Just changed my oil for the first time in my 04 MCS. Did it at 2210 mile using 5w30 Redline. I've changed my own oil for years and must say it is a piece of cake doing the Mini. Some hints from mco posters were helpful, like pushing the filter onto both the engine block and then the inside of the filter housing before trying to screw the filter can onto the block. I also found it much easier to screw the filter back on by leaning towards the passenger side and using my right hand to screw the can back on (used my left hand to unscrew after getting lose with rachet).
Thats not the reason for this post. I added 4 quarts, started the engine, ran it for about 30 seconds (Oil Light went out after about 2 seconds). Shut it down and then added about another 1/2 quart. Let it sit for couple of minutes, checked dip stick, still less than half way up the indicator. Added about another 1/4 qt., waited couple of more minutes, dip stick between 1/2 and 3/4. Added the rest of the quart (now a total of 5 quarts) waited at least 5 minutes, reading now ALMOST up to full.
Manual and others on the various Mini sites say should take 4.7 quarts. I know the drill.. engine was still warm, dip stick pushed all the way in, waited adaquate time before checking level, no leaks. I don't think Redline is shorting the customers so, Why Did It Take 5 Quarts????? Thoughts will be appreciated.

 

Well there were 5 quarts you used for sure- that's done.
4.7 quarts gets you how full is the question? To the middle area of the oil dipstick (hard to read anyway-kinda not accurate)-or more or less. I think that within limits it is fair to say that between 4.7 and 5 quarts oil is OK.
I checked the manual just to be sure we were not looking at liters vs quarts.

Maybe you got an extra BIG hefty 1.6+ liter engine. They put it in as a practical joke at the factory to throw you off. Blame the factory workers. Maybe they were bored?

 

Have yet to change my oil in MCS at 6000 BUT there was a recent thread about how difficult it was to read the MINI dipstick.

Once had a Model 95 Saab wagon on which I attempted my first oil change. Now I must admit that I am a mechanical moron.

Drained the oil and then began adding and checked the dipstick. Low. Added more and checked again. Still low. More oil and more checking both dipstick and owners manual. Low yet again. More oil then checked not the dipstick but the plug. Plug. What plug? The one in the catch pan for the oil which i had removed.

 

When I went into the dealer to pick up the filters and oil, the MINI parts man told me it would take the full 5 qts. I'm trusting these guys see enough of the oil changes to know what the engine really needs. Sounds to me like you've hit the mark.

Miniature

 

Changed my oil 3 times..... in 24k miles.
4th change due at 25.5
My MCS took 5 qts ...everytime :smile:

Peace,
D

_________________
I own a 2002 MCS w/ alot of stuff on it.

 

Thanks for the replys, nice to know that I'm not more nuts than usual lol. BTW, prior to changing my oil, checked level in garage with cold engine (sat all nite) and oil level was down about half way on the dip stick, this at 2210 miles. Then took it for a 6 mile ride before changing the oil. Damn that filter housing is hot even after waiting for 20 min. before trying to remove. Old pair of cotton work gloves did the trick. Could have probably have done the job without ramps but, would have been a problem with drain pan. Went to Auto Zone and bought a set of Rhino ramps that were on sale for $19.95. These are a lower profile and raise the car 6", no problem with hitting the bumper. If you don't have ramps, you may want to consider checking your local Auto Zone.

 

Just a quick up-date. This morning I checked the oil level after the car sat all nite. Level just a tad, and I mean a TAD (about 32nd. of an inch) above full mark. From this I feel sure that using the 5 quart rule will be OK. Figure some will be in the top-end as soon as I start the engine and some will burn off based on loosing 1/2 quart in 2200 miles. Regardless, for everyday driving don't think loss of hp will be a problem. If you plan on doing some track time or auto-crossing soon after changing oil, you may want to consider adding 4.7 quarts to make sure oil doesn't hit the crank. BTW, does the mcs have a windage tray in the oil pan?

 

A quart in England is larger than a quart in the good ol' USA. But i am sure you knew that.

Motor on

 

I dunno, 4.7 qts. is what I've done each time I changed oil, and my dipstick (notoriously wierd way to read it) always marked within the safe zone. I wouldn't be too concerned if yours has taken 5 qts., especially as yours marked in the middle of the safe zone with the 4.7. I never went up to the end of the yellow tab on my dipstick, maybe 5 qts is what it takes to mark to the end.

 

No, 5 quarts doesn't get you anywhere near the end of the yellow tab portion of the dip stick, just about 32nd. of an inch beyond the full hole mark.

 

I think I added 4 3/4 bottles when I did it at 1800 ish 2 weeks ago.

 

Don't want to beat this thread to death but, wanted to let you all know that after my first oil change a 2200 miles, i cut the filter in half with a hack saw. Looked very close in bright sunlight... No Metal of any kind found... and I pulled the filter paper out flat so I could inspect both inside and outside of material. Thought that would be nice to know information.

 

I've been told 5 full quarts although the manual says 4.7

 

I thought the spec was 4.9 quarts?

Anyway, my MINI's always sucked up 5 quarts to get basically at the top of the dipstick gradients.

 

I know that some manufacturers list oil capacity without taking into consideration how much oil is found in the oil filter. This could account for the .3 quart of oil.

Cheers