I've got 5K on the clock now. Checked my oil last week. Let it sit for a while. Still looking good and still looking good, but I think I'm gonna change it anyhow. So, I was wondering–where do you MINI people get your filters? I did look for a link in the threads so I apologize if I'm bringing up an old topic.

Thanks in advance,

Jake

 

I'd use Classic Auto Campus. They are a MCO Sponsor and discount OEM Parts & Accessories. When you order the oil filter you may want to consider getting 2-3 as they don't cost much & nice to have extras on hand. With regards to oil, I use Redline which is about the best but not easy to find. Check http://www.redlineoil.com to find distributor near you. If nothing close Amsoil or Mobil 1 in that order. Thas my .02.

 

Your under warrenty. Wait and let the dealer do it. I have four other cars Jag, Porcshe, 52 f1, MG and every car is over 200,000 miles. I go by the book for each one. Be doing it for 40+ years. The last car I let go was a Suburban at 380,000 miles. Just go by the book unless you like throwing money at your car for no reason. I was in the oil industry and changing every 3-5000 miles with todays product is pushed by the oil industry. Gee wonder why. This is one time the car manufactures are shooting straight (not just MINI/BMW). Look at other car maintainance scheduls. They don't suggest it to lose money. My MINI 24,000 miles.

Motor on

 

Hey Tspray,

I hear ya, but you don't think I should change it just because of the break in period? I thought most manufacturers recommend changing the oil soon after break-in. I know MINI does not but I wonder if that's because they are trying to keep their warranty costs down. I'm not doubting you at all; I just want to hear your opinion–I was raised believing in changing the oil every 3k–you'll have to forgive me; it's sort of my security blanket. It's hard to let go of this 3k philosophy. I was thinking about changing it every 5-7500 but according to the dipstick, I've used very little and the oil although a little darker, does not look cooked so I'd be willing to wait a little while if you're sure, but I need more evidence please!

thanks
-Jake

 

Thanks for the tip, Apexer

 

Jake,
You might as well try your own dealer first for the filters and oil. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to have a dealer that charges the actual price for the filter (around $7). My dealer charges $12.50 , so I'm ordering from Classic. The "MINI" oil is just Castrol Syntec 5W-30, so if you want to go by the book, you can pick that up at your local PepBoys or AutoZone or whatever. I agree with apexer though, there are much better true synthetic oils out there. I switched to Mobil One after the first few thousand miles, and now that my 10k service happened and I am re-Castroled, I'm going for the Amsoil.
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I bought enough oil for a change and an oil filter when I picked up my MINI. My dealer, (Roadshow, Memphis), charged $4.00 a quart for the MINI oil and $7.00 for the filter. I didn't think this was too bad. I'm changing my oil and filter at 5,000 miles whether it needs it or not. :smile:

 

CostCo had a great deal on Mobil1 5W30, 6 Qts for $23.

WalMart is around $25 for 5 Qts Mobil1 (Still not bad)

Filters from the local MINI dealership. $9

Changed my oil out for Mobil1 at 3000. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh......... LOL

Chris.

 

Got Mobil 1 at local Costco, couple of filters from Brian @ Classic Mini ( and other stuff,too), socket at Home Depot and did oil change at 2k miles myself without the ramps - pretty tight. Ready to install the MossMini skid plate and probably the valve ( mentioned somewhere here) for easy draining. Next oil change at the dealer at 10k.

 

>>CostCo had a great deal on Mobil1 5W30, 6 Qts for $23.
>>
>>
>>Filters from the local MINI dealership. $9
>>

Ditto. (Thinks of El Rushbo in drug addicts rehab. :???: )

 

I paid, $6.66 for a filter from my dealer. Downtown MINI Orlando, I got 10% off though 'cos I got my mini from them.
Paid $3.42 per qt for the oil too. My dealer is great!
:smile:

 

>>Got Mobil 1 at local Costco, couple of filters from Brian @ Classic Mini ( and other stuff,too), socket at Home Depot and did oil change at 2k miles myself without the ramps - pretty tight. Ready to install the MossMini skid plate and probably the valve ( mentioned somewhere here) for easy draining. Next oil change at the dealer at 10k.
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That's the Fumoto engine oil drain valve, At $19.95 from Moss Motors, or directly from Fumoto for $22.95. http://www.fumotovalve.com

Moss charges more for S/H and if you're not a WA. resident (Fumoto is located in Bellevue, WA), you save on sales tax, so the cost evens out somewhat.

 

>>I paid, $6.66 for a filter from my dealer. Downtown MINI Orlando, I got 10% off though 'cos I got my mini from them.
>>Paid $3.42 per qt for the oil too. My dealer is great!
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Great prices, Pebble. Dang, we Californians live in a high cost state!

Yaaaaay! I've just reached a new plateau with 200 posts. A long way to go catching up with ChiTown Coop and Toast, eh?