With my MINI out of its free maintenance warranty it’s now time to do things myself, and this weekend was my first time changing its oil. Though I’ve done the relatively simple procedure many times before on my previous car, I always take my time and double-check each step the first time I do any work on the mini.
I had prepared well ahead of time and I think for the first time ever starting a project, had everything I needed. A MINI oil filter/gasket kit, a huge 36mm socket, 5 quarts of Mobil 1, and the usual remaining tools. Of course a semi-insulated garage certainly helped when it was 30 degrees out. Additionally, at the recommendation of many others, I took the opportunity to install a Fumoto oil drain valve to replace the often-stripped oil plug.
Everything went well with the only tough part was rethreading the filter cover. It took about ten tries before it would continue past a quarter turn. The MINI was much easier than on my previous car, where I had to crawl completely under the car and needed three elbows to snake my arm to the oil filter. With the MINI, you don’t really need to get underneath–the plug is about two feet from the front so I just pulled it up on ramps, and could reach under the bumper. With the fumoto valve, there’s no need for a wrench so I won’t even need ramps next time.
I won’t bother writing a DIY as there are plenty of excellent ones out there, including a chapter in the Haynes manual. I liked this guide the best. Oil change frequency is a big debate, and I decided to go twice as often as my service interval, and estimated it will again go 20,000 miles; so I changed at the 10,000 mark.
That filter is a royal PITA. 10 tries is a minimum for me. I just can’t figure out why it’s so damn difficult!
Comment by blalor — March 19, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
do the ramps put the car at an angle which will prevent all the old oil from draining?
Comment by lavardera — March 23, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Thanks for the info as I’m nearly out of warranty on my ’04 S
Comment by twistybitz — March 26, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
Hi!
How frequent do you change your MINI’s oil? Is it true that you can go over 3k?
Thanks!
Lidiette
Comment by Lidiette Lacalle — May 3, 2007 @ 11:48 pm
The “3k oil change” is a myth propagated by the oil companies and garages to make you spend more money. 5k is more realistic with quality oil and synthetics allow much longer intervals. It all changes when the company pays for it like BMW and MINI, and their recommended intervals are more in the 15k range! I like to cut it in half and change around 7k.
Comment by Josh Wardell — May 4, 2007 @ 8:18 am
I think, though I am not certain, that the link is broken above to: “this guide” you liked the best.
Comment by Jeffrey Audet — October 6, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
I recently purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper S with 39,600 miles. It is not longer covered by a warranty. I had the oil changed using 5W-30 synthetic oil (and paper filter) at a local shop for $65.00. I reset the service required indicator light and it now shows 15K miles until the next (service) oil change. I plan to change the oil every 7500 miles or so, depending on our driving.
Comment by Bob — June 12, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Bob,how did you reset your indicator light.I also have a2005 mini s. I was trying to figure out how to reset, for I have no manuel.
Comment by Fred — November 21, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
You are all steps ahead of me, can someone tell me where the oil filter is on an 07..laymens terms please
Comment by Monel — January 18, 2010 @ 6:15 pm