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Best Engine Oil for MINI Countryman F60 Cooper 1.5 Turbo (136 HP)
The MINI Countryman F60 (2017 onwards) is MINI’s largest model, offering compact SUV practicality with distinctive MINI styling. The Cooper variant uses BMW’s B38A15 — a 1,499cc three-cylinder turbo from the same modular engine family as the BMW 1 Series and X1. Producing 136 HP and 220 Nm, the B38 provides willing performance for the Countryman’s 1,400 kg kerb weight. The engine requires BMW LL-01 FE specification — a fuel economy-optimised petrol oil in 0W-20 viscosity that differs from the LL-04 diesel specification used by the Cooper D.
Quick Answer: Recommended Oil
For MINI Countryman F60 Cooper 1.5 Turbo (136 HP):
- Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20
- Oil capacity: 4.25 litres with filter (3.9 L without)
- Required norm: BMW LL-01 FE
Important: BMW LL-01 FE is a petrol engine specification (ACEA A5/B5 class). Do not confuse with LL-04 (diesel, ACEA C3). Using LL-04 oil in the petrol Cooper is not harmful but sacrifices fuel economy.
The B38A15: BMW’s Modular Three-Cylinder
The B38 is part of BMW’s modular engine family sharing a 500cc-per-cylinder architecture with the B48 four-cylinder and B58 six-cylinder. Key features include an aluminium block with arc-sprayed steel bore coating, timing chain, twin-scroll turbocharger with integrated exhaust manifold, and direct fuel injection.
0W-20 viscosity reflects BMW’s fuel economy engineering — the ultra-thin oil reduces internal friction by approximately 1-2% compared to 5W-30, contributing to CO2 targets. The B38’s bearing clearances and oil pump are designed specifically for this viscosity.
Three-cylinder character: The B38 produces the characteristic three-cylinder thrum at low RPM but is well-refined by MINI standards. A balance shaft reduces vibration. The turbocharger provides healthy torque from 1,250 RPM, masking the inherent torque gaps of a three-cylinder.
Technical Specifications: B38A15
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499cc |
| Layout | Inline-3, transverse, aluminium block |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 12 valves, timing chain |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll, integrated exhaust manifold |
| Power | 136 HP @ 4,400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1,250-4,300 RPM |
| Recommended Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 4.25 litres |
| OEM Norm | BMW LL-01 FE |
Oil Change Intervals
BMW CBS: Variable, up to 18,000 miles / 24 months.
Recommended: 10,000-12,000 miles or 12 months. Annual changes for urban-biased MINI use.
Conclusion
The MINI Countryman F60 Cooper 1.5T requires SAE 0W-20 meeting BMW LL-01 FE, with 4.25 litres capacity. The B38 modular three-cylinder is a proven BMW powertrain that rewards quality oil with smooth, efficient performance.
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As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations — we only suggest oils that hold the exact OEM approval for your engine.