Oil Change: Specs? Parts?

MarkBytes · 06-06-2003, 05:42 AM

I was pleasently surprised to hear the Mini already uses synthetic oil and only requires very infrequent oil changes. As a lifelong proponent of climbing ounder my cars every 3k to change the oil, this will be a dramatic change.

I'd like to do at least and initial oil change on the new engine around 3-5k. (why not?....can't hurt...right)

The Owners manual is specifically vague on oil requirements/specs and points you towards buying "Mini oil". Under the hood my Cooper S engine says "Castrol", so that's a clue.

Here's my questions:
1. Oil change, have you done a Mini, is it hard? Hiden oil filter, remove fender, stand on head, etc?
2. Oil Specs: Castrol 5W-30 Synthetic.....is that all?

Any experienced comments very appreciated! Mini-thanks! -Mark

Javier at Pelican Parts · 06-06-2003, 07:06 AM

It says castrol cause Castrol makes the BMW oil. I agree with BMW and Mini engineers let the car tell you when to change oil,although many, many, many will disagree. But I beleive your car came with maintance program? let them pay for it. just keep an eye on the level for the 1st 10k. As for the intervals follow owners manual, these new cars are built and engineered alot different than 5 years ago.

MarkBytes · 06-06-2003, 11:24 AM

Humor me....the debate over when oil changes should occur will never be resolved.

If anybody knows the exact oil specs for the Cooper S and any info on the filter removal (i.e. no special BMW tool required), please post.

Mini thanks!! - Mark

Javier at Pelican Parts · 06-06-2003, 12:08 PM

The onboard computer takes note of driving conditions to determine oil change intervals. i.e. little old lady driving 10k in one year to and from church no oil change yet...Little Johnny racer doing 10k in 3mo and testing 0-60 times between lights will be changing at about 3.5k...
This sysytem has proven to be very reliable for bmw and mini

MarkBytes · 06-07-2003, 05:33 PM

I am in no way questioning BMW or MINI's oil change program.

I do not live near a dealer and have an complete shop on my 5 garage premises. Ordering oil via mail or making the trip to a dealer for oir is not something I am going to do...I simply wanted to know the oil specs and benefit from someone else's experiences.

VincentVega · 06-08-2003, 08:12 PM

I changed the oil in my S after ~1500 miles. Used Mobil 1 5w-30, dealer confirmed it was ok, Castrol synthetic is the factory fill. If I recall the filter housing requires a 32mm socket. I used one of my 911 oil line wrenches, but a socket would be easier.

MarkBytes · 06-09-2003, 07:01 AM

Thanks Chris! That's what I was looking for.... - Mark

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-10-2003, 01:19 PM

I always run Castrol in all my cars. If i had a new car, i would run Mobil 1 synthetic. I also change my oil every 3000 miles in every car without question. engineers may reccomend that youdo it at later intervals, however i stay with what i know works for me.

zzwhm · 06-15-2003, 05:45 PM

The service manual with my Coper S says Mobil 1 5-30.

zzwhm · 06-15-2003, 05:59 PM

Wow I hate typos - but you all know I meant "oo".

There's also a statement in the service/warranty book that excludes cars used in competitive events. A few AX/TT/DE weekends will throw the normal schedule out the window.

Matt Shepherd · Matt Shepherd's Garage

Mark -

Check out this thread on MCO for an oil change "How-To"

http://www.minicooperonline.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=5119&25