So when is the average time people are having their MCS services. I have 4k on mine and just scheduled a service and was actually taken back by the cost to do the oil change....

 

I am planning on following the company recommended oil change. 10k (first), 15k thereafter. With modern engine design and synthetic oil there is no reason to do so more often than specified by the manufacturer.

BMW has a lot of history of extended service intervals with synthetic fluids to back this up. Most car companies have longer service intervals with synthetic blends or otherwise.

Oil change places want you back every 3k for your money.

Also the first two are included in your purchase price from the dealer, 3years, 36K maintenance.

my .02

 

I've been doing the recomended services only. First at about 13000, second at about 31000, and last weekend I did my third (first myself) at 52000 miles. The oil looked better than most of my other cars at 5000 miles, and I had over 20000 miles on it. Yes, it was dirty, but not that bad. I've always done what the dealers recomend and have had many cars over 250000, plan to do the same with the MINI

Nik

 

I'd do an initial oil change around 4k-5k miles and then proceed with the 10-12k mile changes. You need to get all the crud from break-in out of there.

 

While we're on the subject of oil changes, I am currently gathering the necessary tools and parts to do my first oil change on my '05 MCS (~5k mi) and I was wondering if it is necessary to replace the drain plug sealing washer?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Only every 3 or 4 oil changes, it's fine for a few repeated uses.

And it's moulded to the drain plug, so you buy a complete new plug!

Chris.