Hi everyone. I'm brand new to this forum, and brand new to the modern-era Mini's...having briefly owned one of the originals back in the 60s. To make a long story short, I recently found and purchased an 02 in great shape and at a very reasonable price. I enjoy doing my own basic maintenance, and have ordered an oil-change kit with two filters, gaskets, drain plugs and oil filter wrench. At the same time, I ordered a Haynes shop manual. Being a first-time owner of the "new" Mini, it looks to me like the oil filter is a cartridge type, the housing for which seems to be located at about a 45 degree angle just left of center behind the block. If I am correct, I am wondering about the following:

When you remove the oil filter housing, doesn't that cause a significant amount of oil to drain down onto the frame or suspension components which are directly below the filter? If so, is there any way to prevent, or at least minimize the mess? Thanks in advance for any responses. I very much look forward to taking advantage of the collective wizdom of those veteran Mini owners on this forum, and hope to become an active participant.

DelawareDon

 

Actually, changing the oil on the Mini is less messy than on most cars I've worked on. Put a paper towel right under the canister, and crack it open a half turn or so. Then drain the oil from the pan. Most of the oil will then drain from the canister into the pan, and once you've got it buttoned up down below the canister can be removed without dripping more than a tablespoon of oil.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=4928

Good car specific referance there

Took 3 tries before I really had the "feel" of this canister down but now I do them drop free

 

The hardest part about the filter, is not getting the 36mm socket stuck!

It's very, very easy. I would recommend the Bentley Manual. FAR better book.