About to do the first oil change on my new Mini. Why do MINI recommend replacing the plug each time? Can I not just use a nylon or copper gasket?

 

copper o-ring... comes with OEM repacement oil filters

 

Old mechanic's trick: In addition to using a new copper O-ring, coat the threads of the drain plug with some wheel bearing grease.

 

replacing the seal doesn't apply to a GEN1 unless someone has changed the bung somewhere along the line as the GEN1 bung has that darned integrated plastic seal (that sticks). Which is why MINI says a new plug each time - that's how you get the new seal.




The bung is a very common size you you could just go to any auto part place and buy a plain plug, the same size, and use a copper or even fiber seal replacing each time.
the MINI by size is 14mm - 1.5

My recommendation is to just get a Fumoto tho and then you'll never have to fool around removing the bung every time. You just open the valve, drain the oil, close the valve. Get the one with the nipple and you can attach a length of hose and virtually eliminate the possibility of spills.

correct Fumoto is the F-106
http://www.qwikvalve.com/



****
The GEN2 uses a more traditional arrangement with a soft metal seal that comes in the filter kit...

DO NOT use a Fumoto on a GEN2 .... you'd be begging for trouble!

 

Thanks for the clarification Capt bj. I thought they were all the same. New drain plug with every oil change, that's crazy. Good recomendation for an alternative!

 

here's an oil change kit from MiniMania:



"Factory manual recommends replacing the sealing washer when changing the oil. Since the washer is not available separately from the drain plug, we've created a convenient kit to include the filter with drain plug and sealing washer. "

 

I use Teflon around the thread and reuse the bolt. Been doing this for 15 years on 7 different vehicles. No problems and I don't anticipate any future problems.

 

I've actually never done anything but re-install mine, and I've done about 35 or more changes, it either leaks or it doesn't, never has.

 

I think it really comes down to not over tightening the bolt. Just snug it up, doesn't need to be very tight just enough that the seal makes contact and compresses ever so slightly.

 

+1

 

Little bit of Teflon only helps as you do this.

When you use Teflon tape the moment you start engaging threads you created the seal. Snug it up just enough so that the bolt doesn't come undone on its own. It helps you remove the bolt easier for the next change.

There is why plumbers use Teflon tapes when they are mating two threaded metals as they are not mated perfectly.

 

Where do you see MINI's recommendation?

 

Bentley says "a complete oil change includes ... a new drain plug sealing washer."
The BMW TIS says "replace drain plug".

 

This.