Oil Change

[bcnmini]

Does anyone live the Longwood area that might be able to assist me/show me how to do oil change on my MINI?

Still have 9000 on the count down, but oil was changed more than a year ago while under scheduled maintenance.

Mobil's site recomends 0W-40 Mobil 1. Any comments?

[BillTheCat]

0w40 might be a little bit light. Depending on your car's total mileage, I'd go 5w30, or maybe 10w40 (if you're over 60-80k miles). Big fan of Mobil 1, too.

I once made a trip (from Tampa) to Orlando to help teach Alpha-6 how to change his oil. If you don't get a local volunteer, I'd be happy to assist.

[TReed]

Bill taught me over a year ago and I've been doing it myself ever since (well, except when I don't have the strength to get the oil filter off and have to get my husband to help... )
Getting the Fumoto plug makes it a lot easier, too.

[captbj]

here's a diy guide

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/fo ... ow-to.html

[SURFMINI]

its super easy...only issue I found is getting the oil filter cover back on evenly without cross threading it. Some say its easer from the top of the motor, others say it easier from the pass wheel well... Only thing I dont like is when you remove the filter and cover from the housing, I always get oil dripping off and down onto suspension and drive shaft. Just more time to clean up at the end.

[BillTheCat]

its super easy...only issue I found is getting the oil filter cover back on evenly without cross threading it. Some say its easer from the top of the motor, others say it easier from the pass wheel well... Only thing I dont like is when you remove the filter and cover from the housing, I always get oil dripping off and down onto suspension and drive shaft. Just more time to clean up at the end.

I hate that mess. I always tried to let the engine cool completely (like doing the oil change first thing in the morning) so I could stuff a laundry basket full of shop rags under & around the filter housing to minimize clean-up afterwards.

[bosfordjd]

I use 5w30. My best advice for getting the filter casing off is get a Flex Head ratchet, invaluable tool when working on a mini, allows you to get plenty of torque but angle the handle so you can get into tight places. And of course get that big ass socket, 36mm I think. If you don't wanna drip oil just open the casing enough to break the seal while the drain plug is open and let the filter drain for a few minutes. I only get a drip or two on the way out, just cram a paper towel under the filter. I always do it from the top of the engine. Thread it slowly when putting it back on by hand, it should move easily until it gets to the rubber seal, then you might want to use a ratchet, and don't over torque it.

[Steve]

What he said!!!
I always break the seal, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and have never had a drop spill down on suspension parts, floor, etc. Even with the engine hot, this works. I also change the filter from the top... In my opinion, it's much easier.

[SURFMINI]

never thought about breaking the seal. Thanks for the tip!!