Hi, I have a 2004 Mini Cooper S R53 built Feb 2004
I changed my oil myself recently, and had a terrible oil leak afterward.
I reseated the filter canister, and now the leak is down to about 1 or two drops per minute.
I checked the O-ring and made sure it was well lubed.

I think I have found the source of the problem, but wanted to run it past the group here.
I noticed a notch inside the filter housing, and I'm not sure if it is supposed to be there - I have included pics

 

Can't say I've seen that notch, but it looks machined.
I would guess the o-ring is compromised somehow. It shouldn't leak at all. Did you save the old o-ring? Might be worth trying it.

 

Yup....sounds like a o-ring issue....unless you KNOW you dammaged it....it was fine with the last o-ring....
Some brands tend to have bigger thicker o-rings....other thinner...which are less likely to tear on install...but might let oil drip by if you have a cap with a bit of wear IMO....

 

I don't know what the problem is, but it's not the notch.

- Mark

 

I agree it’s not the notch. Are you using OEM filters (Or Mann) with the included o-ring? I don’t trust any others.

Also, that canister is not easy to get on straight. Are you the first owner and have you done all the changes? If someone in the past tried to spin on the canister and when they were unsuccessful, used a big wrench, there could be thread damage on the block side.

One other thing. The oil filter assembly is known to leak where it attaches to the block. Mini says you need a new assembly. Not so. The small o-ring and gasket should fix “that” problem if you have it and you probably do as all R53 eventually do.

Rich

 

Good News Everyone!
I went down to the Mini dealer and bought an OEM filter - That made the difference.
My first filter was not OEM, I picked it up at O'Reilly when the clerk said "oh this one's cheaper and it says it should work"
Also, when I first did the change, I didn't have the right wrench, I managed to get it on with an assortment of monkey wrenches, not advised.

Thanks everyone for all your advice!