MCSa/manual part differences

[weezer2282]

The difference in the intakes is somewhat widely known, but I just found a new one today. I was all set to do an oil change...had it up on the ramps...looked for the drain plug...then uh oh! The drain plug is inacessible! There is some sort of duct going from the front bumper, under the oil pan, then up somewhere behind the oil pan and pretty much blocking access to the drain plug. If you were able to get a socket and wrench in there it would drain all over the duct and make a big mess. I'm not quite sure what the duct is for so I don't want to start removing bolts from it. My only thoughts on what it could be are either an air duct to cool the transmission down or maybe something related to the two hoses on the intake. I guess I will have to take it to the MINI Center for an oil change and hope they don't mess anything up. Maybe they will let me watch the tech so I will know what the duct is for and what to do with it. :confused:

[k-huevo]

Take a picture and post it.

[weezer2282]

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/1/9/PICT0598.JPG

[weezer2282]

I found out that black plastic duct is an air duct for the power steering fan and also serves as a shield. Anyone else have that on an '05? There are 4 quick release screws held on with washers that you loosen and it slides out. Khuevo and I also had to unscrew the exhaust header heat shield and slide it down, so the filter could be replaced. That could also be why I had problems trying to get the filter housing out. The filter has to be turned sideways so the top is to the right, so it will fit down in there when you are replacing it. Then you have to turn it back so it will slide onto the block.

We also found the MINI Center had broken a tab on my intake snorkel and hadn't installed it properly. They didn't attach the top of the air box correctly either. It is supposed to slide onto some tabs in the back of it, but it wasn't connected onto the tabs and was just screwed down. Aren't they supposed to be certified? :confused:

Now she runs like a dream though. :thumbsup Thank you khuevo.

[scuderia]

Hey Greg,

are you sure about the service techs not installing the airbox right? Maybe they are trying to open a room for JCW CAI :D

I found out that black plastic duct is an air duct for the power steering fan and also serves as a shield. Anyone else have that on an '05? There are 4 quick release screws held on with washers that you loosen and it slides out. Khuevo and I also had to unscrew the exhaust header heat shield and slide it down, so the filter could be replaced. That could also be why I had problems trying to get the filter housing out. The filter has to be turned sideways so the top is to the right, so it will fit down in there when you are replacing it. Then you have to turn it back so it will slide onto the block.

We also found the MINI Center had broken a tab on my intake snorkel and hadn't installed it properly. They didn't attach the top of the air box correctly either. It is supposed to slide onto some tabs in the back of it, but it wasn't connected onto the tabs and was just screwed down. Aren't they supposed to be certified? :confused:

Now she runs like a dream though. :thumbsup Thank you khuevo.

[weezer2282]

I'm sure. khuevo had a spare air filter that we switched out and when we were taking off the box he could tell immediately it was on wrong. I will have to post a pic of my air filter. It wasn't pretty! :eek2