https://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coo...rain_plug.html

seems pretty convenient but like there could be some things that could go wrong. anyone?

 

I had one on my HHR SS and it was fantastic!

 

As often as I do mine, I have always thought this would be really cool to have. But not knowing how often these need to be replaced or potential failure rate of the spring, I have not taken the leap of faith yet and bought one. So a nice 1/2 inch socket is still in the box.....

 

Those are very cool. I noticed them online a bit over a year ago when I first got my car, but I'm concerned that since it sticks down, it could get bumped easily. And if you lose all of your oil while you are driving... Well... that just won't do. If you get it, let us know what you think!

 

+1 on Ian's comments. If the drain was on the side of the pan, not directly on the bottom, I might think about it. I don't mind getting my hand oily (or wearing a glove) twice per year.

Mike

 

Fomoto valve drain plugs work great. Have them installed on my X5 and TBSS. Tried it on the mini R56 but the valve hung straight down and i was not going to chance it so i took it off. Great product though.

 

MV7400 Fluid Evacuator


http://www.mityvac.com/

Screw crawling under a car to change oil...

 

Love my fumoto.
I prefer the 'nipple' versions so I can attach tubing for a zero spill draining.
I've had them on three various cars. I won't have any car in the future without one. Makes a two minute job two seconds and I don't have to replace a plug and washer (my other cars require both)

 

Almost 4 years and 80k miles on my Mazda 5, and 40k miles on my R56, no issues, work great as advertised. Yes, on a R56 this does go into the bottom of the pan and sticks down 7/8". I'm chancing it. They're sturdy, and can't be knocked open accidentally by anything kicked up from the road (as installed, you have to pull *down* to get the lever past the spring detent). I change oil 3x yearly on both vehicles, well worth having.

 

Thanks for the info! I think I'll try it. Put it on my list of possible gifts for my family. I'm one of those hard to buy for types, so maybe I'll get it for this x-mas of my b-day!

 

I also have it on my MINI. It is amazing. Love it, it makes oil changes so much easier to perform. Many are hesitant because its directly under and not off to the side of the pan, but if you ordered the GP2 engine shield, it hides it away and it will NEVER snag a thing. I went to the track this weekend and even after spinning out, the only thing that happened was my driver side body panel cracked a bit, but the plug was unphased.