When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I recently acquired an R53 and it needs an oil change. I went to my local quick change place, out of convenience, and they stated they don't work on Mini Coopers. I figured the car is a hassle for them and went on my way, no big deal. Got to work and looked up how to do an oil change on the mini and it's not that big of a deal/ PITA. Which makes me wonder why they wouldn't do the oil change. Is that the norm or was this a one off? I'm capable of doing it myself but also don't mind paying someone else. I know the dealer can do it but I'd be there for hours vs the quick change place. What are some of your experiences? Thanks!
Quite often it's as simple as filter availability.
I have had one shop tell my GF that she would have to come back at a later date so that they could get a filter for her Scion.
Personally I've always done my own, so can't really help with quick change shop experience.
First time I attempted oil change when I got my 06 JCW found the drain plug stripped and stuck rocksolid, tried various methods of removal but it wouldn't budge. Thought perhaps a quick-lube place may be able to help me since they probably encounter such scenarios frequently...
...drove to a close-by Valvoline joint, park and get out, as I'm walking across the lot dude walks toward me shaking his head and says "we don't work on Mini Coopers".
It was wtf? but also LOL --- he didn't reveal why they refused to work on them outside of a generic claim of pain-in-the-*** excuse.
I ended up getting a used oil pan and just swapped out.
As much as I dislike the dealer, an oil change is usually in and out within an hour. Coffee and snacks free. Most of the quick lube places have ended in problems for me and I never use them anymore.
Yep, I'll do it this weekend. Just ordered the short 36mm socket, filter and 5w30 full synthetic high mileage. Seems simple enough. Previous owner installed the Fumoto valve so that is a win!
As much as I dislike the dealer, an oil change is usually in and out within an hour. Coffee and snacks free. Most of the quick lube places have ended in problems for me and I never use them anymore.
How far are you from Way Motorworks?
Not sure where his shop is but I'm betting not too far. I'll give it a go this time but need to check out his place.
If you do it yourself you will learn that installing the oil filter housing takes a little trial and error. Lots of how to's are found on this site. Also I recomment the Fumoto valve mentioned earlier- never a stuck/stripped plug again! I've been doing mine for 15 years and don't want anyone else messing with it. Good luck!
Most common reason for oil change refusal is the oil drain plug. Most oil change places over tighten the drain plug. So the next victim gets screwed when they try to remove drain plug. My r50 was a perfect example. I went to change my oil. An wouldn't you know The plug is all screwed up. So now I siphon my oil thru the dip stick. Until I get the time to remove my pan.
I went to my local quick change place, out of convenience, and they stated they don't work on Mini Coopers.
You dodged a bullet friend. Those places are predictably staffed entirely by village idiots, so they maybe just did you a giant favor by confessing their own incompetence. I wouldn't take a Matchbox car in to one of them.
Unsolicited horror story, because I just can't resist: buddy of mine took his Mazda 3 into a regional chain tire & brake shop for a 'quick' oil change ("convenience," and they were running a special!). His motor blew up three blocks later. They'd double filled the crank case. The owners eventually bought him a new engine but he had to threaten them with legal action to get it.
Quickee oil change places - like Fram filters: not even once.
Most common reason for oil change refusal is the oil drain plug. Most oil change places over tighten the drain plug. So the next victim gets screwed when they try to remove drain plug. My r50 was a perfect example. I went to change my oil. An wouldn't you know The plug is all screwed up. So now I siphon my oil thru the dip stick. Until I get the time to remove my pan.
Unless you have another reason to pull the oil pan (like a leaky gasket) If you can find someone to weld a nut onto the oil drain plug, between the heat and a new interface for the wrench, you ought to be able to get that old plug out. That's how I got mine out when it was stuck and rounded.
I never let a shop touch my drain plug or lug bolts .
upon getting my R53 I went to change it's oil for the 1st time and wow that bolt was on the oil pan tight A.F but nothing an extension on my wrench couldn't take care of. But it was FOR SURE over tightened . I also didn't replace the copper washer and thankfully it hasn't leaked a drop . I been using 5w40 full synthetic and live in a climate that sees all ranges or temps so it seems to be a good weight oil. But I do suggest replacing the drain plug seal and O ring in the oil filter housing .
GEN1 MINI doesn't use a copper crush washer on OE bung .....
The OE bung has an integrated plastic washer and the bung is a ONE TIME USE item ... intended to be replaced each time. Re use of the bung results in plastic breaking down and adds to 'stuck' problems.
OE bung is a sloppy fit with ANY metric wrench/socket making rounding easy to do. It is a PERFECT 1/2 inch fit .....
if you think the dealer has a rocket scientist doing oil changes you are dreaming. the one time I got my car from a change to discover they'd forget to put the oil in .. it was at the dealer ....
Not sure where his shop is but I'm betting not too far. I'll give it a go this time but need to check out his place.
Going to Ways for an oil change, I'd like to know how that turns out??????
I live in Kennesaw and I have the wrench you need, if you want to borrow it, feel free to let me know
You can also get the socket at most auto spares places, just ask for the Ford Powerstroke 6.0 oil filter housing socket, it is a low profile 36mm socket. I got mine form autozone for $10 + taxes
I'm sorry..you are correct on the washer . Must have been thinking of the wife's vehicle . But either way,lol I just reused my old plug and thankfully it sealed .
I'll say this as an ex lube jockey that worked for some shady guys; the manager + the other monkeys just were lazy and didn't want to do any extra work. It's also the stigma that "MINI = uber hard to work on"
I showed them how to do it on mine, and it was easier than 90% of the cars we used to bring into the shop; and we could get the filter 10-minute delivery from an Advance Auto Parts literally a mile from the shop.
I'd say it's probably shady management and laziness on their part, as well as ignorance. Most quick lubes are not honest companies, just FYI.
