Question to the R53 group: Mini/BMW didn't exactly provide simple access to the oil filter housing bolts. Is it easier to access the oil filter housing to replace the gasket by first removing the exhaust manifold? Or, is that more work than it's worth?

 

watch this guy, he has some very great videos.

I replaced mine while the engine is out the car, and I can tell you that it will probably be pretty difficult to get the oring in the grooves if done from under the car. I’m just glad I did it now rather than later.

 

^^^ Agreed, watched nearly all of forum member @Mod-Mini's excellent videos from comfort of LA-Z-Boy recliner while learning "what's underneath" along with DIY tips...

 

It's not terrible to do in the car and the exhaust manifold can remain in place, but I'm not sure I've done the housing>block gasket with the subframe installed. The bolts can be accessed with a U-joint and few extensions. The gasket is designed such that it will stay in the housing when mating the housing to the block. That's what I would presume all the little nubs are for. They work well.

Notice the 'nubs'


If you're talking oil cooler o-rings, that can be done by just removing the wheel. No other access needed. Also will require the correct torx (T30?) bit and a wobble joint with extensions.

 

Had the oil filter housing gasket replaced by an independent BMW/Mini garage. It still wound up having a leak. Apparently, the mechanic did not replace the oil cooler O-rings. I wound up doing that myself = On the car. Sorry - I dont remember what method/access I found to make it less painfulI. It was a cramped, messy and a lititle frustratingly 4 hour experience nonetheless. But if I can do it so can most.
Best of luck.

EDIT: No - I saw no need to unbolt/pull the header.

 

I also replaced it recently.

 

Yep, ModMini does excellent videos however he doesn't have to deal with the heat exchanger because the repair is being done on an automatic trans MINI. I'll just have to jump into the repair and make sure I have some Tequila nearby and no one with sensitive ears in the area!

 

be sure to check those coolant hoses connected to the heat exchanger also, mine were toast when I moved the filter housing out the way to put gasket in they fell apart. I also replaced the orings in the heat exchanger while I was there, oil leaks from that too. The orings I took out were hard and brittle.