I haven't tried to drive up them yet, just measured them. It doesn't look like the bottom rubber part will be a problem. It's very pliable and should bend right back. Once the upward motion starts, the bumper should clear the ramp anyway. My only worry is that the ramps might get pushed, but from everything I've read about these ramps, they stay in place better than metal ramps. It's not much of an incline, so I think it will be fine. I'll probably have someone spot me the first few times I do it though, just to be safe.

 

I have taken cars to Jiffy Lube in the past, but I had a bad experience once with my wife's car so we started taking ours to an actual garage where we know it will be done right, and they don't charge a lot more. I intend to change the oil on my MINI myself, simply because of the specialized filter...I don't trust anyone to do it right. Plus, they'll probably charge an arm and a leg for the filter (if they even keep it in stock). I know I could take the filter in myself but once I've gone to the trouble of buying the filter, I might as well do the oil change

 

Do you think the fumoto would be a problem on the R56 tho? The pan plug does face straight down, but I don't think the F-106 is too big that it will be to risky to have facing the ground

 

I would stay far away from quick oil change places. There are lots of horror stories. I experienced one myself with Jiffy Lube -- resulted in a cracked head on an Acura. Never again.

Here is what I would do to get your husband to help with the oil change:

Plead with him to do it with the agreement that you will send a sample of the oil to http://www.blackstone-labs.com/standard_analysis.html

You can read more about oil analysis here: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/whatisoilanalysis.htm

Once you've done that, you will have a good idea how often to change the oil. It will not be a matter on contention between you. IMO, $22.50 is worth it for peace of mind on when to do future oil changes.

 

Please give us a report when you do it.

 

I just gave the ramps a test run. I didn't use a spotter but I was very cautious getting up the ramps. I'm happy to report, I made it up and back down with no problem whatsoever. It is a bit difficult to judge when you're completely on the flat surface of the ramp, that's where a spotter would come in handy. I'll use one next time.

One thing I did notice, the ramps moved backward (in the direction of the car). I was thinking the ramps might be pushed forward but I guess the tire rotation pulled the ramps closer (roughly 4"). I also checked under the bumper, no scrape marks at all. It seems the bumper completely cleared the ramps.

 

Guess I'll stick with jack stands because I can do those by myself.

Put the parking brake on and you could suck them under the car without the car moving.

 

I was thinking of possibly putting a large mirror beside the car and doing it that way. A full-length mirror would do the job, then you could see where you're at. I think, after some practice, I can get a feel for it and it shouldn't be a problem.


Ha!! Now that WOULD be a trick

 

Yes, a good point. My wife,s Hummer had 50% remaining on the olm which is based on conventional oil. I had used synthetic and analysis said it was spent at less than 5000 miles.
I believe manufacturers want you to last through warranty. Selling more cars is where they make money.

 

I'm a great fan of the Fumoto....I've put them on my cars and recommend them to ALL MINI owners...pre R56....

GEN1 MINIs .... I hold tech sessions at my house to teach people how to change their own oil (OK not rocket science but appreciate some APPRECIATE this demonstration) I can't tell you how many times I can't get the drain plug out without an impact wrench or a bolt extractor. For GEN1 this is a no brainer, replace the bung with a valve....

HOWEVER...GEN2...the drain is straight down? There is NO WAY I'd put a Fumoto on my 07...... If they set out to make a Fumoto unusable on a GEN2, MINI could not have done a better job.

 

But isn't it common for some cars to have the plug facing straight down? I thought this was good for all cars...I think I may take a picture so people can see and maybe it can be seen that some of the front bumper dips down to cover where it would be from straight on debris

How tall is the fumoto?

 

my 2 cents....

I'd NEVER hang anything below the pan....

I've seen too many scrapes on the underside that I couldn't explain

And remember a friend with his 12 cyl jag sitting in the middle of the parking lot after he wiped the drain plug off on a speed bump.....

 

No, its not a common design (maybe a German thing?). Most designs account for that someone may actually want to use the drain plug. At an angle you just get your socket wrench in from the side and there is barely any mess. With the MINI oil seeps from all sides once its loosened and you have hot oil pouring all over your hands while you try to get it the rest of the way out. With the torx socket, having it flat, and burying the oil filter it seems intentionally annoying. All the cars ive changed other than the mini use a standard bolt at an angle right on the bottom of the pan.
Still, its a ton better than paying someone way too much to do it.

 

Or maybe there just wasn't any other good place to put it.

 

Who is it again that MINI got the GEN2 engine from.......

even the GEN1 wasn't German.....well, maybe closer that GEN2....

payback is hell....

All the Fum' valves I've applied over the years have been about 1 inch in length.....and some use an adapter to make them longer to clear oil pan bends.

Would I hang a 1 inch pipe straight down off the oil pan? NO

I HOPE the GEN2 plug comes out easier. But since I follow the manufact's recommendations I'm not close to a DIY oil change yet on the 07

 

BMW and Peugeot collaboration. Peugeot is that company that is known for making great high performance ralley engines...

Hardly. Wasn't it a Chrysler engine made in Brasil?

Payback for what?

It isn't hard to get out. It just makes a mess of your hand with hot oil spilling on it. Best to use gloves.

Not even close to be being close. You've probably got at least three more years.