For those who like to change their own oil, some possible good news. Purolator does have a filter in production. The number to look for is L15465. The catch is that many vendors and distributors have not yet decided to stock it.
Purolator is quick to point out that they only manufacture and do not market, so it could take a while to show up.

They do state that there is inventory in the warehouses, so keep an eye out!

Paul
'03 IB/W S

For those who like WIX filters, they will have one for the Mini in early 2003.

retroom

WIX is good! In fact, I am wondering if the factory filter is up to WIX standards. Thanks!

The Wix representative said in his email that the Mini oil filter will be available "early 2003".

retroom

Thanks to the folks at a local Advance Auto Parts for their help. In their book, but had to be ordered in. $6.99 ea.and no need to venture to the dealer. I'm at 1800 now so I will be busy over the holiday. Amsoil 5w-30 going in.

Paul
'03 IB/W S

Originally posted by Splicer65
.... $6.99 ea.and no need to venture to the dealer. ...
I just paid $7.40 for an OEM filter at the MINI dealer yesterday, so the price is similar.

I wonder how the two filters compare in performance?

Originally posted by obehave
OK? Where's CurtP when you need him?

HIDING! Ugh, actually, it was a really hectic day at work today, and I didn't even get a chance to look at the board (how dare they make me do REAL work, sheesh).

Anyway, Purolator doesn't make their own filters, they're made by Champion (no, not the spark plug people). I'm not a fan of Purolator, but the Pure One is supposed to be well built with decent filter media. However, this filter isn't a Pure One.

*BUT*, since this is an open filter, it's easy to examine to see how well it's built. I may have to go down to the local parts store and put my hands on one.

I want to also mention that BMW/MINI doesn't manufacture their own filters either. I haven't been able to get confirmation on who's building it for MINI, but don't be surprised if the filters you're buying under different brand names are the exact same filter you're buying from the dealership. Since the car is fairly new to market, and there may be legal issues with duplicating the factory filter (if not that, then the time to tool up to manufacture a new filter). It's sometimes cheaper/easier/faster to procure the filters from the same source as the factory to just to get them on the shelf. Only way to really tell is to compare the filters side-by-side, but if they are the same now, it doesn't mean that the next batch will be.

So what's my point? Pull the filter out of the box, inspect it, and if you're happy with the construction, filter media and price, buy it. Aren't open filters great? :D

Thats the first time I've seen Champion and Purolator in the same sentence ( except in comparison) :confused: ArvinMeritor claims to have filter facilities all over the world as well as the largest in Fayetteville NC. They produce many of the private labels around. Why would they sub?

I will be comparing with the OEM at change time.

Paul
'03 IB/W S

Originally posted by Splicer65
Why would they sub?

Actually, you are correct, I posted the wrong information. Purolator (which is owned by Arvin Meritor) does in fact, manufacture their own filters. I had them in the wrong column on my index. But, some filter manufacturers have been known to procure filters from the same source as OEM until they tool to manufacture their own filter.

There is a website that has some good information, although some of it differs from the information I have (such as WIX producing both the Silver and Gold NAPA filters):

http://minimopar.net/oilfilters.html

I don't think he's updated his information for some time, and at one point, he had removed the website after being threatened by Fram for the negative publicity.

When replacing the metal oil filter housing on the MINI during an oil change, is there a certain amount of turns to ensure proper tightness? You know how you're supposed to torque lug nuts to proper spec...I've also heard your supposed to torque the filter housing to proper spec...not too tight, not too loose. Or does it really matter that much? Who from the forum has changed the oil on their MINI...how long did it take, and exactly what tools does one need? (Sorry if these questions are basic...I'm a shadetree mechanic...not even...I'm a "bring it to Jiffy Lube" mechanic, but I won't be bringing my MINI there, that's for sure!

Thanks for the info,

Mighty Boognish

Also, the filter for the MINI is the same as for the S, correct? (same engine, should be same filter)...

Oil change , what you need (http://www.tech-esq.com/mini/minioilchange.htm)

Here's a comparison (http://minimopar.net/oilfilterstudy.html) (take it with a grain of salt. It's a few years old now) of oil filters you may find interesting. (Oh--and this will clear up an earlier question. Champion is Champion Labs, who make quite a few filters.)

Jeff

The oil change went well and the Purolator is in. Definitely different units. Construction style, media and rubber end gasket for example. As has been mentioned elsewhere, they seem small to be expected to last 10k even if the oil does. I will be changing the filter again at 5k.

My old VW rear drum socket back in use after many idle years, 1 7/16 subs nicely for 36mm. :)

An OEM unit for those who have not seen one

OEM: 70 pleats 11mm deep
Puro: 63 pleats 11mm deep...but..thicker media
Density therefore looks similar.

Puro end caps seem to be a fiber composite, but I will know more once they are oil soaked also.

OEM has a plastic inner core "cage". Puro does not.
Puro end caps curl to cover the edge of the media. OEM's are flat.

Splicer65,

How long have you used Amsoil products?

I'm debating which synthetic oil to use, I have narrowed the choices to Amsoil or Red Line. I don't have experience with either brand I only know about them from what I have read on their respective websites and in other forums.

Sounds like Red Line might be better than Amsoil. What is your opinion on Amsoil and on what do you base your opinion? I don't like MLM's and Amsoil is a big MLM operation.

Thanks for any ideas on this subject.

Anyone else is welcome to give their 2 cents.

retroom

Originally posted by retroom
.... What is your opinion on Amsoil and on what do you base your opinion? I don't like MLM's and Amsoil is a big MLM operation.

Thanks for any ideas on this subject.

Anyone else is welcome to give their 2 cents.



My 2 cents:

I have used Amsoil in the past and I now have a negative opinion of their products.

When I restored my classic Mini several years ago I completely rebuilt the car's suspension. Since I was starting from scratch with all new parts I wanted to use synthetic grease for the best protection. I chose Amsoil based upon the recommendation of a friend who was a long time Amsoil user (no he wasn't a marketer of Amsoil products). I used Amsoil synthetic grease for the wheel bearings, ball joints and other suspension pieces (there are a lot of grease fittings on a classic Mini).

So, a year after I got my classic Mini back on the road I prepared to do a full chassis lubrication on the car. But after sitting for a year my supply of Amsoil grease went bad -- not under extreme conditions, but it went bad in the grease gun itself. :eek: Normally, the Amsoil grease is viscous and a bright red color, but the grease in my grease gun had separated into two distinct components: an orange colored waxy paste, and reddish slimy liquid oil substance. This breakdown of the grease just sitting on a shelf does not give me any confidence in Amsoil's synthetic grease product, and by association any other Amsoil product.

Just a satisfied customer here. Been using it since '92, 5 cars, still have 4, not counting the MINI. Motor oil, tranny, but never tried the grease. I have been in a few of these engines and the synthetic difference is obvious. In short, any name brand synthetic should do fine in the MINI.
Oil analysis is the key.

The MLM used by Amsoil seems to work well and does not cross the line of a Pyramid. Most dealers are not out to get rich, no one seems to get ripped off. Amsoil avoids high advertising costs, the product sells. No problems here.

Paul
'03 IB/W S

Originally posted by Splicer65
Oil analysis is the key.

Absolutely agree, but how many people do you know do oil analysis? Irregardless of which brand of oil you use, it's impossible to tell how well it's protecting (or hurting) your engine without oil analysis. My lab of choice is Blackstone Labs, but there are several reputable ones out there. I feel that whichever lab you choose, you should stick with it since every lab seems to have slight variations in both equipment and procedures.

Of course, I don't particuarly care for most "exotic" synthetic oils -- I've seen the lab results :D

Wouln't it be easier and less expensive to just change the oil say... every 10,000 thousand miles instead of paying for oil analysis and keeping the same oil for 25,000 miles?
(Changing the filter every 5,000 miles also)

How often do you do the oil analysis?

I guess the cost depends on how often you do the analysis.

retroom

Yes, analysis isn't needed all the time, just like to keep track every now and then. In the case of my MINI, I'll probably skip it since I'm filling in between the dealer.
How many do it? More than you would think :) Check some of the forums here
Bobistheoilguy (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com)

The oil change went well and the Purolator is in. Definitely different units. Construction style, media and rubber end gasket for example. As has been mentioned elsewhere, they seem small to be expected to last 10k even if the oil does. I will be changing the filter again at 5k.

My old VW rear drum socket back in use after many idle years, 1 7/16 subs nicely for 36mm. :)

An OEM unit for those who have not seen one

Exactly the socket I used! :D My problem was clearence for the Ratchet, so I will be looking into a better set up!

The filter I purchased $10 US was made by 'Mahle' it looked identical to the OEM filter, besides not being dirty. Does anyone know who makes the OE filter?
Anyone have an opinion on 'Mahle' products-I've never heard of them, but that's not news, I haven't heard of a lot of things and/or companies :D
Thanks all!