So it looks like I may need to get a new oil pan. The drain plug refuses, no matter what kind of specialty wrench I use to get a stripped bolt out. This will be the second time I will have to have someone else change my oil. So, in the off chance, or what seems to be the more than assured chance, that the bolt kills the drain pan, my question to the inter-webs hive mind - genuine MINI pan (just under $500) or after market pan ($120 to $150).


Anyone have any experiences with the aftermarket pans?


I have the Fumoto ball valve on its way. Should I just have it drilled and threaded for the Fumoto?

 

I'd go aftermarket. FCP Euro has one for 115, they sell good quality and have lifetime warranty.

 

If indeed you do need another pan, I'd go used OEM.

Search the 'MINI Parts for Sale' section of this site as there's always someone parting a MINI out.
With patience, good deals can be found on eBay as well.

As to removing the bolt on your current pan, have you tried a plumber's basin wrench? I had the same issue with a stuck rounded-off drain plug, and it came off with the basin wrench after all other methods failed.

Also +1 on the Fumoto (F106), which now graces my oil pan...

 

We have a few used OEM MINI oil pans available. I will shoot you a PM!

- Chris

 

Kind of. I got a specialty wrench for stripped bolts. It was a no go. Just made it worse. Mostly due to my ham-fistedness. But this will be the second time in a year that I will have needed to take the car in to get the oil changed by some one else. (I change my oil twice a year no matter what.) Since I lack the equipment, time, clean/dry place to do the oil pan myself and am fortune enough to have a second car that I can use, I will be taking it to a local MINI/BMW specialty shop that has done good work on my car before and have them take a look at it. I am mostly certain that it will need to be drilled at the very least. The Fumoto should be here by the weekend and we will see what the shop says next week. I will see about used OEM, if I put the Fumoto in it, used will be the way that I go. I think that if I brought the parts into the shop they would put them on.

 

Thanks for the PM. May be contacting you soon.
Craig

 

too late to help you I suppose

but what were you using to remove the bung?

Despite what all the books say, then GEN1 bung is a PERFECT 1/2 inch .... using the recommended metric often results in what you have as the wrench or socket is a sloppy fit.



I got my mangled out with this (and have done a few for others)



IMO it is that dang plastic seal that is the problem... Fumoto is the way to solve it once and for all. If the oil pan is damaged you could tap it and use an insert then the Fumoto alto just tapping for the next larger Fumoto is cleaner.

 

@ Capt BJ - My thought is that the pan is damaged at this point, no confirmation on that though. The gasket is factory original with 138K miles and is leaking so it needs replacing anyway.


I did try the sockets shown in the blue case. They didn't work either. Changing out the pan is my last choice and will ask the shop to avoid it if at all possible.

 

Thank you to all for the advice and assistance.

 

Two years ago I got this one - http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-EN...item33ae79e8b3
No issues since that time... Made in China, of course

But don't forger, on Mini to replace oil pan you need to spend at least 2 hours