Is Mannol a reliable brand for R56 N12 engine oil?

[LimeLing]

Tonight, I will be acquiring a Cooper 1.6. However, my immediate priority is to do an oil and filter change.

I am curious about the appropriate oil to use. I am now reading about the viscosity grade 5w30, but I would want to know whether there is a particular performance rating associated with it, such as ACEA A3, for example.

I came saw a 5-liter bottle of Mannol on Amazon priced at £15. However, I am uncertain about the quality and reputation of this brand. Can you provide any insights?

Thank you.

[NarrativePsych]

The brand is excellent. As a general guideline, if it is suitable for VAG PD engines with low SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulphur) content, it will function well. I personally only purchase oil from MPD over the counter, using my car's registration for identification. Since I primarily work with Mini vehicles, I buy a 45-gallon drum at a time. The oil I choose is a 5W-30 fully synthetic low SAPS oil, specifically designed for PD engines, which can withstand high shear rates, pressure, and temperatures.

[LimeLing]

Thank you for the prompt response, this is the material I was examining.

The product is Mannol Energy 5W30 with a volume of 5 litres.

https://amzn.eu/d/hr37GoF.

If you could verify that it is OK, that would be much appreciated 🙂

[NarrativePsych]

The following link will provide you with the information you need.

https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130832X1595941&isjs=1&jv=15.7.1&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mini2.com%2Fthreads%2Fr56-n12-engine-oil-is-mannol-any-good.373037%2F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autodoc.co.uk%2Fcar-parts%2Fengine-oil-12094%2Fmini%2Fmini%2Fmini-r56%2F19859-cooper%3Fsupplier%5B0%5D%3D100290&xs=1&xtz=-180&xuuid=42f40757a20d42e62e2e1027f6de04d1&cci=8f069f3b969c9edbc58e74213e04773f

[LimeLing]

Thank you once again. I have a short question: would a 4-liter bottle be sufficient if I use Castrol? Is the specified 4.2 litres referring to the capacity of a completely unused engine?

Assume that 5 litres of a substance provides an additional amount for refills and other purposes.

[NarrativePsych]

The oil typically measures around 4.6 on completely dry engines. It is possible to purchase this oil in 20-liter drums for approximately £60.

[NarrativePsych]

Personally, I change the oil every 8,000 miles since I believe that the notion of extended oil life is misleading and may be detrimental to the engine's longevity.

[LimeLing]

Thank you, yes. I have come across information suggesting that some individuals change their oil every 4,000 miles, however I find this frequency to be excessive.

Is it OK to use Castrol Edge 5w30 "M" in the R56 Mini? The current version is C3 and the model number is LL04.

Thank you.

[Banman]

Yesterday was a calm day at the workshop, where our major focus is on vehicles from the VAG group. However, I have a particular fondness for Minis, and a few of us use them as our own vehicles and as courtesy cars for clients.
We maintain the vehicles of our local veterinary office. Two of the female veterinarians own Mini cars. Yesterday, one of the cars, a 2015 Countryman Cooper 1.6d, was brought in for its MOT and a comprehensive service. The car has almost reached 200,000 miles.

NarrativePsych assertion on longlife service is accurate. Manufacturers implemented this practice solely as a response to environmental concerns. Reducing the frequency of oil changes has the benefit of producing less waste oil, which is environmentally friendly. However, this practice is not beneficial for the engine's performance. It does contribute to the goal of reducing emissions, however.
I have a strong inclination towards maintaining regularity in oil changes, and I ensure that mine is done every 12 weeks. Some could consider this excessive, but now my vehicle has accumulated 230,000 miles (as seen in the second picture).
Returning to the veterinarian's automobile, we have taken care of it since it reached the age of three and required its first MOT.
Previously, BMW was responsible for completing the task.
My employer highly values oil analysis, therefore after removing the oil, we submitted a sample to Shell, our lubricant supplier, for examination. The analysis findings indicated the presence of carbon particles and detectable amounts of fuel inside the oil.
Subsequently, the aforementioned information was transferred to the client, resulting in advantageous effects on the engine's durability. Additionally, it has been advantageous for us since it has led to repeat business.
We provide maintenance services for a large number of fleet cars and taxis, mostly Volkswagen models, which accumulate significant mileage. The owners of these vehicles prioritise minimising downtime. Regular oil changes are the only method to avoid costly engine troubles.

[LimeLing]

Thank you for your response. It seems that the garage where you work demonstrates exceptional attention to detail when it comes to handling autos. Well done! 👍

I am curious to know whatever kind of oil you use in them, since you did not specify this detail. 😃

Thank you once again

[Banman]

Although it may deviate from the main issue, I believe it is important to discuss as it pertains to the maintenance of vehicles.
As previously said, our primary focus is on servicing the VAG group.
There is a significant number of online accounts detailing instances of VW/Audi DSG/Stronic and Haldex malfunctions, which are often described as horror tales.
The primary issue is in the use of inappropriate lubricants and the lack of regular or even nonexistent service.

Customers approach us with these concerns whenever difficulties develop. A client contacts us and reports that their Haldex system is experiencing issues. They mention that they had a comprehensive service performed on it last year at the authorised dealership.
Audi does not inform the client that there is a filter designed to endure the whole lifespan of the vehicle, which is only changed when a completely new unit is needed. During a service, Audi merely changes the oil and does not replace the filter.
The aforementioned filter gets obstructed, impeding the proper functioning of the Haldex system. Fortunately, we install aftermarket filter kits on a complete service basis.

Typically, the forums tend to focus on sharing negative experiences rather than positive ones.
Take excellent care of your automobile to ensure its life, since neglecting regular maintenance may be detrimental.

For customers with a VW Passat, the cost of frequent oil changes is more economical compared to the expense of purchasing a new engine.

[LimeLing]

Impressive mileage indeed! 👍