Complete Oil Specifications
Your 2023 MINI Countryman with the 2.0T B48 TwinPower Turbo engine requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specification and ACEA C5 standards — the same engine and oil spec as the MINI Cooper S.
Quick Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Standard | BMW Longlife-17 FE+, ACEA C5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.6 quarts |
| Capacity (without filter) | 5.3 quarts |
| Oil Filter | MINI 11428575211 |
| Interval | CBS (Condition Based Service) — Max 10,000 miles/1 year |
Why BMW Longlife-17 FE+ is Required
The Countryman’s B48 TwinPower Turbo is a BMW-developed engine shared with the BMW X1, X2, and Cooper S. It features a twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic variable valve lift, Double-VANOS variable cam timing, and Spray-Guided Direct Injection — all of which require oil chemistry beyond standard API SP ratings. BMW/MINI’s LL-17 FE+ specification mandates ACEA C5 low-SAPS chemistry to protect the three-way catalyst and gasoline particulate filter, while 0W-20 viscosity delivers immediate flow to Valvetronic actuators at cold start where wear concentrates.
Using incorrect oil will:
- ❌ Contaminate the GPF and three-way catalyst with ash from high-SAPS oil
- ❌ Impair Valvetronic eccentric shaft lubrication during cold-start actuation
- ❌ Trigger CBS to shorten service intervals if the oil quality sensor detects non-compliant chemistry
MINI-Approved Oil Brands
-
✅ MINI/BMW TwinPower Turbo Oil 0W-20 LL-17 FE+
-
✅ Castrol EDGE Euro 0W-20 LL-17 FE+
-
✅ Liqui-Moly Top Tec 6600 0W-20
-
✅ Motul Specific LL-17 FE+ 0W-20
-
✅ Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-20
The container must explicitly state BMW Longlife-17 FE+ approval. Standard API SP 0W-20 oils, even high-quality ones, do not carry the LL-17 FE+ certification and should not be used.
Severe Service Check
Use the 5000-mile interval if you:
- Frequently drive in Sport or Sport+ modes
- Make primarily short urban trips where the engine doesn’t reach full operating temperature
- Drive in sustained stop-and-go traffic
- Experience ambient temperatures below 14°F regularly
Installation Details
Drain Plug Torque: 25 Nm (18.5 ft-lbs)
Loosen the oil filter housing first to let oil drain back into the sump before removing the drain plug. Always replace the drain plug expansion piece (part: BMW 07119904001).
OEM Filter: MINI 11428575211
Aftermarket Filters:
-
Mann-Filter HU716/2x
-
Mahle OX 1049/2D
-
Hengst E818H D238
Pro Tip: The B48 filter is a cartridge element in a top-mounted housing — use a 27mm filter cap socket and torque the housing to 25 Nm on reinstall. MINI’s CBS displays the exact remaining oil service life on the instrument cluster and in the MINI Connected app. Don’t reset the CBS counter manually — it tracks actual oil life, not just mileage.
FAQs
What oil does a 2023 MINI Countryman 2.0T take?
0W-20 full synthetic meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ and ACEA C5. Generic API SP 0W-20 without the LL-17 FE+ certification is not suitable.
How many quarts does the MINI Countryman need?
5.6 quarts with a new filter, 5.3 without.
Can I use the same oil as a BMW X1 in my MINI Countryman?
Yes. The Countryman’s B48 engine is identical to the one in the BMW X1 xDrive28i. BMW Longlife-17 FE+ 0W-20 approved for one is approved for both.
Why does the 2023 Countryman use 0W-20 instead of the older 5W-30 LL-04?
BMW transitioned from LL-04 (5W-30) to LL-17 FE+ (0W-20) for the B48 generation to improve fuel economy and reduce cold-start emissions. The newer ACEA C5 chemistry provides superior GPF protection compared to the older ACEA C3 spec.
How does MINI’s CBS oil service interval work?
The CBS (Condition Based Service) system monitors oil temperature, engine load, and driving cycles to calculate remaining oil life. It will notify you via the instrument cluster when an oil change is due — intervals vary from 5,000 to 10,000 miles depending on driving patterns.
Need these specs on your phone? Download OilFinderPro app for offline access and oil change reminders.
Last verified: 2026-04-30 | Source: 2023 MINI Countryman Owner’s Manual