Change the oil on your 2nd Generaton Mini by following this simple step by step ‘how to’ guide. It’s a great tool for those who would like to change their MINI’s oil but don’t know how, and for people like me who like to have good instructions even when you do know how.
A list of what you will need, from Left to Right (kinda):- Oil Catch : In this picture, it’s the black round thing. This one is made by Blitz… and it leaks. Buy the rectangular one that they make now. Much better. – Something to catch what the Oil Catch doesn’t catch : The aluminum “pan” underneath. Again, by Blitz. You could also use newspaper or something. – Oil Funnel : You will use up a lot of newspaper without one. At least I would. What you will need: – 5 Quarts of Oil – Torque Wrench – Socket Wrench : Easier to remove things with the shorter one – Oil Filter : The MINI Filter includes a new rubber O-ring for the filter and a new copper Crush Washer for the drain plug. – Shop Towels – Drain Plug Socket : In my case, drain plug removal requires an 8mm hex male socket. – Filter Housing Socket : In my case, it uses a 27mm socket.
Find a hard, flat surface.
Put the car on ramps or jackstands then open the hood.
Locate and remove the oil fill cap. After that, locate the oil drain plug and set up something underneath it to catch dripping oil.
Your new filter should have come with a new Copper Crush Washer. Remove the old one. This is a case where two is much worse than one. Put the new crush washer on immediately after removing the old one so you don’t forget.
Locate the oil filter housing, it is relatively easy to access. If you’ve got a Cooper S, you’ll have to move the coolant expansion tank out of the way. Do not disconnect it, just unbolt it enough to move it. When you have located the oil filter housing, remove it.
Remove the Filter Cartridge from the Filter Housing and get your new filter ready, Remove and replace the filter housing O-ring. A new one comes in the plastic bag with the copper crush washer… which comes with the filter. Just work it over the threads and then put the new one back in it’s place. The Filter housing goes back into that fitting with the threaded connection and oil.
Replace the oil drain plug. With the new Copper Crush Washer on the drain plug, reinstall it @ ~22 ft*lb.
Refill the Oil. What oil should you use? Use something that fits the guidelines in the manual. How much should you put in? Try to get it near the top “mark” of the dipstick (my dealer overfills it slightly past the “mark”, and this seems to be common practice amongst MINI dealers).
When the car is level check the oil level again. Admire your work and clean up the mess.