Just curious if anyone is doing topside oil changes on their MINI.

I have one of these that I used on my Jetta, which also had a top side oil filter.

http://www.amazon.com/Pela-Oil-Extra.../dp/B000221LOA

I was wondering what your experiences were.

I've been doing topside oil changes on my boat for years with no problems at all so if it easier for you to do it that way, go for it. I have a large garage and big floor jack so it's no big deal to jack up the MINI and get at the drain plug, so I do my MCS from the bottom.

I do it all the time but I use the Mityvac which has a larger capacity.

Topside works well for me. Been doing it for approx. 20 years w/o issues.

Rather easy with the R56 since you can reach the filter from the top as well.

I can understand the need to do a topside in a boat. In a car with a very accessible drain plug it seems to me like it would not be the best solution. You will always have some dirty oil at the bottom of the pan.

I always use the Uncle Red method to good result, you should too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_b2xIEfj2Y

Crrraaasshttoon, I cannn't stooppp laaaughhhin'

I thought this would be the case as well, so the first time I used my Pella on the Jetta, I also removed the drain plug. Nothing came out.

The bonus was being able to use the Pella to get alot of oil out of the filter housing and the oil cooler. I could actually remove alot more dirty oil from the engine than I could by draining alone.

I will repeat this test on the MINI as well.

I guess i have a dirty mind... tell me im not the only one here...

i got the newer design liquivac 2 gallon. works very well. i usually put the car on a slight incline facing down and it gets all the oil out. I think it's fine to use a extractor on the mini.

As long as you change the filter, you should be fine with a top side change.

This topic always sparks some rather differing opinions as much as the "best" oil to put into a car. Do what you are comfortable with. Just know people have done it either way w/o issues.

Been doing oil changes with an extractor for 10 years or so on a variety of cars. They do indeed get all the oil out and make an oil change incredibly easy, neat and tidy. Do it and don't worry about it.

I think the dealership only does topside oil changes right?

as far as i know, benz and bimmers are done that way that's why the oil filter is right in front top.

this one looks pretty good too..

http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exe...arch_model/183

would certainly make me able to do oil changes at my apt garage, since i wouldnt need the jack stands and jack (which reside at my parents place).
sucks putting it up on stands just to change the oil, though i do usually always rotate tires at the same time....

I think i may go this route for my next change anyway.. whoknows

[QUOTE=iwashmycar;3111059]this one looks pretty good too..

http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exe...arch_model/183

thats the exact one i have, i got it off ebay for about 35 dollars and it's been great. No issues in the six oil changes i have used it for.

cool. good to know

Okay, I've been wrenching on engines for 30 years, how come I've never heard of anyone other than dealers doing topside oil changes?

Just how does it work anyways? Are you using a tube to siphon the oil out? Where are you sticking the tube?

Boy, do I feel stupid....

Mark

I'm guessing your Jetta was a TDI? I had a Golf TDI and also have one of those Pela pumps (I think it's the Pela 6000 if memory serves me correctly). It did work great. I had a Jeep CRD after that and the tube on the pump wasn't long enough for that engine....and it's been on the shelf ever since. I think next time I need to change the MINIs oil, I'll get it out and use it. Haven't had to change the oil on either my old MINI or my current one but a few times due to the dealer maintenance.

I say if you have the pump, use it. Saves a mess for sure.

I'm using the MityVac.

Tube goes down the dipstick tube.

Suction from pumping the MityVac pulls the oil out of the engine.

Once you pour the new oil into the engine you can then pump the old oil from the Mityvac into the now empty oil container.

I also use it on the Z3.

And the John Deere.

....Les

Well, color me stupid. I knew dealerships did it but I never knew there was a home version.

Since I have a lift readily available, guess I'll stick to the old fashioned way... may have to look into it though.

Thanks,

Mark

I've been doing it both ways .. topside change is a whole lot easier and you don't have to replace the crush washer. I have a JohnDow Industries model ..

It was! Still going strong at 203k miles when I traded on the MINI,(they gave me $3k for it too!) I do have the Pela 6000, the link I posted was just for demonstration purposes. The clear part of the tubing on my Pela cracked last winter, though, so I need to go to Lowes and get some replacement.

I need to start using it on my John Deere (as someone else posted).... it's hard to get the drain pan under the oil drain. Even with the deck off it's a pain.