would be to look into legal counsel in case the dealer refuses responsability for the damage.

What a bummer!

Hope for the best!

 

Sorry to hear about your engine trouble, Danny. Hope everything turns out OK.

Missed you at the dealership. Almost talked my neighbors into his & her MINIs. He now ordering his S, she's diving into an Altima RSR (or somthing).

Luis

 

Hey Luis,
What kind of seat covers are on your MINI?
Mick

 

Thanx Luis. I'm not at the dealer anymore, I'm sticking to my studies. Well it seems the fault lies at the hands of the dealer. Two weeks ago I had the car in service, it had been 3,500 miles since last oil service. I had an appointment today to have the belt tensioner replaced. I never made it to that appointment. I was driving the car yesterday, and on my way home from school I noticed that the oil light came on, so I pulled over to the emergency lane, right as I stopped the car shut off. The bottom of the engine was covered in oil and the smell was horrible. The car got to the dealer last night and I just got back from there and it looks as if they never covered the oil pan right, but then again I had no oil on my garage floor . The result was in the engine seizing. I was so upset, but at least it will be covered under warranty. Since I know everyone there I asked thad anything that wasn't damaged be placed back in my car. I have alot of money in that engine. At least the only damage was to the block. Thanx for all your concerns and replies.



Thank you
Danny

 

I think he got them from diamond racing.


Danny

 

what do you mean by covering the oil pan? ive changed my oil and the oil pans not covered with anything.

 

Sorry, I meant that they didn't put the drain plug in right, so the oil was leaking out through the drain plug.


Danny

 

That sucks..

How long until they can get your car back on the road?

 

I would guess that they only hand tightened it and forgot to torque it down to the right specs. After 3,500 miles, it finally loosened up.

 

well congrats on having it covered under warrenty

 

as long as they make it right. one more reason not to trust dealers. im no real mechanic but i change all my own oil and ive never had that happen.

 

I usually do my own oil changes, but this last time I was very busy and asked the dealer to do it for me, and look what happens. I should have the car back in about a week, I hope!



Danny

 

My condolences, CooperSdriver.

Can I ask why you change your synthetic oil so often? I've read several studies which all indicated, even in the worst/dirtiest environments, synthetic oil is good for at least 7,000 miles with mediocre filtering. And, 10,000 to 15,000 in a normal communting environment. Synthetic oil does not break down or change its chemical composition under heat and stress, like dino oil does. Even BMW recognizes that synthetic oil is good to 15,000 provided you avoid constant use of high dust/dirt roads.

I'm just interested to know if you are aware of any info which might refute those findings... if so, then by gawd I want to start changing my oil sooner!

Much thx,

 

BlueMiniM,


I think the reasoning behind changing the oil 3,000 miles is based on a couple of issues. 1)This is how people did it in the past with conventional oils. 2)"I have always done it in the past 3)And, failure of belief in the manufacturers and vendors claims.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with changing your oil that often, but I don't think it is necessary. The 3,000 mile mark was based on old technology and older inferior oils from the past. Newer quality synthetic oils have been shown to easily surpass the 3,000 mile mark. BMW would not recommend an interval that would harm their cars, and subsequently require them to pay for damages during warranty periods.

The same thinking is with spark plugs. 10 years ago, who ever heard of replacing your plugs every 100,000 miles. But yet this is what tuneup frequencies have developed into, and cars are lasting longer and longer and becoming more reliable on average.