I'm brand new to the MINI world but not brand new to changing my own oil. I have a 2010 mcs clubman, for the life of me I can not get the cap off at all. I have the right tools but it's just not cutting it. I thought about attaching a breaker bar and having at it but i'm afraid to break something and have this turn into a bigger deal than this should be... ANY HELP AT ALL?!?!

 

Looks like someone over tightened it last filter change. Use the breaker bar and try to un-tighten with short strong burst. Are you using the correct socket on the cap? Worst case the plastic cap gets damaged. Here is the part number 11427557011

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11427557011/

 

I had the same issue today. I even took a break to search and make sure the housing wasn't reverse threaded.

After using some extra muscle, I was finally able to get it off using a 27mm socket and a 3/8 ratchet with a 1/2 adapter. I think if if had my 1/2 ratchet on me the extra torque would have helped.

 

When tightening the oil filter cap I watch as the plastic lip meets the metal housing. At this point only another 1/8th of a turn gives you the proper torque. The o-ring is actually making the seal, not the snugness between the plastic cap and the metal housing. Make sure to lubricate the o-ring with oil before you screw the cap on. I just dip my finger in the small pool of old oil in the filter housing to do this.

 

Plus 1 on doing this----^^^^^^^^^^^ Best Practice for any Canister Filter set-up that I've ever worked on. Helps prevent a dry o-ring from trying to walk off the oil filter cap or get pinched and allow a leak on you as well.