2004 Mini Cooper S

[Xipher]

I have a lightly modified 2004 Mini Cooper S that is likely to see pretty spirited driving and 3-5k OCIs in Northern California.

Trying to figure out what oil is likely to work the best here. I hear Castrol Euro 5w-30 tossed out as suggestions, but can't find a single place that stocks it, in fact, around here, its hard to find any oil that isn't VERY 'run of the mill', I have a hard enough time getting Mobil 1 4T for my bike. I see a lot of 0 weight oils on the 'approved' list too but just can't bring myself to 'trust' a 0 weight oil unless someone convinces me otherwise.

What BMW LL-01 oils are there that are considered the best stuff to use, what oil is /in/ those darn Mini branded oil bottles, and given that I've heard they only cost $11-12/qt, should I just use the stuff they've got, or can I get it without their branding commonly somewhere cheaper?

So many questions with these 'modern' cars, I'm not used to having to adhere to special lists of oils and such sillyness.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If 0 weight oils on the 'approved' list does not convince you that it's good for your engine, then no one can do that.

One of the easiest on the BMW LL-01 to find anywhere is M1 0W40, it's on many 'approved' list.

 

[Brons2]

Why are you getting so caught up on the 0w part of the oil grade? You should be looking at the operating specs at 100C and the HTHS rating, in additon to any US or Euro specs the oil needs to pass.

The approved 0w30 or 0w40 oils are fine, and oils like M1 0w40 are pretty easy to find. You will find that M1 0w40 is one of the most highly regarded oils around here, and is used and recommended in many European applications, including Porsche. I think it can handle your Mini Cooper S just fine. http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_0W-40.aspx

Another oil that is fairly widely available is the 0w30 Castrol Snyntec, commonly known as 'GC' or German Castrol. It's a fairly thick 30wt at operating temperature.

 

[simple_gifts]

What is the specific concern with a 0W? Perhaps you are misunderstanding that designation? A lot of people do. JMO.

 

[Audios]

What about the local BMW/Mini dealer? I think their syn lists for under 8/quart.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Xipher
I see a lot of 0 weight oils on the 'approved' list too but just can't bring myself to 'trust' a 0 weight oil unless someone convinces me otherwise.

What is the hangup? Can you elaborate so that we can dispel the myths that you may be holding dear?

Quote:

What BMW LL-01 oils are there that are considered the best stuff to use, what oil is /in/ those darn Mini branded oil bottles, and given that I've heard they only cost $11-12/qt, should I just use the stuff they've got, or can I get it without their branding commonly somewhere cheaper?

The Mini oil is the same as BMW High Perf Synthetic 5w-30 which is a Castrol oil (thought to be Castrol Softec TXT). You should be able to find it at most BMW dealer service departments for less than $10/qt.

As far as other readily available LL-01 oils, your choices are M1 0w-40, Edge Syntec 0w-30, Edge Syntec 5w-40. Many NAPA stores also carry Lubro Moly (Liqui Moly) oils - they have at least one in their lineup that's LL-01 compliant.

One other option would be Valvoline Synpower 5w-40 available at NAPA and sometimes at Walmart. It's a mid-saps oil with fairly low starting TBN, but since you're planning to change your oil so frequently, it doesn't really matter.

 

[jca]

The BMW 5w30 oil is very good and recommended for your Mini. It was recently $6.75/qt but is now showing $7.45 at Roseville, Niello, or Concord. You should be able to find Mobil 1 0w40 as others recommended at Walmart for $6.47/qt.

Either one would be an excellent choice, and would be good for much longer than 3-5k mi.

 

[cadfaeltex]

I remembering it being Castrol as well (the MINI oil). I followed the MM on my '05 (mostly because of the free maintenance). It would have been interesting to see under the cover on that engine to see how clean it was because the computer recommended changes between 12,000 and 18,000 miles on my S.