How To Maintenance :: Cooper S Oil Change (with pics!)
#426
Look at the first post. This thread was created in 2007 for those who felt a new engine should not go 15,000 to 20,000 miles before the first oil change. The motivation, obviously, was the desire to do what is best for the engine, rather than merely maintain warranty.
Other related and sometimes unrelated issues have come up during the life of the thread and I don't have any problem with folks discussing them as I indicated in an earlier response. Apparently you do since you are the one who claimed this thread is only for those who want to do what is best for their engine (which I am deducing is something more than maintaining the warranty per your post) and are skeptical of the OBC intervals.
Frankly, I would assume anyone reading the thread is interested in doing what is best for their engine. I wouldn't tell them the thread is not meant for them because they choose to use 5w-30 instead of 0w-30.
If you want to use the thread for your own purposes, fine. Just don't criticize those who have been active in it from the beginning for discussing things other than your needs.
If you don't meet that criteria, why are you changing your own oil? Just let the dealer do it annually under the service plan.
I am changing the oil myself a) to save costs - as I noted, the service plan does not last forever and I no longer qualify for "free" service, so any oil changes I get done - whether per the OBC or at some other interval, have to be paid for, so doing it myself is cheaper than getting it done somewhere else and b) because I enjoy working on my own car.
Fortunately for me, posters like z3bum posted info that helps me do that. Other posters (yourself included) help me figure out what is best for my engine - whether I agree with them or not. And clearly, different posters can reach different conclusions regarding what is best for their engine. Opinions regarding the OBC intervals really have no bearing on how to do an oil change (though again, it is useful information).
#427
#428
Today I changed the oil in my 09 Cooper. It was a breeze. Until I took the filter housing off. I drained the oil with the oil cap off, then broke the seal on the filter housing hoping the oil in the filter would drain down. No luck..... oil poured out of the housing and I had a lot of clean up. The oil was not black at all. It was brownish.
The previous posts really helped.
Thanks all.
The previous posts really helped.
Thanks all.
#429
The difference between what you used (ACEA A5) and an LL-01, ACEA A3 oil is that the latter maintains a higher viscosity at operating temp. Exactly how that affects your engine, I don't know. If you are doing any hard driving (AutoX, track, or spirited) I'd be more comfortable with an A3 oil.
#430
Nothing wrong with 5W-30. The question for me is whether that particular 5W-30 meets BMW's LL-01 (A3) recommendation. The USA Castrol 5W-30 does not. The MINI and BMW branded (made by Castrol) 5W-30 does. Other brands also have LL-01 (A3) oils.
From the article, Castrol's 0W-30 sounds like a good choice. That's probably what I'll use when I next do an oil change myself. You can use what you want.
From the article, Castrol's 0W-30 sounds like a good choice. That's probably what I'll use when I next do an oil change myself. You can use what you want.
#431
In Europe, the BMW LL-01 (2001) is an old standard that has been superceded by BMW LL-04 (2004). So we are getting the lower standards here in the US (perhaps because of the free full maintenance program?? but who knows).
Additionally, BMW/Mini oil is fine for the engines even though it is "hydrocrack" oil or super refined mineral oil. This stuff qualifies for synthethic in the US (from the Castrol 1999 ruling against Mobil) but it is not considered to be full synthetic in Germany. It is "synthetic" here in the US because it has synthetic additives.
There are "hydrocracked oils" in the US (called synthetic technology in Germany not full synthetic) that meets the BMW LL-04 standards such as Lubro Moly 5W30.
In Germany, only Polyol Ester or 100% man made oils are considered full synthetic. In terms of the BMW/Mini recommended oils, only Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 0W40 are German approved full synthetics. Another brand of Polyol Ester oil that I use a lot is Redline 5W30 even though it does not have all the ratings but this oil is fully race track proven.
What is the difference between "Hydrocrack" and Polyol Ester oils? Supposedly at the sustained high temperatures levels when Polyol Ester does not require much additives to stay at the right viscosity so it is less likely to have thermal break down. Bottom line is that Polyol Ester oil is supposed to be more stable at extreme stress.
Rather than looking at ratings only, look at the type of oil you are putting into your engine if you are so inclined.
Additionally, BMW/Mini oil is fine for the engines even though it is "hydrocrack" oil or super refined mineral oil. This stuff qualifies for synthethic in the US (from the Castrol 1999 ruling against Mobil) but it is not considered to be full synthetic in Germany. It is "synthetic" here in the US because it has synthetic additives.
There are "hydrocracked oils" in the US (called synthetic technology in Germany not full synthetic) that meets the BMW LL-04 standards such as Lubro Moly 5W30.
In Germany, only Polyol Ester or 100% man made oils are considered full synthetic. In terms of the BMW/Mini recommended oils, only Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 0W40 are German approved full synthetics. Another brand of Polyol Ester oil that I use a lot is Redline 5W30 even though it does not have all the ratings but this oil is fully race track proven.
What is the difference between "Hydrocrack" and Polyol Ester oils? Supposedly at the sustained high temperatures levels when Polyol Ester does not require much additives to stay at the right viscosity so it is less likely to have thermal break down. Bottom line is that Polyol Ester oil is supposed to be more stable at extreme stress.
Rather than looking at ratings only, look at the type of oil you are putting into your engine if you are so inclined.
Last edited by slinger688; 10-03-2009 at 07:20 AM. Reason: Spelling
#432
In Europe, the BMW LL-01 (2001) is an old standard that has been superceded by BMW LL-04 (2004). So we are getting the lower standards here in the US (perhaps because of the free full maintenance program?? but who knows).
Additionally, BMW/Mini oil is fine for the engines even though it is "hydrocrack" oil or super refined mineral oil. This stuff qualifies for synthethic in the US (from the Castrol 1999 ruling against Mobil) but it is not considered to be full synthetic in Germany. It is "synthetic" here in the US because it has synthetic additives.
There are "hydrocracked oils" in the US (called synthetic technology in Germany not full synthetic) that meets the BMW LL-04 standards such as Lubro Moly 5W30.
In Germany, only Polyol Ester or 100% man made oils are considered full synthetic. In terms of the BMW/Mini recommended oils, only Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 0W40 are German approved full synthetics. Another brand of Polyol Ester oil that I use a lot is Redline 5W30 even though it does not have all the ratings but this oil is fully race track proven.
What is the difference between "Hydrocrack" and Polyol Ester oils? Supposedly at the sustained high temperatures levels when Polyol Ester does not require much additives to stay at the right viscosity so it is less likely to have thermal break down. Bottom line is that Polyol Ester oil is supposed to be more stable at extreme stress.
Rather than looking at ratings only, look at the type of oil you are putting into your engine if you are so inclined.
Additionally, BMW/Mini oil is fine for the engines even though it is "hydrocrack" oil or super refined mineral oil. This stuff qualifies for synthethic in the US (from the Castrol 1999 ruling against Mobil) but it is not considered to be full synthetic in Germany. It is "synthetic" here in the US because it has synthetic additives.
There are "hydrocracked oils" in the US (called synthetic technology in Germany not full synthetic) that meets the BMW LL-04 standards such as Lubro Moly 5W30.
In Germany, only Polyol Ester or 100% man made oils are considered full synthetic. In terms of the BMW/Mini recommended oils, only Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 0W40 are German approved full synthetics. Another brand of Polyol Ester oil that I use a lot is Redline 5W30 even though it does not have all the ratings but this oil is fully race track proven.
What is the difference between "Hydrocrack" and Polyol Ester oils? Supposedly at the sustained high temperatures levels when Polyol Ester does not require much additives to stay at the right viscosity so it is less likely to have thermal break down. Bottom line is that Polyol Ester oil is supposed to be more stable at extreme stress.
Rather than looking at ratings only, look at the type of oil you are putting into your engine if you are so inclined.
#433
Anyway, the most important fact that most people miss is that not all synthetic is real synthetic. Regardless it is good information for NAM to have and you definately have too much time on your hands.
#434
#435
Another hint is to get the engine warmed up if not at OP temp so more oil will drain from the block when it is warm/hot. Just be very careful to not get burned as you pull the drain plug. I've always just let the plug fall into the catch-basin then worry about getting it out later.
Good post and great pics, and congrats on avoiding the tickets from the city hounds!
#436
Oil change at 130 miles
Hello all,
I'm a little paranoid- read somewhere about people having lots of metal in their oil after changing it after 1200 miles, so I changed it at 130 miles.
I have a couple of problems- my first is that when I opened the oil fill cap on the top of the engine, I noticed a little bit of white smoke coming out for a while (about 2 minutes). This was after about 5 minutes of driving. Is this anything to be concerned about? I also get the smoke out of the tailpipe at startup- again, not a lot, but definitely noticeable. I'm going to drive it around for 10-15 minutes and come back and see if I still see the smoke. This smoke doesn't smell foul (on either end).
My second is the filter I replaced is very dark in color compared to the new white one. A charcoal grey color. Has anyone else experience this? Again, is this something to be concerned about? Thanks for your help in advance- this thread was beyond useful in my oil change! I even paid extra close attention to the rubber gasket.
UPDATE: After 20 minutes of driving, exhaust smoke is gone, but smoke in the oil fill cap is still there.
I'm a little paranoid- read somewhere about people having lots of metal in their oil after changing it after 1200 miles, so I changed it at 130 miles.
I have a couple of problems- my first is that when I opened the oil fill cap on the top of the engine, I noticed a little bit of white smoke coming out for a while (about 2 minutes). This was after about 5 minutes of driving. Is this anything to be concerned about? I also get the smoke out of the tailpipe at startup- again, not a lot, but definitely noticeable. I'm going to drive it around for 10-15 minutes and come back and see if I still see the smoke. This smoke doesn't smell foul (on either end).
My second is the filter I replaced is very dark in color compared to the new white one. A charcoal grey color. Has anyone else experience this? Again, is this something to be concerned about? Thanks for your help in advance- this thread was beyond useful in my oil change! I even paid extra close attention to the rubber gasket.
UPDATE: After 20 minutes of driving, exhaust smoke is gone, but smoke in the oil fill cap is still there.
Last edited by jackothy27; 11-05-2009 at 10:45 PM.
#437
Hello all,
I'm a little paranoid- read somewhere about people having lots of metal in their oil after changing it after 1200 miles, so I changed it at 130 miles.
I have a couple of problems- my first is that when I opened the oil fill cap on the top of the engine, I noticed a little bit of white smoke coming out for a while (about 2 minutes). This was after about 5 minutes of driving. Is this anything to be concerned about? I also get the smoke out of the tailpipe at startup- again, not a lot, but definitely noticeable. I'm going to drive it around for 10-15 minutes and come back and see if I still see the smoke. This smoke doesn't smell foul (on either end).
My second is the filter I replaced is very dark in color compared to the new white one. A charcoal grey color. Has anyone else experience this? Again, is this something to be concerned about? Thanks for your help in advance- this thread was beyond useful in my oil change! I even paid extra close attention to the rubber gasket.
UPDATE: After 20 minutes of driving, exhaust smoke is gone, but smoke in the oil fill cap is still there.
I'm a little paranoid- read somewhere about people having lots of metal in their oil after changing it after 1200 miles, so I changed it at 130 miles.
I have a couple of problems- my first is that when I opened the oil fill cap on the top of the engine, I noticed a little bit of white smoke coming out for a while (about 2 minutes). This was after about 5 minutes of driving. Is this anything to be concerned about? I also get the smoke out of the tailpipe at startup- again, not a lot, but definitely noticeable. I'm going to drive it around for 10-15 minutes and come back and see if I still see the smoke. This smoke doesn't smell foul (on either end).
My second is the filter I replaced is very dark in color compared to the new white one. A charcoal grey color. Has anyone else experience this? Again, is this something to be concerned about? Thanks for your help in advance- this thread was beyond useful in my oil change! I even paid extra close attention to the rubber gasket.
UPDATE: After 20 minutes of driving, exhaust smoke is gone, but smoke in the oil fill cap is still there.
I don't think you have anything to worry about. The smoke from under the cap is just normal vapors from a just used engine. The exhaust smoke sounds normal too as long as you aren't having an excessive amount pouring out or I think with a blushish tint.
The different color on the oil filter could just be them using a different brand of filter for your build date. As for the super early oil change, you might end up wanting to change it in a 1000-2000 miles. The 1200 safety guideline is a good time to allow all the engine parts to settle in and allow any (if any) metal shavings (very small if any with todays modern technology in building) to exit to engine and settle in the oil sump. At 130 miles I don't think it would really be fully done if there is any metal.
I'd say focus most of keeping the RPMs down for now until you pass that magical 1200+ miles when you can let'er rip!
Enjoy your car everything will be fine
#438
I don't think you have anything to worry about. The smoke from under the cap is just normal vapors from a just used engine. The exhaust smoke sounds normal too as long as you aren't having an excessive amount pouring out or I think with a blushish tint.
The different color on the oil filter could just be them using a different brand of filter for your build date. As for the super early oil change, you might end up wanting to change it in a 1000-2000 miles. The 1200 safety guideline is a good time to allow all the engine parts to settle in and allow any (if any) metal shavings (very small if any with todays modern technology in building) to exit to engine and settle in the oil sump. At 130 miles I don't think it would really be fully done if there is any metal.
I'd say focus most of keeping the RPMs down for now until you pass that magical 1200+ miles when you can let'er rip!
Enjoy your car everything will be fine
The different color on the oil filter could just be them using a different brand of filter for your build date. As for the super early oil change, you might end up wanting to change it in a 1000-2000 miles. The 1200 safety guideline is a good time to allow all the engine parts to settle in and allow any (if any) metal shavings (very small if any with todays modern technology in building) to exit to engine and settle in the oil sump. At 130 miles I don't think it would really be fully done if there is any metal.
I'd say focus most of keeping the RPMs down for now until you pass that magical 1200+ miles when you can let'er rip!
Enjoy your car everything will be fine
#439
You sure that wasn't 12,000 miles? The guy who's oil had become abrasive due to metal content has 12,500 miles on the initial oil, IIRC.
#440
Hehe, to be honest, as soon as I saw "metal flakes" I glazed over and started worrying. I don't think it was only one person, but that may be an side-effect of glazing over .
#441
#442
Great post! I just peaked under my non-S MC hood and realized I have no excuse not to do this myself. It's just sitting there, exposed and vulnerable. My brother-in-law has a Mityvac I'm going to use. Also, I noticed my oil level was a half inch above the high mark after a recent dealer change. Should I worry?
Last edited by lacning74; 12-09-2009 at 05:43 PM.
#443
#444
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I don't think I posted on this thread directly, but thanks, z3bum! I referred back to it repeatedly while doing my first change. The only thing I'd add is I felt much better knowing I'd actually torqued down the drainplug and filter cap to factory specs. If you have a torque wrench, I'd highly recommend doing so.
Also, one note: if you have an MCS, the job is quite a bit more cramped, as all the turbo hardware and plumbing is right where all that beautiful empty space is on the Justacooper. You just have to be willing to stick your hands in there and get to work. I drained my oil with the engine fully warmed (oil comes out better), so I let it sit for about half an hour to let things cool down before sticking my hands in the engine bay. Things were warm, but I didn't get burned on anything.
Also, one note: if you have an MCS, the job is quite a bit more cramped, as all the turbo hardware and plumbing is right where all that beautiful empty space is on the Justacooper. You just have to be willing to stick your hands in there and get to work. I drained my oil with the engine fully warmed (oil comes out better), so I let it sit for about half an hour to let things cool down before sticking my hands in the engine bay. Things were warm, but I didn't get burned on anything.
#445
I talked to my SA about it and he talked to the service manager. They said it would not cause any problems, and not to worry about it.
Since others have reported the same over-fill, and none have reported problems resulting from it. I'm going to assume it is intentional. I've been running with the over-fill level several thousand miles, and all seems fine.
Also, one note: if you have an MCS, the job is quite a bit more cramped, as all the turbo hardware and plumbing is right where all that beautiful empty space is on the Justacooper. You just have to be willing to stick your hands in there and get to work. I drained my oil with the engine fully warmed (oil comes out better), so I let it sit for about half an hour to let things cool down before sticking my hands in the engine bay. Things were warm, but I didn't get burned on anything.
Good ideal to let it cool while draining. Probably good to loosen the filter so it will drain at the same time. With a long extension, you can avoid sticking your hands in while hot.
#448