2007 R56 Hatchback 112,000 iles.

Changed the oil. Instruction say the oil filter has one end that goes down, I did not pay attention and stuck the oil filter in, tightened it into the housing. Don't remember if I put it in with DOWN end up or down.

Should I pull the oil filter out and check, or, does it really matter?

 

Hello,

I have a 2009 MCS. During my many DIY oil changes using Min OE oil filters, I'v never noticed that the oil-filter-cartrige has a 'up or down' direction when installing. I've actually test fitted the oil-filter-cartridge into the oil-filter-plastic-cap both ways before screwing into oil-filter-housing and there is no difference.

So, as long have you have no leaks, I think you are OK.

W

 

Now that I read your reply, I realize I have done the same thing -- done all my oil changes since the car was new and never noticed a top or bottom to the filter

Thanks for your respnse.

 

Additional reassurance that you did nothing wrong: the filters used in the R56 series engines really don’t care which way they are oriented. :-) I’ve changed the oil and filter many times on my old R55 Clubman and on my spouse’s R60 Countryman. It’s nice and simple.

(The newer F-series cars filters do have a distinct right and wrong end, but it’s hard to put them on upside down.)

 

You should be fine. I once had one saying top and bottom, but the one I got as a spare right now says nothing about orientation. But I usually but the writing to the top.

 

I just changed the oil and filter on my 2013 R55. I used a Hengst filter. The only difference I noted was that the filter would stay attached to the cap when inserted one way but would not if the filter were flipped. I installed it so that the cap would retain the filter.

 

Let's be clear. Not 'should be fine', he definitely is fine as the Purflux L358A (which is OE) filter element is
symmetrical.
Btw, if you put the writing on top (of its final position) you can't read it, since you use to snap the filter into
the cap first, then srew the cap along with the filter element into the filter holder/heat exchanger unit, but
again, it doesn't matter at all.