Hampton Roads Club Mini

Hey gang, when should the first oil change be done on our 07 Cooper S? Mini is telling me not before 12-15,000 miles. Does that sound right?

That sounds right. It was scary to hear that at first; but I have a countdown ticker thingy on the dash, my guess is you do too?

Hey Dale,

 I questioned that with my first MINI as well..  It was explained that "If MINI thought they would have to buy a single engine, they would just increase the interval".  Makes sense to me.. but it still makes me cringe to see that mileage roll up.  It is synthetic oil, and diesels have been running thousands of miles on each oil change, so maybe things really are that good these days.

Cheers,
Alan

That's my opinion! As longas they're willing to buy a motor I'll wait. But if it were up to me.......

I believe in the first 4 years/50k, CF will change the oil at least annually or by mileage.  Personally, I would at least change the filter ever 4-5k, if not the oil itself.  Full quality synthetic oil doesn't break down like standard motor oil.  Engines kept on synthetic their whole lives show virtually 0 wear after 200,000 miles. 

Like T.J. said its cheap insurance, and I changed my oil (at 5000) on both the '06 MC and our 525iT before the dealer would. And I plan to change it on our '07 MC soon.

This past year I did a lot of driving and made several long trips in a row. Plus with racing my MINI I had the oil changed out of schedule and just had to pay for it. CF will change it at any time you want but will only do the free change with the count down that shows when you start your car.

I believe that you pay now so you don't have to PAY later.  Just my 2 cents.

For up to '06, the oil service intervals are:  first service at 10,000 miles, then (I believe) in 15,000 mile increments thereafter.  (I've yet to get to a 3rd service, so I'm not sure.) The service interval for 07 forward may be a little different, but in any case, the numbers are dependent on use--the computer countdown to service goes by fuel consumption.  The computer makes the assumption that higher fuel consumption equals harder use--whether it's for a daily commute that is mainly on surface streets, or you've run one too many track days.   The countdown self adjusts---I've had 1st service due indications at circa 9,000 miles (Cooper) and 9500-9800 miles (for the MCS & GP).  I guess I really drove the $%*@ out of the Cooper      

Many of the more "enthusiastic" drivers out here in CA will do an oil change at 1,000 miles/end of break-in, and then at 5,000 mile increments between the service interval (or even sooner).   Personally, I've done the 1st 1K change on all three of my MINIS, and thereafter at the 1/2 way point between service intervals.  Either way, getting a full synthetic oil into the motor is  a good idea, given that the Castrol spec'd by MINI for the motor through MY 06 is a semi-synthetic, and may tend to break down sooner than a full synthetic.  If MINI is using the same blend in the new motors, you're still on the sem-synthetic.  Full synthetic at  5W-30/10W-30, depending on your driving style, are good suggestions. 

When it's dealer service time, I put the 5 new quarts on the passenger seat floor, and let my SA know they're there to be used.  There should be no warranty implications, either--you're using a better grade of oil and, at least at the service intervals, having the dealer do the work.  When doing your own oil changes, just remember that getting the oil filter cover properly seated can be a finicky business, and you're golden.  If, like me, you can't get electrical tape to stick to itself, have someone whose skills you trust do the oil change.  Assuming the monkeys at the local jiffy lube know what they're doing is a dangerous business when it comes to our babies.