Well, not exactly. The MINI has gone through three oil changes from the dealer under the service warranty. But those times have come and gone so it was time to get it done on my own. So Last weekend I got my hands on some ramps, oil, a filter from the dealer, a "
how to" and some free time. I had just about all the bases covered except some decent tools. I attempted to loosen the oil plug but that thing was on there tight! I busted my socket just trying to get that thing to budge. (mental note: get better tools)
So I chickened out and took it to a local mechanic by my office. Nice guy, knowledgeable and competent in BMWs and now MINIs. I slipped him a twenty and he took care of the rest. Well worth it if you ask me for some peace of mind and no oil under my finger nails. ;-) I'm almost at 30k miles and the MINI is feeling great. I have been driving it all week since we have been unseasonable warm.
11 comments:
Sounds like the dealer overtorqued it on the previous change. Be careful as those plugs are notorious for stripping. I installed a Fumoto valve once I was out of warranty so I never had to worry about it again.
That's probably what happened. I saw that valve you got and it looks great. I'll be ordering one soon for the next one. Thanks
Fumoto Valve? Was ist das? Fotos?
Hey RB. Here's the link for that valve. Looks like it would definitely come in handy.
OIl Drain valve from MossMINI
Ity must be in a place where it's not in harms way [rocks, road]... I would hope.
Since I have a MCSa, I have a power steering cooling duct that covers the drain plug from any debris, but I have not heard of it being an issue.
photo
Doesn't someone like Moss sell a protective plate for the underside?
Skid Plates are available from Moss and other places.
Thanks for the info. I recently was given a set of M7 lowering springs. I have been hesitant to put them on because... 1. It's hard enough to get the car out of my driveway now with stock springs 2. ride is very firm with stock springs and I have ditched the run flats. 3. will the ride be harsh with these 4. will I need a skid plate and how will that effect oil changes heat level of engine?
I was going to ask this question at my blog but, like yours, hardly anyone ever stops by so so what's the point.
Motoring File....it's good to be king.
Hey Dan,
I done a few oil changes now, (and I have to do them in pairs since I have 2 MINIs).
I've got a slightly less than crappy set of tools (old school torque wrench, oil filter socket, and other wrenches that will do the job), plus ramps..
Let me know next time you are ready, and we can have an oil change party out in front of my house.. I will probably be doing my next change in the late summer/fall.
Sounds great Steve. Thanks for the offer, I probably will take you up on that. ;-)
Post a Comment