The Mini’s engine has a replaceable cartridge oil filter that is mounted to the rear of the engine that should be changed when performing a routine oil change.The Mini Cooper is a small car made by BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) and is available in coupe or convertible body styles. BMW introduced the Mini in 2002 and it remains in production with minimal changes as of 2010. The Mini utilizes a transverse mounted engine and transmission to make more room in the passenger compartment, which can seat four adults.
Open the hood. Locate the oil filter housing which is mounted on the backside of the engine block near the passenger side firewall. Place a drain pain under the passenger side of the engine to catch oil spills when removing the oil filter.
Attach a 36 mm socket to a ratchet wrench. Place the socket over the machined nut on the oil filter housing cap. Rotate the wrench in a counterclockwise direction and remove the oil filter housing cap.
Pull the oil filter cartridge from the oil filter housing cap and discard it.
Pry the rubber “O” ring from the groove in the oil filter cap with a flat blade screwdriver and discard it. Be careful not to gouge the cap with the screwdriver, which may cause an oil leak. Place a new “O” ring (which comes with the new oil filter) onto the oil filter cap by stretching it over the base of the cap and working it into the groove with your fingers. Lubricate the “O” ring by applying a light coat of clean motor oil to it with your finger.
Insert a new oil filter cartridge, with the rubber seal facing upwards, into the oil filter cap until it is fully seated.
Push the oil filter cap assembly back onto the mounting surface on the back of the engine block until it pops into place. Now thread the oil filter cap in a clockwise direction until it is hand tight. Place the 36 mm socket onto a torque wrench. Push the socket onto the machined nut on the end of the oil filter housing cap and torque it to 23 foot-lbs., or slightly more than tightened by hand.
Check the oil level using the dipstick. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine and add motor oil (check viscosity requirements stamped on the top of the oil filler cap) to bring the level to the full mark on the dipstick. Replace the dipstick and close the hood. Remove the drain pan from under the car.