Oil-MINI uses BMW oil specifications since all current MINI engines are BMW modular units. The B38 three-cylinder petrol and B47 four-cylinder diesel share the same Longlife specifications and Nanoslide bore coating technology as their BMW counterparts.
BMW LL-01 FE — MINI Petrol Engines
BMW Longlife-01 FE (Fuel Economy) is the primary specification for MINI petrol engines, including the B38 1.5L three-cylinder (Cooper) and B48 2.0L four-cylinder (Cooper S). It requires SAE 0W-30 or 0W-20 low-viscosity oil designed to reduce friction in engines with Nanoslide bore coatings. The latest F66 MINI Cooper S with the B48 may require LL-17 FE+ (0W-20) — always verify against your specific model year.
BMW LL-04 — MINI Diesel Engines
BMW Longlife-04 is required for MINI diesel engines — the B47 2.0L four-cylinder in the Cooper D and Cooper SD. It requires SAE 5W-30 with low-SAPS chemistry based on ACEA C3 to protect the diesel particulate filter. The B47 diesel in MINI applications produces up to 190 hp and runs the same Nanoslide bore coating as the BMW version, making correct oil specification essential for bore coating longevity.
BMW Modular Engines — B38, B47, B48
All current MINI engines belong to BMW's modular engine family where every cylinder displaces approximately 500cc. The B38 (3-cylinder, 1.5L), B47 (4-cylinder diesel, 2.0L), and B48 (4-cylinder petrol, 2.0L) share the same fundamental architecture. This means MINI oil requirements are identical to the corresponding BMW models — a MINI Cooper S uses the same oil specification as a BMW 120i with the same B48 engine. Service intervals follow BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
John Cooper Works — High Performance
MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) models use the B48 engine with higher boost pressure, producing up to 306 hp in the latest GP3. Despite the increased performance, the oil specification remains BMW LL-01 FE. However, the higher thermal loads and boost pressures mean oil degrades faster in JCW applications. Owners who track their JCW MINIs should consider shorter oil change intervals — BMW's CBS system accounts for spirited driving but cannot detect track use.