Mini Cooper oil consumption, is this normal?

[MGgeordie]

Hi All,
My wife has recently bought a 2004 Mini Cooper with full stamped service history from new, 96,000 on the clock. However it uses around 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles. Is this normal?? I have had a good look round including underneath & there are no signs of any leaks. Cold it be burning oil?

Also when its cold in the morning it appears to be very jerky until its warmed up, it can kangaroo a bit when you change gear. Even when it has warmed up it doesn't feel very quick, if anything I think its bloody slow! Its not running rough or misfiring but her old MGF felt a hell of a lot quicker. I thought these coopers were quite pokey but perhaps I'm wrong?

[sad61t]

1 litre / 1000 miles is at the high end of normal, and just within BMW's acceptable consumption. Keep checking it though as the dealer may not have topped up fully. If the oil warning light comes on, the engine is already knackered. And change the dipstick before the OEM one snaps; retrieving the remains needs half the bottom of the engine dropping out.

The Cooper is not quick (the One is seriously slow), only about 120ps and 10 seconds 0-60 compared with the MGF VVC's 7 seconds. The Cooper S (with the bonnet scoop) would be closer to the MGF.

[MGgeordie]

Ok thanks. Seems bizarre that a so called modern car actually can use oil and its acceptable. The oil isn't cheap either, good job she doesn't do mega miles.
The MGF which everyone slags off as being crap burnt no oil whatsoever! Really thought the Cooper would be quicker....God knows what the One is like!

[sad61t]

I had a test drive, and decided to get the Cooper. The One could pull out of junctions, but would probably be arrested for jaywalking.

The kangarooing sounds like a carburation issue, try changing the air filter and checking all the connectors for the engine sensors are properly home.

[MX-5 Lazza]

My old Cooper did feel pretty quick. Nothing like an S of course but it certainly didn't feel lacking. It also used no oil whatsoever.

[Pit Pony]

Wife's Cooper (a 2001) uses very little oil, although I have to say that I change it every 6K at a cost of £40 for 5 litres of 0W/40 Full synthetic.

[mike9009]

Our 2002 MINI One and 2004 Cooper S used no oil during their time with us. Is it leaving any drips underneath?

My current 2007 MCS likes a drink of oil, but this is well documented.

Mike

[Pit Pony]

I tell you the MINI cooper is the spiritual successor of the mg metro turbo. Get a good one and the gearbox is fine and the engine uses no oil. Get a bad one and the gearbox is made of chocolate, the engine uses oil, the electrics are ste, and the suspension and steering wear out quickly. Designed by the same drawing office employees I suspect.

[MGgeordie]

Well the wifes must have been built on a Friday afternoon haha!!

Just after we bought it the power steering pump failed and she nearly crashed! Looked like car was on fire as the PCB had burnt out. £378 that cost and now there is the oil issue. Had a few other issues too. All now fixed but she is sick of it already & wants rid.

I'll stick to my old tech cars thanks.