Oil Change Interval

2003 Cooper S:

First oil change was about 12,500 miles. I'm now at 22,000 miles but the countdown odometer still say 7,800 miles to go. This would put it at about 17,000 miles between changes, which seems like a lot.

If i change it myself do i need special MINI oil, or will any premium brand 100% synthetic do?

Advice sought

Thanks

The first Mini oil change service is roughly 10,000 miles then every 15,500 after that. If you want to do oil changes in between, I would recommend every 5,000 miles or so. This is what Mini of Peabody (#1 dealership in the country/where I work) suggests. You can buy Mini oil from a dealership, or Mini recommends Castrol Synthetic. Look on the intercooler cover it says it right there
hope this helps
-Todd

2003 Cooper S:

First oil change was about 12,500 miles. I'm now at 22,000 miles but the countdown odometer still say 7,800 miles to go. This would put it at about 17,000 miles between changes, which seems like a lot.

If i change it myself do i need special MINI oil, or will any premium brand 100% synthetic do?

Advice sought

Thanks

Go here, read and learn, make sure you check the forums;
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index.html