Reddit mentions: The best automotive engine dipsticks & tubes

Socket set - look at Sears sales around father's day (now!) and get them yourself or pick a set for your registry. They're a great value and I love the ones with cases (i got this one for around $150 near christmas)

Mower: look for a Honda commercial model on craigslist. The tanks of the mower world. Always start on first pull; uses a car spark plug. A great workout while you mow - jog behind it!

These aren't wedding registry items ... I know ... but I'd push people to get you gift cards so you can browse sales. Markups on tools can be bad compared to what things can be 'had' for.

Do you change your own oil? Check this out (I've had mine 5 years and LOVE it) https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Turf-Oil-Extractor-6-Liter-OIL01/dp/B000GU0MMU I use mine on my car and wife's car for oil, diff, trans fluid and also my lawn mower. If you have a truck that takes more than that capacity move up in size to a Mityvac

Check the oil, often. Minis are very finicky about oil levels and they consume a bit of oil too.

I personally found the stock dipstick to be a piece of shit, hard to read and hard to put back in, so I got the Cravenspeed dipstick and it is a champ. A bit pricey but very easy to read exactly what the oil level is.

Also, don't go by the OEM recommendation for oil change intervals as they are wayyy too long. 5,000 miles or so should be a good distance.

$16 amazon prime

ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK Fit DURAMAX DIESEL V8 6.6L 2001-2007 GMC Sierra Chevrolet 2500 HD 3500 97287502 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L69T1P4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IWvPCbQHS4QW6

You can probably buy a universal one that fits in there for services. Every Audi/VW tech that I've ever met has one, for example. There's more than likely still a dipstick tube somewhere, you just might have to find it. I never depended on the onboard electronic level sensors when I worked at Audi. Still need VAGCOM (or equivalent) to clear out some of the reminders, though.

The most popular is the Cravenspeed replacement dipstick. They're kind of expensive though, about $75. I think I got mine off of eBay for like $50, but it's still kind of a lot for a dipstick. It's advertised for the Hardtops, but I believe the Countrymans have the same engine, so it should work fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Dipstick-Upgrade-Hardtop-2007-2014/dp/B00CQD4CM6

They make a Gen1 version as well, they're slightly different, so make sure you don't buy a Gen1 dipstick by accident.

Don't go to cheap oil change places. When I was younger, I use to and noticed that twice the oil wasn't changed. It was one of the things that got me into wrenching. Also this:

http://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-lube-shop-cut-hole-in-audi-s4s-aero-pan-1748394648

Also, look into buying one of these if you have a dipstick: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JFJM14/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687662&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000GU0MMU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=09M1YW8MNVFRKGB311H7

You literally just put the hose down the dipstick and pump it a couple of times. And if you have a top mounted filter, you don't even have to jack up the car.

WEN 55201 Magnetic Oil Dipstick for Inverter Generators (compatible with WEN, Yamaha, Predator) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07643J11X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yy2lDbRXCXV55

It showed up in my Amazon suggestions

Get one of these guys:
https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7400-Liter-Fluid-Evacuator/dp/B000JFJM14/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457637212&sr=8-3&keywords=oil+vacuum+extractor

> I still remember that every time I squeeze under my car to change the oil.

People still do this? Go out and buy one of these.

Mityvac 7400 7.3 Liter Fluid Evacuator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFJM14/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_2xALzbMPCMQSV

It appears the one I used and the one you're talking about are the same one. Mine was new so no issues with leaking, yet.

EWK Oil Dipstick Tool for 2009 Porsche VW Audi A4 A5 A6 AU40178 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ41GKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7ulyCbJQ08X6J

I believe that is the tool you need

Are you using them for oil changes on your GTI? Why not get one of these. Put it right down the dipstick tube. No need for ramps, jacks, or stands.

It's not difficult, it's FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE. Although I loathed spending the money, this is the only way to do it properly: https://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Dipstick-Upgrade-Hardtop-2002-2006/dp/B00CQD4BUE?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_3023303011 (make sure to get the one for your correct year/model)

If you want to get real lazy you could use a Mityvac to change the oil through your dipstick. If you gotta get underneath to change the oil filter then it kind of defeats the purpose. I have a top mounted oil filter so it works out well for me.

Suck the oil out of the dipstick tube: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000JFJM14/
Particularly handy if your oil filter is also accessed from the top - no need to jack the car up at all.

There are several known problems with the N14 engine (the engine in your MINI), some of which include:

Overconsumption of oil- MINI claims up to 1qt/750 miles

Timing chain tensioner failing - there is currently a recall/lawsuit for this. It is related to the oil consumption issue.

Thermostat failure - replaced by a newly engineered unit that are said to be better

Water pump failure - same as above

Auxiliary water pump failure - usually on earlier N14s

Coolant take failure - on earlier N14s and is caused by the heat generated by the turbo and the proximity of the coolant tank

Hood scoop insert melting - same as above


Down pipe CAT failure - possibly due to oil consumption issue

Turbo oil line failure - can be replaced by the better Detroit tuned version.

Carbon buildup on intake valves - this is due to a poor BMW design. Can cause abnormal engine wear and lack of power if not maintained.

Door actuator failure - caused by water getting inside on the passenger foot well.

I personally had an N14 JCW for only 1 year and experienced most of these issues. The semi good news is your car has most likely experienced these problems, as the N14 gremlins start to show up around 50-70k. Did you get service records?

In addition to keeping an eye on your fluids weekly, I would also check with MINI to see if there are any outstanding recalls for your vehicle. As long as the repairs have been made, and you do your part to make sure they don't happen again, it should be a relatively good relationship!

Lastly, I highly encourage you to purchase the Cravenspeed oil dipstick. It is $75 shipped on Amazon and takes the guesswork out of reading your oil levels, which can be quite difficult to read. Also, check out the forums like motoring alliance and North American Motoring, they have a lot of info about your MINI. Lastly, check out notable vendors for awesome upgrades/mods for your MINI. Welcome to the family!

MINI Cooper S Dipstick Upgrade (Hardtop 2007-2014) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQD4CM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E71vxbZCWSWV6