Hi everyone. I recently did an oil change on my 2004 MINI Cooper. It is a first oil change and was done at 1550 Miles. Among some of the problems I experienced (which are detailed HERE ) I found out that the Original Oil Filter that came in the car is different from the one MINI sold me.

So please help me out and answer these questions for me, if they are applicable:
1. Did you do the FIRST oil change on your car? If Yes:
a. Did you notice any differences in the oil filter that came on the car versus the one that was sold to you by MINI. (in particular the rubber seal)
b. Did the metal filter housing contain a small plastic mesh cylinder that goes through the donut hole of the oil filter?
c. What year is your car? I am in particular looking for people with a 2004 model.

Thanks for you help.

 

1. Yes, at about 2000 miles
1a. Looked the same
1b: no
1c 2003

_________________
IB/W some mods

 

1. Yes, at about 8000miles
1a. Looked the same
1b. No
1c. 02/03

I will say this though, my oil filter was installed backwards at the factory....

 

1. yes, at about 2500 miles
1a. looked the same
1b. no
1c.09/04

You are welcome, Tim

 

1. Yes, 2210 miles using Redline 5w30
1a. Was the same
1b. Nope
1c. 2004, 9/03 build date

 

yes, I did first change
slight difference between oil filters
cannister contained a black plastic mesh tube
picked up my ordered car 8-03

 

Yes changes myself @ 1800 miles with MOBLE1.
Filters looked the same BMW part# 11 42 7 512 446.
The canister had nothing in it.
production date 10/10/03

 

Hey Vano,

I don't think that you picked up on my post to you on the thread that you [osted about you almost blowing up your engine when you did your oil change. If you go to the RSpeed How-tos link on any NAM page under the Main Menu/Features, it will take you to the RSpeed how-to for an oil change. Look at figures 6a through 7c (click on them to enlarge them) and you will see your filter housing with the black mesh cylinder in the center.

Cheers,

JD

 

JD,

Thanks for the info. Now that I look at the RSpeed how-to, it looks identical to what i saw in my Mini Cooper.

I called the dealer a while back and they told me the mesh thing should be there for the Mini Cooper - but not Mini Cooper S. The mesh supposedly helps the enginer maintain the oil pressure in the canister.

5,000 miles on the car now and it seems to be running really smoothly. Checking the oil every other week and its been right at the max level, no refills needed. The oil looks nice and clean too, so I think im finally getting over the traumatic experience.

Thanks for the help and support guys.