[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The "S" models appear to use more oil than the non-S cars, probably because the burbocharger just plain gets so hot.

MINI's service intervals are quite optimistic, as well. I'm having my oil changed every 6 months, which works out to a bit under 5,000 miles. The original 15,000+ was just ridiculous--and MINI seems to have agreed to some extent, as they changed to 10,0000 miles a year or two ago.

--DD