I'd really like to learn how to change my own oil instead of paying MINI 200.00 everytime they won't cover it (and that warranty will be up soon so I'll really be screwed).

Does anyone here know how to do this who would like to show me how its done and what supplies/tools I would need to buy? I'll buy you pizza and beer for your teachings or something.

If I'm going to be a _proper_ car enthuseist I totaly need to learn how to do this.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TCUdiHDnUg

You Tube

 

Nice video, but draining it like that doesn't really pick up all the loose fragments that can be sitting at the bottom of the crankcase. I rather just use the drain at the bottom you remove a lot more old oil that way. Just my opinion.

 

Looks like exchange transfusion to me.
Now it gives owners a choice between oil change by suction vs. drain.

 

I have been using a topside oil remover for years and even have an attachment to bleed the brakes with it. I have never had any issues with getting all the oil out. As for anything left in the pan, even removing the drain plug doens't get everything out, only sure fire way to do that is remove the pan. I would hope that there are no particles in my oil that are larger than my suction hose or I might have bigger problems then needing an oil change.

1992 I'm not sure were you go to pay $200 for an oil change, but at that price you could buy all the equipment and the oil and still have money left over for dinner.

 

I think it's even easier to do on a second Gen car than a first.....

You need an 8mm allen socket and drive to remove the plug in the pan. Buy your oil and filter from your MINI dealer, that way they have no grounds to deny a future warranty claim. In the filter kit will be a new o'ring for the filter cannister and a new seal for the drain plug - use them both.

You need a socket (27mm or ?"") to remove the filter cannister, the filter is inside and simply replaces the old one, nothing to pay attention to there except to remove the old o'ring and lube the new one up before you reinstall the cannister. When you tighten the cannister, remember that it's made out of plastic, and has an o'ring to make the seal - tighten accordingly.

It makes it easier to get the filter cannister off and on again if you remove the 5mm screw (8mm or 5/16" wrench or socket) holding the coolant overflow reservoir in place and move it out of the way.

Be sure the plug is in the pan and tight, refill the oil, start it up and let it idle while checking for leaks. Shut it down, let it sit a few minutes, recheck the level on the dipstick and top off if needed. You're done. 1/2 hour, tops......

Be sure to dispose of the old oil properly by taking it to a recycler. Local auto parts stores usually will take it for you......

 

I'm hoping theres a MINI R56 owner on here thats somewhat local who can actually take the time to walk me through this hands on.

 

I would be happy to walk you through this but I am in south jersey and I think a 2 hour drive might be a bit much for an oil change. If you can't find anyone more local to you let me know. I have all the correct tools for the job, you just need a filter and oil.

 

From looking at the video it looks really simple. I can show you what you need to do, when we meet on Thursday. It does look alot easier then changing the oil on my car.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djWm0gLqXAY

For the GEN1

 

Pricing the tools from Snap-on and the extractor adds up to almost $250. $10 for the filter and about $45 for Redline synthetic oil and that's for each oil change. More than I'm willing to spend; especially since I'm sure I'd either wreck the washer fluid hose or strip the filter mounting. Sometimes it makes more sense to have a pro do the job.

 

It's just an oil change, no need for a snap-on priced tools unless your a pro mechanic, that is just overspending.

The MityVac fluid extractor is about $100 and the socket about $20 plus oil and filter, your about $75 over priced. You could also drain it via the drain plug into a reusable container for about $25.

yes some things are better left to the pro's but I think that if the highschool kid at walmart/jiffy Lube can do it so can most people.

 

Liquivac Topsider Oil Changer $39.99 at Amazon.com
Royal Purple Synthetic Oil is about $8.00 per quart (5 Quarts)
Socket for the oil filter either is about $20-25.00 at Amazon.com

 

NGK Iridium Spark Plugs is $7.60 at Amazon.com
Kingsborne Spark Plug Wire Sets (Go to their website) is listed $35 (7MM), $40 (8MM) per set.

FYI

 

Oil Filter is going to range $8-13 from MINI Dealership, Amazon.com, etc...

 

I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but one of the earlier issues of NAM Alliance had a good set of step-by-step instructions. If you send me a PM with your email address, I'll send you the pdf issue of the magazine.

Changing the oil in the R56 really isn't too bad. You can do it!

 

27mm socket for the 07+ motors to get the oil filter off, right? They're like 7.00 at Sears, low torque on them so I don't see the harm in getting a 12pt socket.

I had some trouble hunting down a 36mm for the R53, but again, like 8.00 at Sears...

I also hit up harbor freight for stuff like breaker bars, jack, jackstands, and a reusable oil drain/transport pan... You need to go to your local garage/parts store (I use Strauss) and drop off your old oil anyway.

 

Hold on there...That's to much for Steve.

Steve, this is a good place for you to start: http://www.clownsupplies.com/

 

Picked up a 6pt, 1 1/16" socket (26.99 mm) at Sears for $4.50. I expect that the 1/100th of a millimeter won't make much difference, and it was cheaper than the the 12pt, 27mm socket.