Okay so the oil change routine isn't bad at all except for the replacement genuine MINI filter. What method or cutting tool opens 'em up to fit the canister pipe?

One of the how-tos recommends enlarging the filter holes before pressing onto the guide. I found the replacement filter totally different from the original factory installed. It has a fixed seal and half-inch holes pre-cut on both ends. The canister has a guide pipe to slide over at about 1" diameter. So I cut relief slits in the 1/8 thick filter end material - nope doesn’t fit. So I tried various tools of destruction to cleanly open them up. Looked like a dog chewed it into round. Hey she fit in only 15 minutes, grrrrrr. There's got to be a better way to open it up or a source for 1" hole filters. I think the "MINI" filter may be a BMW rebranded flavor that fits other applications.

 

I used an OEM MINI filter on mine and it went on with no problems at all. I pushed it down on the tube to open up the hole slightly, then fitted it into the cap so the other end would fit.

Then I installed it and had no problems at all.

Despite the higher cost, I'll probably stick with OEM filters - at least for a while. They aren't that much more than aftermarket and I know they'll fit properly.

 

This was indeed an OEM, it came in a MINI box from the dealer. I pressed very hard and it didn't budge. The material is tough and doesn't expand.

Maybe you really got to push. The new filter also had a inner plastic basket that is the proper ID to fit over the pipe.