I have an 07 MS (+ three other cars) and like to change the oil myself. Am thinking of getting one of the devices that sucks the oil out of the engine via the dipstick so I don't have to get under the car. Does it make a difference as far as the oil change is concerned - any negatives? Also, does anyone have a recommendation on the device?0

I found this online: Liquivac oil change system for $45:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LiquiVac-Oi...System/3048103

 

Here's another version.
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...om=Search&cx=0

 

That's how I do it. Bought this years ago for the boat and it works great on the MINI. https://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-...tor-46149.html

 

That Harbor Freight unit looks awesome. The Lowes unit looks too small.

I tried a Topsider and it didn't work at all.....after about 20 minutes I was able to get about half a quart out.....followed the directions to the letter.

 

I have a unit very similar to the Griot's Garage version and it worked fine on my MINI. I just decided it was easier to pull the drain plug. I have a very shallow drain pan so I pull the plug and drain the engine without lifting the car.

 

are you snaking a tube into the sump or just pulling on the top of the dipstick tube? Boat dipstick tubes are designed for that, they actually run all the way to the bottom of the pan. Don't know if that's the case for the mini.

 

Haven't seen a dipstick tube that doesn't run to the pan. But yes I remove the dipstick and insert the tubing into the dipstick tube. Oh and do it while the oil is still warm or else you'll be waiting a long time

 

on some marine engines the tube runs all the way to the bottom of the pan, so you just pump the oil out the tube (There is actually a fitting on the top of the dipstick tube for the pump hose). I don't think most automotive dipstick tubes go deep enough to do that and get all the oil out.

I'm kind of surprised you can fit a tube down inside the mini dipstick tube considering how tight it is just getting the dipstick in, but must say I've not tried it.

 

Been changing oil via dipstick in my parking garage stall since new. I start the vacuum then rotate the tires while it extracts. Only the dealer has removed the drain bolt for free maintenance period. New filter, fill it back up with 5 quarts and you're good for another 5k

 

By using the pump .. does it remove the bits and pieces of trash a the bottom of the pan ?

I can see it collecting the material suspended in the oil as it sucks it out. But unless the engine has been ran till oil is hot and then removed, there will be debris at the bottom of the pan. Pulling the plug does a rush and flush cleaning out the botom of the pan.

I just don't see how slowy sucking it out of a tube will get it all.

 

You can get under your Mini and pull the drain plug without lifting the car?

 

I don't actually get under the car. I just lie down next to the front bumper and reach under to access the drain plug and then slide the drain pan under the sump. I'm a short guy with short arms but it's not that hard to do.