JCW LL-01FE or LL-14FE+
#26
If anyone sees anything in writing from MINI, I'd appreciate getting a copy. This is what''s wrong with the mentality of always taking your MINI to the dealer for everything....they really don't care about informing owners of technical service bulletins and recommended changes to service protocols.
Those of us who prefer to do our own maintenance are just left out in the cold on such things! I may contact MINI directly, as that's what my engine sticker says as well....not holding my breath I get anywhere with that however.
#27
I decided to call 1-866-ASK-MINI, and the customer rep on the phone told me, based on the last 7 digits of my VIN that the recommended oil was 0W-20.
He did not know anything about the change or when it occurred. So, it appears the powers to be at MINI keep secrets from everyone when changing a specification!
Am I the only one who is concerned about the lack of disclosure on MINI's part about why this change? Maybe Dan is correct...it's all about "marketing"!
He did not know anything about the change or when it occurred. So, it appears the powers to be at MINI keep secrets from everyone when changing a specification!
Am I the only one who is concerned about the lack of disclosure on MINI's part about why this change? Maybe Dan is correct...it's all about "marketing"!
#30
I think you're right Dan, sadly. "Clueless" appears to be the correct adjective!
I already have the 5W-30 MINI oil in my garage, so that's what I am going to use for the first oil change. That's likely what's in there originally anyway.
Time will tell if I switch....I'd like to see something explaining MINI's current preference for the 0W-20 first however. 0W-20 just seems too low of a viscosity to me...must be a reason!
John
#32
My dealer tells me that MINI has recommended 0W-30 for certain engines (most of them actually) from 2012 to 2015, and 0W-20 for 2016 & 2017. The break between 2015 and 2016 depends on the VIN (my JCW is a very late 2015 build, so it falls in the 0W-20 recommendation, according to MINI). The only reason the MINI rep put out there for this recommended change is for "better fuel mileage". So, the 5W-30 is absolutely fine!
I doubt it has anything to do with the engine, mechanically speaking. At least I finally got an answer. My dealer was great btw, attempting to get an answer for me.
I doubt it has anything to do with the engine, mechanically speaking. At least I finally got an answer. My dealer was great btw, attempting to get an answer for me.
#33
I have dealer envy, thanks for the information. I will bring this to their attention. I won't wait for another 10,000 miles to change the oil. I will have it done at the 5,000 mile interval. We have a good, independent BMW service station fairly close and I will see what they will charge. The mini dealership pricing indicates they use liquid gold for oil and automotive doctors to change it. I can do it myself, but prefer not to.
#34
If engine decal from factory states 0W-20 it probably was shipped here with that oil in the crank case. The prior engine oil decal swaps by campaign were done at dealer, after delivery to US.