synthetic oils and the MINI
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 128
From: San Francisco
I change my oil with Mobil 1 every 5000 miles. 3-4 times a year and hard to forget when to do it next as it comes every 5000 on the 5000. OEM filters only as they are cheap (I buy them 3 at a time from Morristown Mini) and I don't see any advantage in the aftermarket for oil filters (although I do use a K&N in the airbox). I still have the original oil plug and have had no problems. Interestingly it looks like the aluminum pan allows for a lot of threads to grip. It looks to me like you would have to try really hard to strip it out. The Futumo sounds good but I don't think something like that hanging out the bottom looking to get whacked off is a good idea. Yes I know it points back but...
I have never done an oil analasys and considered getting a plug with a magnet to see if anything shows up but frankly there is not a lot of anything magnetic in the engine any more (are rings these days magnetic?) so I am not obsessed with that.
I did do an oil change last week at 55,000 (2003 September 2002 build S) and did it in less than a half hour including getting Artoo up on ramps and cleaning up so the Futumo is even less attractive as I am not sure it will save any appreciable time.
That is my 2 cents.
Rich
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
I agree, it only takes me a couple of seconds to pull the plug and I have not had a problem with an oil plug in the over 30 years I have been changing oil.
The Futumo sounds like it works well, I just can't see much of an advantage.
The Futumo sounds like it works well, I just can't see much of an advantage.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Not IMHO
I never liked those things....They do not even get all the oil in the pan! Don't even use one on my lawnmover (riding!) Bad enough to still have the old residue in the lines etc....The extractor could also not remove any sludge buildup in certain cases....Better off with the little work and/or valve IMHO
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
The advantage I have with it is that I'm able to just reach the valve and drain the oil without having to use ramps which is a time saver for me. And since the oil drail on my 06 MCS is off the back of the pan, I'm comfortable that it won't get hit by road debris.
I certainly wouldn't push one on anyone, but it has made oil changes a bit easier on me, which means I'm more likely to change the oil more often. It also means that you can drain just a sample of oil to see what it's condition is.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
How does Audi stay in business anyway? I really thought the electrical problems back in the early 1980s would have deep-6'd them for good. How they ever resurrected themselves to plague another generation of car buyers is beyond me.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Overall tho, the car was rock solid. The only reason I got rid of mine was that it was out or warranty, and Audi's a $$$$ to maintain.
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Hey Guys
Mr Sinatra is at home. Yep, Old Blue Eyes in in the house.
What a blast this car is to drive! For an Oldkid like me, that is saying a lot about the MINI....MY MINI!
Pictures to be posted later!
What a blast this car is to drive! For an Oldkid like me, that is saying a lot about the MINI....MY MINI!
Pictures to be posted later!
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Congrats on the New arrival....+ Fumato
Congrats and best of Luck
www.fumoto.com
a little cheaper at Mossmini.com...look around at the NAM sponsors too! If I remember it is an F-106 model...the Fumoto site has the calculator where you enter your auto etc...
Suggest you go through the breakin period without touching anything!!!! Hopefully your dealer is mod friendly...you will find out by word of mouth here.....
Mine was...now those people are gone and the new ones are NOT!
That 4 yr warranty is very valuable!!! (I am sure you already know that!
BTW: I am an old fart too!
Regards
jeff
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Thanks Jeff
I will keep an eye out for others who have dealt with MINI of Sterling (Va).
Thanks for you help! I will check out MossMINI and see what I can find.
I had and interesting conversation with the dealer this AM and gave him a real education on engine oil and the differences between the basic types of oil. I had fun!
I will keep an eye out for others who have dealt with MINI of Sterling (Va).
Thanks for you help! I will check out MossMINI and see what I can find.
I had and interesting conversation with the dealer this AM and gave him a real education on engine oil and the differences between the basic types of oil. I had fun!
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
jeff
I will have to keep an eye out for comments on MINI of Sterling (Va).
I will have to check out MossMINI and see what I can find.
I never thought a car could be THIS much fun to drive
I have posted some photos.
thanks,
ed
I will have to keep an eye out for comments on MINI of Sterling (Va).
I will have to check out MossMINI and see what I can find.
I never thought a car could be THIS much fun to drive
I have posted some photos.
thanks,
ed
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
You have no idea ...the grin gets wider!!!
It only gets better as you get used to it, the computer gets acclimated to your driving habits etc,,,ONLY GETS BETTER...you will be testing the Mini's handling abilities (which are pretty neat) as you go...no going back now.
Interesting...I started with a Used Mini...then got a used S within 4 months,...While the S is definately a BIGGER kick in the butt...I found that driving the MC took a little more skill, and once I was up to speed, I was able to keep up just fine with the S models, until those Mini babes (in our group with the S and reduction pulleys) goosed me! That made me trade! You will simply love your Mini (and that is from an ole Porsche driver!!!!....Get used to the quirks as they are all part of it. Keep finely tuned to your dealer and any possible changes...and do digest the NAM people's advice..they are Great!
Regards
jeff
M ini of Sterling seems to have a good rep here...but I am on the other side of the country in reno. NV...
BTW: the Sh** eatin grin, never goes away!!!
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
And hence the term "PERMAGRIN".
I can not wait till Old Blue Eyes gets me broken in
Maybe we ought to start an "Old Farts MINI club".
I am anxious to take MINI to the mountains and see what he will do!
ed
I can not wait till Old Blue Eyes gets me broken in
Maybe we ought to start an "Old Farts MINI club".
I am anxious to take MINI to the mountains and see what he will do!
ed
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
The best
My Nuvi 350 GPS has no idea where we are sometimes! BUT it does clock my speed via satellite......worse than a trooper!!
really funny to see the map and your vehicle out in the middle of nowhere! It has also gotten me home on occasions when I am just plain lost in the hills....at least if I tell it to go home...it will point me in the right direction!!!
I wonder if we could con a vendor into making an "old farts Mini Club Badge"....there are some great badges out there (ATT Thompson!!!!) I now have about 8 for my Mini Badge holder.....
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
jeff,
Give me a few days to reply to all your comments, I have to wait till I can focus on something else besides the next ride! You made a lot of comments that I really do want to respond to but it will take a day or so!
An old Porsche driver's recommendation is worth much in my book!
If you are ever on the East Coast, let me know....you can be my wingman!
ed
Give me a few days to reply to all your comments, I have to wait till I can focus on something else besides the next ride! You made a lot of comments that I really do want to respond to but it will take a day or so!
An old Porsche driver's recommendation is worth much in my book!
If you are ever on the East Coast, let me know....you can be my wingman!
ed
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: toronto area
Obviously they have a "Deal" with Casteroil"
As long as your synthetic meets all the requirements (all those acronyms), Mini would be hard pressed to kill your warranty. In fact IMHO, 10-15000 mile changes are a bigger threat (ITS THE FILTER I WORRY ABOUT MORE) I do my own at about 3-5000 miles with mobile one...no issues. They just want the business after the 3 yr free changes are over. or a shot at some kind of non warranty work that might rear its head during the change while they have you there.
However since your changes are free for 3 yrs...let them have at it..I bet they buy their "special" oil in bulk so it is just plain Castroil Synthetic (see other threads about the not fully synthetic - SYNTHETICS!)
Interesting they do not try to recommend GERMAN Castroil Synthetic since it is different than US Casteroil synthetic. I wil be damned if I am going to drive a 250 mi round trip to get a free change! Look at the Label next time you are in an auto parts place...Look closely at the Casteroil Full Synthetic in say Wally World or Kragen...Says NOT FOR EXPORT...USA and CANADA only...what's up with that???
Sounds like its time for Magnesson Moss Act part II BMW is out of control again!
Remember the word the use "RECOMMENDED"...they also use different suppliers (2 that I know of for their oil filters!) They cannot prove damage to your vehilcle using say, Mobile One of the right viscosity......if they could, Mobile One would then be called JEFF ONE!!\
BTW: I recently looked at a torn apart Head from a Mini w/ 65,000 miles on it (gasket blew). The owner followed the Mini spec exactly as well as their change frequency! It was all gunked up with sludge!
Toyota used to Recommend Premium gas in the FJcrusier...guess that hurt sales so they put out a bulletin saying regular was ok, and sent out replacement gas door stickers....sheeesh ...BTW: I RECOMMEND...Premium top tier gas for the Mini!
My independant Mechanic recommends Mobile One....means nothing, but he has nothing to gain since he knows I do my changes myself.
As long as your synthetic meets all the requirements (all those acronyms), Mini would be hard pressed to kill your warranty. In fact IMHO, 10-15000 mile changes are a bigger threat (ITS THE FILTER I WORRY ABOUT MORE) I do my own at about 3-5000 miles with mobile one...no issues. They just want the business after the 3 yr free changes are over. or a shot at some kind of non warranty work that might rear its head during the change while they have you there.
However since your changes are free for 3 yrs...let them have at it..I bet they buy their "special" oil in bulk so it is just plain Castroil Synthetic (see other threads about the not fully synthetic - SYNTHETICS!)
Interesting they do not try to recommend GERMAN Castroil Synthetic since it is different than US Casteroil synthetic. I wil be damned if I am going to drive a 250 mi round trip to get a free change! Look at the Label next time you are in an auto parts place...Look closely at the Casteroil Full Synthetic in say Wally World or Kragen...Says NOT FOR EXPORT...USA and CANADA only...what's up with that???
Sounds like its time for Magnesson Moss Act part II
BMW is out of control again!Remember the word the use "RECOMMENDED"...they also use different suppliers (2 that I know of for their oil filters!) They cannot prove damage to your vehilcle using say, Mobile One of the right viscosity......if they could, Mobile One would then be called JEFF ONE!!
\BTW: I recently looked at a torn apart Head from a Mini w/ 65,000 miles on it (gasket blew). The owner followed the Mini spec exactly as well as their change frequency! It was all gunked up with sludge!
Toyota used to Recommend Premium gas in the FJcrusier...guess that hurt sales so they put out a bulletin saying regular was ok, and sent out replacement gas door stickers....sheeesh ...BTW: I RECOMMEND...Premium top tier gas for the Mini!
My independant Mechanic recommends Mobile One....means nothing, but he has nothing to gain since he knows I do my changes myself.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Not in Reno....
Castrol synthetic is sold at Costco Wholesale at very competitive price North American wide.Not for export is because they have dedicated manufacturing facilities in the different countrys.The service rating on bottle is all you have to worry about.All major synthetics meet the BMW/MIni service rating.
Rant...If it says Pure Synthetic... IT SHOULD BE PURE SYNTHETIC....If it is a blend, it should say so!...Any congressmen out there????
We are being scamed again! I run a syn blend in my riding lawnmower....
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Oil and oil recycling
Oh yeah....the GRIN is still there and if it gets any wider, I will have to have my face surgically altered!
Some of you have been frustrated by not being able to find recycling centers to take your spent motor oil. Follow this link and type in your Zip code and go...
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s...=1&serviceid=1
jeff,
You have been around the block more than once and you know how technical terms can become legal terms and the two do not HAVE to mean the same thing. Well that is the case here as well.
Yeah, I know, that is not what you wanted to hear!
Hold on to your hat on the Castrol thing because it is not a TRUE synthetic. It does use a petroleum base as do most "synthetic" oils. They use group III oils as their base which are petroleum oils. When Cartrol came out with their Syntec oil and called it 'Full Synthetic', Mobil sued them for mislabelling. Mobil lost and the term 'full synthetic' became a legal term meaning an oil that is primarily (I have not found out the actual percentages yet, but I am working on it) synthetic, but can have a petroluem base. A syn-blend has about 35% petro oil. Your TRUE synthetics have a base of, are you ready for this cause your tailor and wife will really love this one, poly-ester (group V) and there is NO petro-oil base to them. Some of them have a base of poly alpha olefin (PAO) or group IV. The best info I have found to date says that Mobil's Delvac-1, Amsoil, RedLine, and Motul 5100 are the only TRUE synthetics out there. I believe they are all PAO based except for the RedLine which is PolyEster based. If you want more specific infomation, email me at mini@duerrs.net.
Some of you have been frustrated by not being able to find recycling centers to take your spent motor oil. Follow this link and type in your Zip code and go...
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s...=1&serviceid=1
jeff,
You have been around the block more than once and you know how technical terms can become legal terms and the two do not HAVE to mean the same thing. Well that is the case here as well.
Yeah, I know, that is not what you wanted to hear!
Hold on to your hat on the Castrol thing because it is not a TRUE synthetic. It does use a petroleum base as do most "synthetic" oils. They use group III oils as their base which are petroleum oils. When Cartrol came out with their Syntec oil and called it 'Full Synthetic', Mobil sued them for mislabelling. Mobil lost and the term 'full synthetic' became a legal term meaning an oil that is primarily (I have not found out the actual percentages yet, but I am working on it) synthetic, but can have a petroluem base. A syn-blend has about 35% petro oil. Your TRUE synthetics have a base of, are you ready for this cause your tailor and wife will really love this one, poly-ester (group V) and there is NO petro-oil base to them. Some of them have a base of poly alpha olefin (PAO) or group IV. The best info I have found to date says that Mobil's Delvac-1, Amsoil, RedLine, and Motul 5100 are the only TRUE synthetics out there. I believe they are all PAO based except for the RedLine which is PolyEster based. If you want more specific infomation, email me at mini@duerrs.net.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
Hold on to your hat on the Castrol thing because it is not a TRUE synthetic. It does use a petroleum base as do most "synthetic" oils. They use group III oils as their base which are petroleum oils. When Cartrol came out with their Syntec oil and called it 'Full Synthetic', Mobil sued them for mislabelling. Mobil lost and the term 'full synthetic' became a legal term meaning an oil that is primarily (I have not found out the actual percentages yet, but I am working on it) synthetic, but can have a petroluem base. A syn-blend has about 35% petro oil. Your TRUE synthetics have a base of, are you ready for this cause your tailor and wife will really love this one, poly-ester (group V) and there is NO petro-oil base to them. Some of them have a base of poly alpha olefin (PAO) or group IV. The best info I have found to date says that Mobil's Delvac-1, Amsoil, RedLine, and Motul 5100 are the only TRUE synthetics out there. I believe they are all PAO based except for the RedLine which is PolyEster based. If you want more specific infomation, email me at mini@duerrs.net.
Mobil 1 used to be group IV but when they lost the case, they changed their formula into a group III and raised prices
). Amsoil is a group IV, Redline and Motul are group V.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
All I know is...
I retired from Corporate Life 5 yrs ago and never looked back, partly because of the "fool em" mentality....Much happier now!
Me thinks it's off to Autozone or Pep Boys for my next change....I was aware that the Mobile One, and US Casteroil were Group III (thanks to NAM!) At the rate I change it...do not think any harm will come and using the Amsoil or redline would become rather pricey at those intervals! (Bet Mini uses the US stuff!)
I do know that they all make a mess and I have special MESS clothing I wear when doing a change. Even though the Mini is not used much in winter...it has been 6 mos and almost 3000 miles so I am about due! Out of Filters so I will place an order with MossMini for a few and some Xmas goodies
Mind you, I do not think that either would be BAD...just gets me pissed to be paying for something that is ALMOST something....
BTW: Polyester...Maybe I will buy a Neru suit next drive about town! A newer Austin Powers!
Me thinks it's off to Autozone or Pep Boys for my next change....I was aware that the Mobile One, and US Casteroil were Group III (thanks to NAM!) At the rate I change it...do not think any harm will come and using the Amsoil or redline would become rather pricey at those intervals! (Bet Mini uses the US stuff!)
I do know that they all make a mess
and I have special MESS clothing I wear when doing a change. Even though the Mini is not used much in winter...it has been 6 mos and almost 3000 miles so I am about due! Out of Filters so I will place an order with MossMini for a few and some Xmas goodiesMind you, I do not think that either would be BAD...just gets me pissed to be paying for something that is ALMOST something....
BTW: Polyester...Maybe I will buy a Neru suit next drive about town!
A newer Austin Powers!
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Thanks kapps
I am glad you are keeping a check on me. With my daughters grown and gone, somebody needs to keep me in check!
jeff,
If you run short of oil one day, just chop up that onld Neru jacket and pour it in!
I wonder how many readers actually know what we are talking about
ed
I am glad you are keeping a check on me. With my daughters grown and gone, somebody needs to keep me in check!
jeff,
If you run short of oil one day, just chop up that onld Neru jacket and pour it in!
I wonder how many readers actually know what we are talking about
ed
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
And never forget
Thanks kapps
I am glad you are keeping a check on me. With my daughters grown and gone, somebody needs to keep me in check!
jeff,
If you run short of oil one day, just chop up that onld Neru jacket and pour it in!
I wonder how many readers actually know what we are talking about
ed
I am glad you are keeping a check on me. With my daughters grown and gone, somebody needs to keep me in check!
jeff,
If you run short of oil one day, just chop up that onld Neru jacket and pour it in!
I wonder how many readers actually know what we are talking about
ed
Hey...
and never forget the LIESURE SUIT...might find one or more in your pan
BTW...you will be surprised about how many of us old farts are mini drivers!
Is beautiful today and about 40 degrees...MINI WEATHER (Bunn Warmers on of course!)!!!! Later!
Regards
jeff
