All,

Apologies up front, as I started a threat earlier that either got bugged or something, anyways. I'm looking for feedback on the following items.

I'll be purchasing some of this from Amazon since they ship to APO addresses. Other stuff, like the OEM filters will be purchased from some of the vendors that sponsor these forums.

Mobil 1 0w-40 Synthetic Oil

I am planning to change oil at my place and am likely going to be using an oil extractor.

I've not completely decided yet, but these are the two I'm looking at, but am very open to other suggestions.

Pela

MityVac 7201

The goal is to have all this stuff why my Mini shows up in late May...anyways, just some thoughts.

I was considering the Mini/BMW Oil, but I think I'll run this same oil in my wife's Audi A4, and that would just make life simpler to only have 1 oil (that is suitable/approved for both vehicles).

Thanks again for your inputs.

 

Why do you want to suck the oil out the dipstick tube...
The general opionion of many mechanics is is leaves a half quart or so of the worst oil in the bottom of the pan, and you must insert the tube past a bunch of parts not made to have stuff (other than a very slim dipstick) pushed past it...
IMO, get a pan, socket set, and just drive the car up on ramps...
You will still drip oil around when you change the filter....be sure to get the special socket for you wrench for this....gen1 and gen2 cars have different ones, so get the right one.

 

Drain the oil from the bottom, you can do it without even having to raise the car. You'll need a new filter and if you get a MINI filter, it will come with a new sealing washer for the drain plug. You also need 4.5 quarts of new oil. Mobil 1 0w-40 or MINI branded oil 5w30 are both about the same price.

 

+1.

Also, you might want to try and get a drain pan with low sides if possible.

 

I have always found just driving up on a 2x6 scrap is just enough extra height to get the oil pan under the car and give me just a bit of extra space for the ratchet...
Perhaps the ONE must have tool for a mini oil change is the oversized socket to remove the oil filter housings....ecerything else is pretty universal.