MINI Oil Change Interval
We have written before about our concern relative to the high mileage interval between oil changes on most BMW and MINIs. Now MINI has apparently seen the issue and felt the issue, and has changed the oil change interval from 15,000 to 10,000 miles. This started with all MINIs made after 03/2012. If your MINI is made before that date, and you get a software update / flash, your software should now have this new interval as the oil change standard.
We have also had a MINI customer in recently where we had to deal with a stretched timing chain (not the cold start chain tensioner issue) and a plugged VANOS solenoid, due to the extended length oil change interval. So, the after affects of not changing your oil at least once a year or every 10,000 miles seems to have caught up with MINI, and they are now seeing the light of day. Since nothing else had changed before, we always wondered why MINI and BMW increased the oil change mileage interval….but now it seems they are reverting back.
(Picture below is of the VANOS solenoid in a MINI Cooper S R56 that had become clogged by carbon build up in the oil).
So, if you own a MINI, be aware that the proper oil change interval is now 10,000 miles or once a YEAR!.
BRracing – keeping your car running and providing the expert service you require
Just had my GP in for service 12 months old 9500 k’s in Western Australia was told it did not require an oil change after several minutes of heated conversation they are still not going to change it. now taking this up with BMW Australia. It’s pretty typical of car dealerships in WA. There are a few other issues with car they have still not resolved it seems once bought thats yer lot! I should just do it my self at least its done and stuff the so called the warrenty!!