I know that the oil service display tells you when you should get your oil changed. But I here from other owners of cars that are NOT mini's and they change their oil evry 2-4,000 miles. They are shocked that I havent changed my oil yet ith nearly 6,000 miles. What do you guys do? and do you recommend servicing other parts before the scheduled service date?

 

6000? my first oil change is not due until 10,000 miles and tehn every 15,000 after that.

 

>>6000? my first oil change is not due until 10,000 miles and tehn every 15,000 after that.
>>
Yeah, and I'll bet Santa stops at your house as well. I wouldn't drive over
3000 with Castrol in the crankcase. Hmm. This is like deja vu all over again...

 

I changed at 4,000kms when I was in getting the software upgrade - i didn't reset the factory counter.

I always change my cars oil at about 5,000km intervals - even when running synthetic. The important thing with synthetic oil is really the filter but it is kind of silly do one without the other.

 

Going in tomorrow for software upgrade,seat squeak,rear seat latch,steering wheeel noise,cd does not work and what the heck and oil and filter change -should have around 3000 miles on my fun fun fun Mini. Oil is cheap , dine out often every 3000 miles :smile: Motorcars love new oil yummy

 

>>>>6000? my first oil change is not due until 10,000 miles and tehn every 15,000 after that.
>>>>
>>Yeah, and I'll bet Santa stops at your house as well. I wouldn't drive over
>>3000 with Castrol in the crankcase. Hmm. This is like deja vu all over again...
>>


Went to my BMW dealer the other day to buy a oil filter for my Mini and the Service Manager asked me what kind of oil I planned to use. I told him Mobil1 and he said you should use Castrol Synthetic because if theres any oil related problems I might have a problem. So, I bought five quarts of Mini synthetic oil @$5.41 a quart and will keep the bill. Frankly, I think this thing about having to use Castrol oil is streaching things a bit but at $5.41 a quart why should I argue. He also said that going 10,000 miles until the first oil change is OK. I told him no way will I wait that long.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________2002 Mini, Indi blue

 

WOW! That cost more than Amsoils 5W-30! Don't worry when he tells you about the oil related problem. The only way a warranty can be voided is once they prove the brand of oil was the cause of the problem. Since 1972 Amsoil has never caused any engine problems. You should ask him if Castrol backs their oil with a guarantee.
Also if he can put that comment in writing send it to me! I promise he'll never say that to another customer again. Amsoil's legal department is always egar for that statement in writing..
Castrol is a type III synthetic. It offers no protection in the event of severe temperature or engine overheating. Also you could do the 10,000 intervals, but when you get to 120,000 I would expect you to have valve train problems, carbon buildup, average wear, and the car should be using oil more. Type III (non 100% synthetics) are known to have the same weigt loss problems as other refined oils, thus not a consistant product..
If you request a catalog from us and want more detail on this. Ask for the "Oil Guide" this explains more on what makes a real synthetic different.

http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com


Also check out http://www.amsoil.com (please don't order from there as the retail price is very high!)

 

Wow, that is expensive for Castrol fully synthetic. You might try Target or WalMart. They have it for aboutr 4.00 per quart
JB

 

I had my first oil change last friday at dealer (Global Imports, Atlanta). My MC had 1400 miles on it. I furnished my own oil (Mobil 1 synthetic). The service manager told me not using Castrol (MINI) would not affect the warranty as long as I used a quality synthetic oil. I feel Mobil 1 is better than Castrol Syntech. I plan on going on a 10K interval for future changes.

 

>>WOW! That cost more than Amsoils 5W-30! Don't worry when he tells you about the oil related problem. The only way a warranty can be voided is once they prove the brand of oil was the cause of the problem. Since 1972 Amsoil has never caused any engine problems. You should ask him if Castrol backs their oil with a guarantee.
>>Also if he can put that comment in writing send it to me! I promise he'll never say that to another customer again. Amsoil's legal department is always egar for that statement in writing..
>>Castrol is a type III synthetic. It offers no protection in the event of severe temperature or engine overheating. Also you could do the 10,000 intervals, but when you get to 120,000 I would expect you to have valve train problems, carbon buildup, average wear, and the car should be using oil more. Type III (non 100% synthetics) are known to have the same weigt loss problems as other refined oils, thus not a consistant product..
>>If you request a catalog from us and want more detail on this. Ask for the "Oil Guide" this explains more on what makes a real synthetic different.
>>
>>http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com
>>
>>
>>Also check out http://www.amsoil.com (please don't order from there as the retail price is very high!)


Yeah don't you just love dumb service managers. :smile:

 

Can anyone give advice on finding filters at a reasonable price? I changed my oil for the first time at 3000 miles. I purchased my filter from Bavarian Motor Village in Eastpointe, Michigan. I ended up paying almost $12 with tax for the filter. This seemed quite high to me as I recall seeing posts of filters being bought for around $7-$8. The filter for my 330Cic costs me $7 and I suspect a filter for a MCS can be had for about the same. I'm interested in purchasing a box of filters, assuming a reasonable number (~10) come packaged in a box.

By the way, isn't changing the oil on the MINI fantastic? On how many cars is the drain plug located within arm's reach from the front of the vehicle? I don't even have to lift the car! Mobil 1 now flows through my MINI's veins.

Thanks for reading,
Jeff