I was lurking the other day and noticed several comments from people about topping off the oil. My Cooper has 8000 miles. I have not had to add any oil. it still is up to the max line on the dip stick. 8000 miles and I haven't used a drop. How many people are having MINI's leaking oil. How many are tight like mine and haven't used a drop?. Do the S's use oil and the Coopers don't?

 

I'm sure Azwed will chime in here, but in the meantime...

It's not that the car LEAKS oil; it's the fact that the Castrol pseudo-synthetic oil has a very high volatility rating and "burns off" relatively quickly compared with real synthetics. I'm very surprised to hear that you've maintained the oil level for 8000 miles! I changed my oil at only 2500 miles, and it was VERY dark brown (switched to Mobil 1). If I get Castrol again at 10,000, it won't even stay in THAT long.

I seem to be emphasizing words by using CAPS today.

 

I intend on switching to mobil 1 when the oil is changed. about 1300 more miles acording to the service indicator.

 

Well, although I wish I didn't have to admit it and that I could say otherwise, I let my Molly (CVT MC) go the full 10K before her first oil change. It sure was brown (I've never changed oil that wasn't), but it was all there!

 

I've done quite a bit of research before changing the oil in my MCS at 4500 miles. My choice is Amsoil 0-W30. It has extremely low volatility and won't burn off. It's a full synthetic and in recent tests out-performed Mobil 1. Like others posting here, I wanted to get the dirty stuff out of there, my filter looked nasty so I'm glad I did.

 

I should have added this link to my last post, it's the Amsoil/Mobil 1 comparison test. http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com/Mobil1test.htm

Graham

 

Although I make no claims of being an expert in this area, and I'm not a proponent of either one - I would just caution that that study was obviously done by Amsoil.

Are there independent studies that say the same thing? (I guess the real question there would be "are there independent studies?&quot

Again, I'm neither advocating nor slamming either product, just pointing out that the objectivity of that study might be suspect.

 

No topping off since switsh to Mobil One.

 

Up to this point I have been using Castrol Syntec on my change. Plan on switching to Amsoil or Redline soon.
So far I have had to add about a quart after about 4800 miles. Since the wife is getting more comfortable with her S she is taking it close to redline quite often which is probably burning off some the oil quicker.

Here is a somewhat independent test on a Timkin machine. It shows the bearing wear of various oils. This particular test the tester is partial to his Schaeffer oil.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/videos/bearingresults.jpg

 

Anyone with any experiance using Agip 4-synt? (full synthetic). I used to use Agip Sint 2000 (para-synthetic) with no problems at all in my Alfa spider racecar.

 

I got a private email about this bit and as a Amsoil dealer I try to stay away from these topics as it generates more fustrations. I should point out that that test was recienty done for Dealers and Amsoil doesn't make false clames. You will never read about Mobil 1 taking them to court. Since 1972 Amsoil has a resopnsibilty to its dealers to have the best product, and that's why it sells itself without all the heavy advertising. In fact they are #6 in the market as far as requested in lube centers which is good for a product not stocked at Walmart. Ask anyone that uses it. It cost less than the other performance products, the only one with a guarantee, you will notice a difference, and customers either come back for more or become a dealer them self.
I have a customer in Richardson, TX that was reciently featured in the magazine as he and his wife were thrilled of the results in their Diesel - Silencing the turbo, etc, Bikes, and van. Is that cool or what! And they mentioned my name too!!!

My best testimonial is a customer and now dealer in Bremerton, WA (Near Seattle). He owns and promotes out board racing from his shop. He noticed something several of my miata customers have always mentioned too.. The consistancy of the gearlubes over time. His comment was that Redline (which is really apples to Oranges when comparing Amsoil) would become "sticky" and some of the lower units shafts would often break where as the Amsoil 2000 would keep going.

I later called Amsoil Tech Services and they told me why, but I don't expect you to take my word for it so I'll leave it at that.
Last I will mention that Lubrizol and others that often visit Amsoil's labs in Wisconsin are overly impressed with the quality and upkeep of their lab as they have just invested millions in new equipment to keep this trend going. I am invited to tour the facility in June so look forward to pictures and comments at that time. Amsoil sponsors schools for dealers which I will be undergoing to get a better scope on the chemistry and technology to pass the information to you.
As my customers know I send plenty of information when requested about our products including topics such as "Synthetics w/ Phosphorous destroying catalytic converters", New API requirements, etc. This you won't get from other vendors.

In the marketing forum section see my drawing I'm having and enter.
Please continue to be subjective but seat of the pants experience don't lie.
Ches

 

>>I'm sure Azwed will chime in here, but in the meantime...
>>
>>It's not that the car LEAKS oil; it's the fact that the Castrol pseudo-synthetic oil has a very high volatility rating and "burns off" relatively quickly compared with real synthetics. I'm very surprised to hear that you've maintained the oil level for 8000 miles! I changed my oil at only 2500 miles, and it was VERY dark brown (switched to Mobil 1). If I get Castrol again at 10,000, it won't even stay in THAT long.
>>
>>I seem to be emphasizing words by using CAPS today.

Hehe got that reputation already do i??

Yeah I agree with what you say and I think that most people that are having oil consumption problems have them with the Cooper and not the S.

Probably something to do with all the extra heat the supercharge adds.