MINI Oil Filter Housing Socket

[k-huevo]

Will mentioned that there might be an interest in having a section on where to find stuff like tools, parts or services for the MINI. We had a discussion about oil changes and I think this subject might be a good place to start sharing resources.

I know most of you are a bit skeptical about the lengthy recommended oil change intervals. For some peace of mind, it wouldn’t hurt to do an early oil change after break-in and for those other times when you feel un-easy because there’s 5,000 miles left on the oil change indicator and you’ve already passed the 9,000 mile mark.

Some of the things that will make the job easier are: ramps for the front wheels and a MINI specific oil filter housing socket. Additional tools needed are: 13 mm socket for the drain plug, 3/8th drive ratchet and a torque wrench. It would be a good idea to have a long breaker bar for removing the drain plug after the gorillas at The MINI Center Service Department get a hold of it.

I’ve used a Craftsman 36 mm ½ in drive socket to remove the oil filter housing but the right socket is much more convenient. The Mercedes dealership is one place to find the socket, their part # is 600-589-01-09-00 and it’s a beauty. The socket is made by Hazet 2169-36 and I’ve seen another version by Matador (may be 429-2).
You can drive to Austin and get a socket from Terry Sayther http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/MINIStoreAccessories.htm#MINISocket/
You can order by phone or fax from http://www.samstagsales.com/, look in BMW/BMW MINI/oil service. Samstag Sales has many specialty tools that you shouldn’t be without and I can vouch for their service.
Other on-line retailers I saw in a thread on the Metroplexmini site but I’ve had no dealings with, are:
http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.a...MK-1450W&CTMP=1, that one looks like it may be the Matador brand.
http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.a...=HAZET2169-36MM and
http://costplustools.com/store/show...oduct_id=755618, both Hazet.

[leonsrocketcar]

agree, go after break in, then 5k, then let the dealer do the 9k since you have already paid for it.

I have tried royal purple at 5k mark and really like it. I will try redline next just to compare. (all fluids btw)

[k-huevo]

Well it looks like this is the subject of the day. Here's a source from a post on the NAM site, and it's a Lisle not a Matador after all. Least expensive oil socket yet. http://www.toolrage.com/prodView.asp?idproduct=3468

[weezer2282]

agree, go after break in, then 5k, then let the dealer do the 9k since you have already paid for it.

I have tried royal purple at 5k mark and really like it. I will try redline next just to compare. (all fluids btw)

Hmm...I am between break in and 5k. I did notice the last time I checked the dipstick that it was much darker than it had been. What about filters?

[leonsrocketcar]

Crazy, I have never researched filters. I just grabbed a stock filter from the dealer cuz of timing with other issues in life.

K-heuvo: what do you use?

[k-huevo]

Stock MINI filter. It's the best thing going.

[scuderia]

how about resetting the computer? or is it better to change the oil every 5k and let Mini Center reset the computer?

[Will]

I'm a big mobil 1 Fan. I'm going to use their filter and oil at the next oil change.

[Will]

Well it looks like this is the subject of the day. Here's a source from a post on the NAM site, and it's a Lisle not a Matador after all. Least expensive oil socket yet. http://www.toolrage.com/prodView.asp?idproduct=3468

Saw that yesterday but the shipping is 10 bucks.. Does that still make it the cheapest? If so I am picking it up

[k-huevo]

If you intend to use one of the MINI sponsored service departments for oil changes during the warranty period, then don’t reset the service indicator. Do document all maintenance such as oil, filters, plugs, coolant and brake fluid changes in your warranty booklet, even when you perform the work yourself. After the warranty period, you can reset the service indicators when necessary.

After the first few oil changes, the intervals should be determined by usage and environment. Quality synthetic oils like Mobile 1, Royal Purple and Red line are good for up to 15,000 miles under ideal conditions. Texas summers, track & autocross use, city traffic and dusty environments are not ideal conditions and would require shorter intervals between oil & filter changes.

[weezer2282]

I am hoping to do my first oil change this week at about 4500 miles. Could someone give me instructions on where to find the drain plug and filter? I noticed at Autozone today they had about 2 or 3 tools for removing filters. Could those be used to remove the MINI oil filter? I don't have anything to lift up the front end, so what side of the car would it be easiest to reach under? I might be able to take it to a pit, but I'm not sure about that right now. I could possibly use some large jacks at work too, but I'd prefer to do it without lifting if that's not too difficult. I think this would be good for any first timer to know too.

[leonsrocketcar]

I haven't changed mine myself, but the only help Ican be is to suggest you get the bentley manual off amazon. It is 02-04, but you can use it for your 05.

btw-I see your upgrade wish list. Drop the air diverter cuz you will need to go larger IC and M7 scoop and the Alta IC has the spray kit (which is need for dyno's and drag strips). You won't need the OCC unless you tend to do alot of track runs. Ihave the alta. M7 is money for shiny material-save your money. go 15/2 combo (alta) vs a 16.

[k-huevo]

Read post number one for the things you will need for the oil change and add an oil receptacle for draining.

The drain plug is located under the front of the car. The ramps will give you access.

I’m late reading your post and am already at work or I would help today. If you are willing to wait I can give assistance later. There are some tips you won't find in the manual.

[weezer2282]

Read post number one for the things you will need for the oil change and add an oil receptacle for draining.

The drain plug is located under the front of the car. The ramps will give you access.

I’m late reading your post and am already at work or I would help today. If you are willing to wait I can give assistance later. There are some tips you won't find in the manual.

I can wait...I probably won't be doing it until the end of the week. You seem to know your way around the MINI engine so I thought I'd ask. Thank you for sharing your tips with us. :thumbsup

(I think I will go get some ramps now.)

[weezer2282]

So I bought an oil filter today from the MINI Center and have never seen anything like it before. I'm not even sure they gave me an oil filter. It looks more like a K&N air filter to me, but it had a rubber o-ring in the box with it. Is there something I'm supposed to put this in? :confused:

[k-huevo]

Yes, the oil filter housing. You will need the 36 mm socket for that one.

[weezer2282]

I am having someone at work make me a custom 36mm socket that will be very shallow. I'm not sure how it will turn out, but if it works I'll post some pics. :thumbsup