Alright.. I like to do my oil myself and dont feel like paying the dealership an arm and a leg to do an oil change..

Last time I changed my oil on my 05 mini S.. the oil filter cap was the biggest PITA to get off..

Surely someone makes a socket that fits perfectly.. Can someone point me in the right direction, or at least give me a size?

Thanks!!!!!


05 mini s

 

I just found this.. will it work?

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/W136.cfm

 

That would do it. A regular 36mm socket doesn't leave much room for maneuvering.

I had bought my oil filter socket from the dealer, actually, but this was more than 7 years ago. I don't think anyone else made them back then.

 

cool! just ordered it! thanks

 

I use a cheapo one from advance auto parts. I think it's a powerbuilt, it works fine. There are some that are too tall so get the shortest one you can find. Also it only cost about $7

 

I bought several b4 I bought the sears craftsman 1/2 inch unit which IS shallow enuf to work. Been using it for several years.

 

When removing the oil filter, housing, has anyone found that it is very tight, then you can losen it a quarter of a turn or so, then it gets tight again?

 

Yes. It tightens because of the drag with the o-ring. No worries, just be sure to ALWAYS use the new o-ring that comes with your new filter elements. I have changed the filter without changing the o-ring and it always leaks after. Never again with the old o-ring..

 

+1

 

I took a standard length 36mm socket and machined to about half its length, any machine shop can do this with no problem. Add yourself a fumoto drain valve and the oil changes are as easy as it gets!

 

I found mine on eBay or some online vendor, it is shorter than the one I had:

 

I'm using one just like that & it works like a dream. Bought it at Pep Boys for the same price too. It was back hanging with the other filter wrenches, the card said BMW filter tool.

 

Got mine on Amazon for a great price. It is a LISLE 14500.

 

I just use a 36mm Craftsman socket I bought from Sears for like $8. I've never had a clearance issue. (lucky I guess as I didn't consider depth when i bought it)

 

Definitely more touchy than a regular filter change. Be sure to put some clean oil on the new gasket too before installing the canister again. I pinched a gasket once and didn't realize it until I started the car and it was a gusher. Luckily, I had a few other filters on hand to use another gasket.