So today I did my very first oil change on my '05 MCS. My Mini was always serviced at the dealer while it was under warranty but now that it has 110,000km (68,000 miles), I decided to do the Inspection II on my own. Everything went according to plan - oil change, airfilter change, microfilter change and v-blet change. However, when I went to check the oil level via the dipstick, the stick wouldn't come out. I don't think it's ever been pulled out (I've never pulled it out since I've owned the Mini) but when I finally got it out there was only 6" of dipstick stuck to the handle. The rest is stuck in the tube beyond the bend. I know I could drop the oil pan and pull it out that way (kinda dont wanna do that), is there any other suggestions on how to pull the remaining part of the dipstick?

 

Put the MINI in service mode and remove the dipstick tube. Replace or Lube up-with high temp sealant-the O-ring on the dipsticktube before replacing.

Jeremy

 

I wonder would be easier? Dropping the oil pan during my next oil change or remove the dipstick tube from the front (thus putting the car in service mode)

On the topic of service mode, does anyone have a step by step link on how to do this?

Thanks

 

Alot of oil pan gaskets leak so it may make sense to drop the pan and replace it too at the same time.

 

So after reading some posts and coming accross an idea by "norm03s" - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...87-post30.html I was able to pull out my broken dipstick using a "grabber tool" I had in my tool box ($2.49 at the local tool store). No removing the oil pan and no removing the front end. A pretty simple procedure that took a little patience but in the end it worked - see attached photos

Now does anyone have a link on a "front end service mode" DIY?

 

Yes, the grabber tool comes in handy for this type of problem.

 

The "grabber tool" is sure going to get included im my little collection of odds and ends.
Good for you on the dip stick fix