I am need of my first oil change, Mini dealer says at 10,000 miles but I am going to do it at 5,000. The problem is no oil change place will touch it because they said there is a special tool to remove the "box" that the oil filter is inclosed in and a special oil filter. I called the Mini center which is 4 hrs away and they stated that I can only get the oil changed through them. Is there a place where I can order the "special tool" and some filters so I can do it myself? This is a bunch of crap!!

 

Its easy you can do it yourself. If you call Steve at http://www.customminishop.com/ he can talk you thru it.

 

You just need a 36mm socket and a 1/2" drive rachet to get the filter canister off. It's a tight fit but it'll come off. Also, let the canister sit for a few minutes once the suction has broken. The excess oil will drain back into the pan as opposed to all over the engine compartment when you take the canister out.

Also, it is sometimes a pain to get the canister back on. Just take your time and don't force it into crossthreading.

 

There is a step by step guide posted here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...il+change+step.

I think you can order the filter from one of the NAM sponsors like Classic MINI, or MINI of the Hamptons, etc.

Steve

 

The 'special tool' is available at most Sears/Home Depot/Lowes, etc.
36MM socket. If you've got too much time on your hands, you can cut it down with a dremel tool to give yourself a bit more room.

 

I got my special tool on sale at Sears for $7

 

I bought the 36mm socket at an auto parts store. These stores call them axle nut socket wrenches. Instead of using a Dremel to shorten it, I used an 8inch grinder. Until it was shortened there was insufficient room to tighten the filter housing.

 

Thanks, I bought the 36mm mini tool for 7 dollars and some filters. I will be changing my own oil. I called the dealer today and if you are not within 500 miles of your scheduled oil change per the dealer it will cost you from 175-200 dollars. Thats alot of money for an oil change.

 

Dealer charges a ridiculous amount for anything. But you dont really need to change your oil every 5k miles either, under normal circumstances.

 

If you have a NAPA store near you, the oil filter is a #7303. They work just fine.
Jim

 

suspect

 

WHO TOLD YOU THAT???? WHOEVER IT IS WAS WRONG. yes the oil wont break down, but you have this thing called exhaust and it has acid in it. This will get into your oil and be carried thru out the engine. (which would be bad) So yes you do need to change your oil and filter every 3-5k.

 

Ah, and the oil change interval debate begins...

 

I pay to have mini to change it before they are suspose to. I have no problem with that and i have the paper work to show I did twise as much services as i needed.

 

You can order the filter from www.halfmoonauto.com. Just change it yourself!!

-Cody

 

dig around here and also find a number of reports of dealers either over torquing the drain bolt or cross threading it .....\\When you discover this, you may want to stop and proceed directly to the dealer cuz if you trash the bolt you leave them the 'get out of jail' claim that you screwed up - not them.

 

Please provide the lab test results that shows your oil needing replacement after 5K miles. This has already been debated and tested enough to death. If the lab results show you need to change it after 5K miles, there's something wrong with your MINI!

 

Oh no, not again.........:impatient

Nik

 

The problem isn't the oil, the oil will last as long as you need it to. It's all the crap that gets into the oil thats the problem. Believe and do what you want. If you think 12k is fine then do that. But as for me i'll change mine every 3-5k.

 

Sounds fair

 

When a lab tests oil, they also check for impurities and other chemicals. Modern engines are sealed very well and if you are getting a high amount of exhaust gases in the oil, then something is wrong with the engine.

I have no problems with you changing oil so frequently (it's your money and time). Just don't tell others that following factory recommended intervals is very bad to the engine without backing it up with real tests. I have yet to hear of somebody testing their oil after 5K miles and finding really needed to be replaced.