[Strattomini]

Perhaps it's simple, but I'd love to find some detailed info on how to do my first oil change on my 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible. I've searched the forums, but amazingly, I can't find an oil change description for ANY model. Perhaps I'm too tired (or too stupid) to navigate the site in the right direction...

Doug

[msh441]

Well the super-basic version is:

-Warm up the car (warm/thin oil drains better than cold thick stuff)

-Get a good container to catch the draining oil and place it under the drain hole

-Unsrew the drain plug and be careful not to A) Drop it into the drain pan when it finally comes out and B) Dont get splashed with hot oil draining out of the car.

-Find and remove the oil filter (Unscrew counter-clockwise using the appropriate wrenc adapter or tool). When you remove this, some oil will come out of there as well... not a ton, but be preparred with some rags and stuff for clean up.

-Go get a cup of tea, or an espresso and let stuff completely drain for a bit.

-When you get back, screw on a fresh replacement oil filter.

-Re-install the drain plug and torque to factory specs. It's recommended that you replace the washer between the plug and the oil pan, too. I must admit I don't do this every time... more like every second or third change... but YOU do it every time .

-Open up your oil cap and put in fresh oil. As you get close to the required capacity, start checking with the dipstick to make sure the level is correct. Some oil may be in an area of the engine that doen't completely drain (seen this on some motorcycles), so keep checking during that last little bit of filling so that you don't overfill.

-Now take your oil container with the old black stuff and go to your local Schucks, Napa or Autozone (call ahead, but most of 'em will dispose of old oil for free).

Please note: these are the BASICS of an oil change. I'm sure there are some MINI specifics that I'm missing. Get your torque figures for the drain plug (you'll need that - DON'T OVERTIGHTEN). Give it a whirl. It's not too tough.

[Strattomini]

Thank you very much, sir, I've also discovered from a similar thread who's link popped up below that (my own search be damned!) that a 36mm socket is necessary to perform the filter change. I'm thinking that since my car may be changing hands in the spring (I'll be selling it), that it might be wiser to have the 'free dealer oil change' done instead, using my own Mobil 1 5W-30 oil that I've already picked up.