Hello everyone!

I have a question about changing the oil on my 2012 MCS. I'm hoping someone out there may have experienced something similar.
I've read some nice write ups on how to change the oil but my car seems to be a bit different from these write ups.

It seems that for 2012 (or at least on mine anyway) the hoses that attach the coolant expansion tank are much shorter than what I've seen in these write ups. I disconnected the tank and there really is not much room to move the tank anywhere... In fact, when I do try to gently move it somewhat out of the way coolant starts to leak from the hose connections. This has got me a bit frightened to continue on because I sure don't want to break anything.

Has anyone else experienced this and if so how do you deal with it? It also seems that there is VERY little room to even get the filter housing out as it seems to be pretty well sandwiched in there with some hoses around it.
I'm sure if I can get past the issue of the coolant expansion tank I'll get it outta there but it is tight.

I'm wondering if it would be necessary to install a longer hoses on the coolant tank or what?

Does anyone have any ideas? I've been searching for write ups on 2012 oil changes and there doesn't see to be any info regarding this issue out there.

I'd like to change the oil myself but maybe I just need to buck up and pay the dealer to do this one. I hope not.

 

Don't worry, it's normal. The hose IS shorter on the LCI MINIs. Several of us have posted our similar experience over here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3409206

Just empty the overflow tank with a syringe or turkey baster and that way you won't lose any coolant. A bungee cord helps to hold the tank out of the way. You'll find you can move it up and to the left more than you think. It will facilitate your access (albeit tight) to the filter housing.

Good luck!

 

i had the same problem when i changed it for my 2011 mcs. i just maneuver the oil filter out of the way with the loosen coolant reservoir. i didn't empty the reservoir or bend it out of the way - just kept it loosen by unscrewing the nut. Then it's quite ez once you let the oil drain from the oil filter housing for 20-30 minutes - no mess. good luck

 

Thanks guys! This helps a lot

 

ive also found that its easier to move when the coolant is on the cooler side.

 

not sure if the setup is the same on my 2008 mcs, but when i changed my oil, i didnt have to move the coolant tank out of the way at all. sure, its kind of a tight fit, but i found it to be easy enough to squeeze the cap and filter through the hoses while they were still in place. like i said though, not sure if the 2012s have the same setup!

 

Update:
I did change the oil today. I'm happy to report I followed Gil-galad's turkey baster method. This allowed me to wrangle the coolant expansion tank just enough to get to the filter without having any of the coolant leak out from the hoses.

It's definitely not the easiest car I've ever tried to change the oil in, in fact, it's pretty much a pain but happily I was able to get it with no problems and I think next time it should be much easier!

 

I just use it as an opportunity to put a little new coolant into the car. I always have a gallon of BMW coolant dilutted with distilled water lying around that I use.

 

They are short but can be moved out of the way. Get some lightweight rope or twine to hold it out of your way.