How critical is the "right" oil in a service?

[pimpin gimp]

I'm doing an oil change on the wifes mini cooler soon, it's 9 years old, has done 65k and is just about looking for the oil service on it's computer.
It needs 5w30 fully synthetic, but there seem to be oils of that spec for near as dammit every manufacturer out there, all with prices to match the manufacturers... So do I really need to buy the BMW one? Or will a.n.other be ok? The oil is from Halfords by the way, and it seems that the castrol they sell is suitable for all (but is half a litre short at only 4l containers) but the own brand stuff is all model specific.

Is it alright to use the 5w30 of any of the brands?

[HD Adam]

You should use the oil that meets the manufacturers specification for that model.

All explained here http://www.driverstechnologyassociation.co.uk/oils...

[bobsan]

modern day oils are fantastic, the level of protection is quite amazing, but the rules still apply 'you get what you pay for'
there's still plenty of rubbish out there so stick with top brands and you certainly don't need 'BMW oil'
with that milage I'd go for a full synth 10/40

[spaximus]

origanal fill on a mini cooper was castrol. Go on their website and type in the reg number and it will tell you the spec. If you want to save a bit go for Comma. As other shave said you get what you pay for.

[saaby93]

spaximus said:

origanal fill on a mini cooper was castrol. Go on their website and type in the reg number and it will tell you the spec. If you want to save a bit go for Comma. As other shave said you get what you pay for.

Pah I asked this the other week and it wasn't obvious you do get what you pay for, unless you like paying for the cost of having a nice logo on the bottle

[6speedmanual]

Buy the Specification, not the marketing!

Reputable oil names like Comma, Carlube and Millers produce quality products. They are clear and open about what they sell and what standards it meets. Spec sheets are available on their websites.

Every time you pay extra foe a big brand, a significant part of that spend covers advertising.

So if you need 5w30 fully synth for your MINI, find out the BMW spec and then find an oil that meets it.

Enjoy

P

[g3org3y]

I don't think I've ever seen BMW branded oil. BMW have been using Castrol for as long as I remember. Use the spec recommended in the handbook.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Halfords have 20% off Mobil1 at the mo - 5L of 0w40 for £37 quid.

[pimpin gimp]

I I might might not have been completely clear, Halfords own brand has 5w30 for ford, Audi, vw, BMW and merc, all different bottles and prices.

Thanks for all your help, I'll find out the exact spec and numbers and see what I can get that fits it. Cheers.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Expensive oil = cheap engine insurance.

[GTRmad]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Halfords have 20% off Mobil1 at the mo - 5L of 0w40 for £37 quid.

only £28 at costco!!

[NiceCupOfTea]

Every second bloody thread on here is raving about Costco - the majority of people can't use it!

[cuprabob]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Every second bloody thread on here is raving about Costco - the majority of people can't use it!

Easy enough, just become a member for £30 per year

[NiceCupOfTea]

According to their website you have to be a business owner or manager.

[pimpin gimp]

Whoops, repost.

[deveng]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Every second bloody thread on here is raving about Costco - the majority of people can't use it!

My parents got a card in 1999 and left the organisation they were a part of in 2002 and still have a card. Going to costco becomes a family day out! Just to rub it in.

[Old Gregg]

Have a look at Opie's website http://www.opieoils.co.uk/

They often have offers on good quality oils. I recently got 5 litres of Gulf Competition for (IIRC) £25.

[NWMark]

castrol is currently £3 for a 1 litre bottle in ASDA, they had 5-30 and 10-40, 5l=£15 bargain.

[GadgeS3C]

NiceCupOfTea said:

According to their website you have to be a business owner or manager.

If you work for one of the companies on their "approved" list they'll give you a card. Or if you have a professional qualification.

I know because I emailed them last week to check as the info on their website isn't clear. I got a reply back within the hour.

No harm in asking!

[Deva Link]

GTRmad said:

NiceCupOfTea said:

Halfords have 20% off Mobil1 at the mo - 5L of 0w40 for £37 quid.

only £28 at costco!!

It's 20% off at Costco for the next couple of weeks. Yay - go Costco!


Regarding which oil to use, for everyday use the specs are a load of bks (unless the car is PD VW) - any decent oil will be fine.