R50/53 Oil Analysis
#1
Oil Analysis
So here is an oil analysis done on my last oil change. Everything to me looks as expected, or better. My 03 S has over 251,000 miles on it and I have all but one time changed the oil when the OBC indicated it is time. Usually between 15,000 and 21,000 miles. This last one was a bit longer at 25,000 miles. I'm sure this horrifies some here, but too bad - I have had both the oil pan and the valve cover off in the past and there are no signs of increased wear or build up of sludge. I wish I would have started doing these labs before now, but plan on making it a routeen each time I change my oil....... Likely sometime this fall.
Discuss -
Nik
Discuss -
Nik
#3
Interesting. Not bad for a 25k run. I'm going for a 3k/3month interval whichever comes first. Since my car is going to get an average of about 500miles or less, realistically more like 1500 mile interval. I might actually get mine tested next oil change since I bought my car with 79k miles already on it.
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Cool I never have done an oil analysis, but figured what the hell I will try it next time. Unfortunately I just changed my oil, I use Redline 5/30 all the time. Interestingly, I sent an email to BSL and they replied that the president of Blackstone Labs actually daily drives a Mini Cooper, and he loves it.
#13
It is not about comparing to other oils, its about what is happening to your motor when you follow the OBC. I would expect very similar results from Mobil 1, or any other synthetic.
I figured I had enough miles on my car that I could show that I was, or wasn't damaging my engine. I will continue to send a sample in from now on. However, that will be likely another 9 months, and close to 270,000 miles.
Nik
#15
X2 - Always wanted to see how these cars are on oil with a 20,000 oil change interval - And here you have a stellar report at 25,000 miles as recommended by the on board computer. With the MINI still going strong at 251,000 miles plus.
Fantastic!
#16
xsmini -
Congrats! UOA looks good for 25k-mi. I second K-huevo's statement that missing TAN & TBN info would give a complete picture as they indicate the Base / Acid level.
FYI - xsmini has an idyllic environment for driving - no traffic and mostly highway equates low stress on the motor and drive-train.
The current batch of oil (M1 5w-30) has been in my MCSc for almost 8k-mi and 20 months. I'm considering sending a sample to Blackstone to see if the additive package is depleted.
Congrats! UOA looks good for 25k-mi. I second K-huevo's statement that missing TAN & TBN info would give a complete picture as they indicate the Base / Acid level.
FYI - xsmini has an idyllic environment for driving - no traffic and mostly highway equates low stress on the motor and drive-train.
The current batch of oil (M1 5w-30) has been in my MCSc for almost 8k-mi and 20 months. I'm considering sending a sample to Blackstone to see if the additive package is depleted.
Last edited by Cadenza; 04-17-2012 at 12:35 AM.
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#18
Why doesn't the oil test have the TAN & TBN information?
#19
However, Blackstone said that TBN is more indicative of the remaining life of the additive package than TAN in gas engines.
Here is mine with TBN... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...32-months.html
#21
I hope Sonny's oil change didn't break Dad's truck.
It's good to see some actual data on the condition of the oil after x number of miles.
I hope that others will have their oil analyzed and post their results.
It's still not a scientific study that applies to everyone's car, but at least the analysis gives some actual facts.
I just got my test kit from Blackstone and will send in a sample at about 6K miles from last oil change at 35K.
I have followed the OBC in good faith as I have cared for my MINI as instructed by BMW/MINI. In 35K miles, the oil has been changed 3 times, once a year, at about 15K intervals. I have not abused or neglected my engine, but I may have followed bad advice from the manufacturer, or not.
I am worried now.
The oil change interval/type of oil controversy, fully covered on many other threads, is interesting and thought provoking, but short on actual facts.
My consciousness has certainly been raised.
Things I keep in mind:
Synthetic oil is not dino oil and my MINI is not my father's Oldsmobile.
There are turbo failures due to oil clogging in engines like mine (N14.)
There are tensioner chain failures in engines like mine.
BMW/MINI has shortened the oil change interval to 10K miles in the new MINIs, but hasn't adjusted the OCI in my 09 Clubman S.
Many people don't seem to be checking their oil level regularly, if at all.
The dipstick is really hard to read; readings may not be accurate for those who are checking.
MINI, according to my SA, considers 1 quart of oil per 1K miles normal.
I have never had to add oil in between oil changes, according to my reading of my oil level.
My car runs great!
BUT-
What is its future reliability?
Last edited by LittleWing; 06-27-2012 at 01:29 PM.
#22
I said I would update this when I got another oil test done. Well I finally got around to it. This time I had the TBN done for those who wanted to see it. With over 296,000 miles and over 22,000 miles between changes everything is still looking great.
Nik
Nik
Last edited by xsmini; 02-20-2013 at 09:15 PM.
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