Recently got a 2008 mini S R5/ with auto. I bought the oil filter, drain plug and oil. I have crawled all under and for the life of me cannot find the drain plug. I have looked at you tube but all of their locations are different, Anyone have a picture? I do lots of work on my cars and first mini. I'm sure I must have looked at it a dozen times but there was nothing the same as the new drain plug.

 

The Drain plug should be a almost dead center just being the radiator and in front of PS pump fan

 

That's what I thought. All I see are mounting bolts.

 

It's parallel to the ground, and perpendicular to the oil pan bolts you're looking at.

 

I went to Realoem.com and looked at the diagram. I must have just overlooked it.

 

At the bottom of the engine sump there is a plug. We go over this in our oil change DIY.

 

is it possible the OE plug was replaced with a Fumoto?




these are a GOOD idea since the OE plug has a tendency to get stuck .... maybe the prior owner made the change? If so this is a 'permanent' plug .... it is a valve and you just open it to drain the oil . . .

http://fumotousa.com/index.php

p.s. it faces to the BACK of the car

 

Remove the duct to the PS fan that attaches to the splashgaurd, there is 4 Phillips screws that retain it. Remove it and you'll see the drain plug.

 

That's sounds like it. I let eying that and wondering why they would put it behind something.

 

Thanks. That seems to confirm that its behind the intake. That really helps too.

 

Hint (one of many buried in the million threads about oil changes)

contrary to what is written, the bung is a PERFECT 1/2 inch bolt size.



the recommended metric is a sloppy fit and as many have learned can result in trashing the head of the bung b4 you get it loose then requiring drastic measures to get it out.

 

Yes you have the vent being a Cooper s w/ auto transmission later on. Two screw on the fan connection and two screws on the front underbelly plastic.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51757201453/

 

You're very welcome.

 

I tried looking behind that duct but didn't see it. Now that I've seen the picture and find out the duct must be removed I feel less stupid.

It appears the Fumoto valves have a lock to keep from opening accidently. Is the
F108N the right one. Seems a few oil changes would pay for that.

 

Not a fan of the Fumoto valves, as they don't flow enough to drain sediment from the sump. A normal drain plug that is torqued to the proper value will work just fine.

There is only one oil pan configuration for these cars, remove the duct for the powersteering fan and it will be there. There is a fin that runs through the center of the oil pan, follow it and it will lead you right to the drain plug.