Oil Change

[fortunot]

Hey everybody, I have a dilemma. I have a 2003 Mini Cooper.
So I went yesterday for its oil change. Right mileage and everthing! I go back an hour later and the owner/mechanic told me he couldn't get the oil filter off. He said whoever did the last oil change put it on so tight that if he tries any harder he will break something. The place I took it to is an acredited Import Only.
I bought the car last May, but mainly drive it around town, so the mileage is low. The problem is that its a 6 hour drive to take it to the same place that changed the oil just before I bought it.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
Cindy

[Zipy]

I would call the original oil change place, speak with the manager, tell him what the problem is and ask what will he do about it, if you make an appointment and drive it the six hours. They'll know if it's their problem and responsibility. Assuming they're reputable, they'll take care of it and/or be responsible to make sure it's corrected. If not, your only other options are complain to the Better Business Bureau, where that business is located, get a letter in writing from the place that says they can't get it off and why... then take the 6 hour place to small claims court after you get it fixed at a Mini facility. I'd get a description of the cause and repair in writing from the place that fixes it too. It's a pain in the butt and you can do it yourself by starting at the Clerk of Court's Office; however, you should be able to recoup something and that's better than nothing.

[fortunot]

Thanks Zippy. The guy at the shop yesterday phoned the manager of the other place and told him the problem. He also wrote down on my work order what the problem is. My husband will come with me, as he is very determined and won't back down. I'm just a woman . We will make an appointment but can't go until May. But everything is well doccumented, so I should be OK. I wonder if they would cover my gas or hotel room? Or is that pushing it?
Cindy

[The Nun]

Problem could be though, now youve taken it to someone else to do the job the first garage who you say were at fault for putting it on too tightly might now turn round and say if the place you took it to now hadnt been messing with it it wouldnt be stuck like it is now?
Too many cooks spoiling the broth so to speak, I bet their lawyer could get out of that one easily now.
Pity you didnt keep with the same servicing place in view of the results in hindsight.

[fortunot]

It should have been a simple change. Its 6 hour drive to the place that "screwed" it up. I think they should honor their work. My Hubby is a good arguer. Should have been a lawyer. The Mechanic here phoned the other place and told the manager what was going on. He said to bring it back.

[fortunot]

Just an after thought....Do I NEED to take my car to a BMW dealer or Import Only for an oil change? It is double what my husband pays for his oil changes. I paid $120 just for the oil change. They did put in a new air filter, but not the oil filter. Seems like alot if I don't HAVE to do that.
Cindy

[rugrat]

Hi Cindy
I am somewhat perplexed. I would have thought that an oil change and oil filter change were rather like having a new tyre fitted with no new valve. Just makes sense to me. Have a couple of classic cars as well as my new mini and often just go for a "lube service" where oil and filter go hand in hand (air filter doesn't come into it.
Cheers

[fortunot]

The air filter he did on his own. He showed it to me and it was really in need of being replaced. Someone, don't know who, says I have to go to a BMW dealer or an Import specialist to get the oil chanaged.

[Macguyvic]

You don't have to go anywhere special. The dealer 's prices include full synthetic oil which is $8.99 a quart. It's their labor that will kill you. I agree with rugrat. If changing one or the other I would replace the filter before the oil. Rediculous to do one without the other.

Re-think your service garage. Never met a mechanic that says he can't get an oil filter off.

[fortunot]

The mechanic said that if he turned any harder he would break someting. Thats why I have to take it to the people who tightened it. That way if they break something, its on them. Fresh oil was put in because it was better than not doing anything. I'll let you know how it all turns out. the people who put it on too tight are just a regular lube and oil place.

[Corey Goodes]

Nothing will break they just dont want to do anything just incase

[helicopter pat]

I had the same problem when I took my 03 MC to the main dealer a few years ago when the cap was so tight and the last lot to touch it was them. They changed the oil and ordered a new filter housing before doing the filter change in case they snapped it off the block. It was a good job they did as when I went back a week later for the filter, they did use force and the housing did break and the new housing was required. New housing, oil and filter then changed.
When I have done my own oil changes since then and knowing the problem I have found that with a pry bar on the shallow socket and applying a steady pressure the cap will normally come loose, do not use a sudden shock force on it

[fortunot]

Thanks HP. I hope they can get the car done in a day or two. We live 6 hours away from where we are taking it.