Hi All,

Been a while since I posted, I guess that is a good thing since I only post when I have problems. Anyway, I am due for an oil service (approx. 39,000 miles). Unfortunately my 3 year maintenance ran out early this year. I am thinking about going to a Jiffy Lube type place to get this done. My question is who will reset the service notification that I get when I start my MINI? I called Main Line MINI around Philadelphia and the service tech said that they will not reset the service indicator unless I had them do the oil service at $115. He said that he would have no idea when the oil was changed. So even if I get it done and go directly there he will not touch it. Any suggestions? Any suggestions for a service place in the Philadelphia area?

Thanks!
Noel

 

if you are just doing an oil change and a reset, couldn't you just search this website and do it yourself? I'm sure that despite the extra time to do it vs. jiffy lube would be more worth your while - not only from a cost stand point but from a knowledge base. You'll have a buy a special adapter to unscrew the filter but you shouldn't have to spend more than a couple of bucks (and definitely not $100+). Personally, I would never go to jiffy lube to service my car - last time my friend went there and say white smoke coming out while they were working on it. Granted I can't really speak for all jiffy lubes but...

 

buy yourself 4.5 litres of oil and a filter from your dealer.

follow the instructions on the how to section here under oil change
and then reset your own service indicator

push trip button
turn ignition key to position 1 and 15A will appear to left of mileage
release trip button
wait 3 seconds
push trip button
wait (5 - 8 seconds) for RST to appear in left corner
release trip button
push trip button
15000 [or kilometer equivalent] will appear as new service interval
release trip button

it couldn't be easier and will save you some $$$$$

 

Here's a link on how to reset the servie indicator: http://www.tech-esq.com/MINI/Oil%20S...or%20Reset.htm . If you have a place like Jiffy Lube do it, make sure you browse through the forums to see how it should be done. The MINI uses a canister filter (that you have to get at the dealership or online) so make sure the place know what they're doing.

 

I wouldnt take it to jiffy lube. Look for an independent BMW or German shop in your area.

 

Thanks for the input. It is tough to do it myself where I am in Philadelphia, I might get run over in the street. Good point about Jiffy Lube, I am not too crazy about going to them either. Maybe I'll just make the 2 hour drive back to my parent's house to do it.


What is the difference between an oil change and an oil service?

 

$115 - WOW. I had mine changed at Sun BMW in Mechanicsburg and it was only about $50 .... and they even offered to wash it as part of the service (which I declined).

 

Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions! The NAM community has always been there to respond to my ignorance. I set up an appointment with Eric from Helix. I figure if he is good enough for you modders out there, he is good enough to change my oil!

 

Good choice. Independent shop

 

pick up a few tools. hopefully you are changing it more often than every 15,ooo anyway.

pick up a bunch of oil filters from bavauto or somewhere else.

 

Thank you

 

For those of you changing your own oil, or that have it changed at a place other than a BMW dealership, what brand/weight oil do you use in your car? We are also out of warranty in our mini, and the nearest BMW dealership is a 180 mile round trip drive and several tolls and obviously not worth the expense for just an oil change. We have a 2007 Mini Cooper S.

 

Oh yes, also what brand of filter? Thanks.....

 

5w-30 oil is what I use. It should be synthetic.

Royal Purple and Red Line are the best from what I have read, but I used Mobil, and am going to use Shell next (because it is what I have).

For the filter I used FRAM, but a lot of people suggest OEM.

Here is a how to for an oil change:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ge-how-to.html

It is easy if you have the necessary tools. I had to purchase the 36mm socket and a new oil drain plug (I read that it was a good idea to replace it).