6 replies to this topic

[kamik]

I’m doing my first oil change on my mini and the local parts place is saying 10w40 semi synthetic is fine to use…

What grade oil would you recommend?

It’s on 68K currently

[mab01uk]

20W50 only and only those that state they are for the combined Mini engine and gearbox.

 

Minispares sell a choice of these mineral or semi synthetic oils below:-

 

Mineral oil especially formulated for the combined engine and gearbox such as the Mini:-

https://www.minispar...mbined-vehicles

 

ESPECIALLY FOR MINIS This 20-50w semi synthetic oil is produced especially for minis where it needs to lubricate both engine and gearbox parts giving the neccessary coating and protection.

https://www.minispar...oil-5-litre-ctv

Edited by mab01uk, 28 January 2025 - 10:13 PM.

[kamik]

Thanks for the reply great help!

[Blumeanie]

Correct! - Use only "mini Juice" - 20W-50

Not to start the traditional forum oil debate; but from all I've read, mini's gearboxes prefer frequent changes of conventional oil - and not synthetic.

I use pure synthetic in all cars (Except EVs, of course!) - but the mini gets frequent changes of 100% pure dinosaur extract (Old fashioned conventional oil).

Hey - it is what was available in 1959!

(I use the version with a bit of Zinc added).

@mab01UK - In my part of the world, I have not seen any labeling that refers to combined engine and gearbox use. Does this exist in the UK?
Do you refer to motorbike-specific oils in this case?

[mab01uk]

Correct! - Use only "mini Juice" - 20W-50

Not to start the traditional forum oil debate; but from all I've read, mini's gearboxes prefer frequent changes of conventional oil - and not synthetic.

I use pure synthetic in all cars (Except EVs, of course!) - but the mini gets frequent changes of 100% pure dinosaur extract (Old fashioned conventional oil).

Hey - it is what was available in 1959!

(I use the version with a bit of Zinc added).

@mab01UK - In my part of the world, I have not seen any labeling that refers to combined engine and gearbox use. Does this exist in the UK?
Do you refer to motorbike-specific oils in this case?

 

• Use in combined engine and gearbox applications for the Classic Mini
• Engine oil with EP levels of gear protection
• Suitable for some wet clutch application classic motorcycles preferably non-roller bearing big end type

Application: Use in installations where the engine and gearbox share the same oil such as original Mini, and gearbox applications specifying an engine oil. The best possible oil for discerning classic Mini owners!

User Benefits:

• Improved engine and gearbox protection versus a normal 20w50 engine oil.
• Longer life for gears, plain bearings, and needle/roller bearings
• Improved gear change quality. Longer idler gear life in transverse Mini engines.

Minimania in the USA can supply this Millers Classic oil for Minis.

Question:

Does this have zinc?

Answer:

Yes, this Classic Mini Oil label reads: Formulated with full ZDDP (zinc/phosphorus) API SF, GL4.

https://www.minimani...l-20w-50-5l-Jug

Edited by mab01uk, 29 January 2025 - 10:47 PM.

[bogstandard]

Yes it's the big oil debate again and even the basics in the Mini world are never resolved as everyone has an opinion.

 

My Rover manual says 10w-30 but I have always used and advised 10w-40. Guess any oil better than none so keep it topped up.

[Steve220]

One of the reasons rover used 10w40 semi is that the zinc in 20w50 classic oils kills the catalytic converter.