1st Gen R50 Cooper Please Help! How to replace Oil Filter Housing

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by MyklMacD, Aug 26, 2013.

  1. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    Hello, I am looking for some advice/ a how to on replacing the oil filter housing. When I purchased my 2002 Mini Cooper base the dealership changed my oil. I find out that the mechanic threw out the spring and oil filter cage/core with the old filter. Mini does not make these parts anymore so I have to replace the entire oil filter housing. I know how to loosen/tighten a bolt and I know how to change my oil, that's about it. Anyone know if I would be able to do it. I read somewhere that you might have to take out the axle? Really could use some help, cannot afford to pay a shop to do this and I need an oil change bad. I have been driving 10,000 miles with low oil pressure reading at idle. PLEASE HELP!
     
  2. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Check your oil level make sure its full. Do not drive it if your getting low oil pressure light.
    You will damage the motor. At idle its not to much but its causing some. I don't think you have to pull the axle but I'm not at home to make sure. Just take a good look at it, if the axle is not in the way your good.
     
  4. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    Thanks for the quick replies. I have ordered the part as I need to change my oil and prevent further damage to my engine. I am diligently looking for a cheaper alternative to the 240 dollar part and the work I have no clue on how to do. The Part should be here by the 29th and I hope to start working on it on the 2nd since I work all weekend. I haven't even looked under the hood/ jacked it up to get a better look at the part I'm replacing. I assume its a simple unbolt/re-bolt job. Any other pointers or experiences are accepted with great appreciation.
     
  5. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    While they may show the original part as ended quite often it is just a super-session in part numbers. Usually because there is a new source or there is a design change with the part.

    Which parts in the image below are you looking for?

    [​IMG]
     
  7. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    I am looking for the spring (not shown) and the black plastic cone/cage that is used to keep the old style filters from collapsing. The new style of filter which does not fit my current housing has that cone/cage built into the new filters. This "old" style housing was only used in the 2002-2004 base model coopers. The rest use the new housing and oil filter type. As far as the mini dealership has said, that housing and all the parts for that housing are discontinued. I am going to call a few pick n pull wreck yards to see if they have any 1st gen base coopers before I go to bed (work nights).
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Call Way at Way Motor Works, he has a selection of used parts around. Even if he doesn't have the part he may be able to point you in the right direction. Please mention you saw Way Motor Works here on Motoring Alliance. :)

    Another place that has used parts is Detroit Tuned, call and talk to TJ.
     
  9. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    another option, if Way or Detroit Tuned or another sponsor doesn't have the old parts, to search for a used part near you -
    go to car-part.com
    plug in a year (2002, 2003, 2004), MINI Cooper (BMW), Oil Filter Adapter (I think that's what they'll list it as), Northwest.

    I searched for 2003, and it found one at a lot in Oregon for $45.
    Then you call the number it comes up with and verify they actually have it, describe exactly what you're looking for in detail (because they will not know ANYTHING about MINIs) and get them to lay hands on the parts and have them describe back to you exactly what they're holding to ensure they have all the parts, etc. Then either pick them up or have them ship.

    I've bought a number of used parts this way with good results.

    Best solution would be to install the new style assembly on the car... but if I were in your situation, I'd probably try to get the parts I was missing first via the method above.
     
  10. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Sounds like all you need is the oil canister cap?
     
  11. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    I don't know if the new style filter will work with the old style housing... Since it shows that both the housing and the cap have changed in RealOEM, I assume that they both need to be replaced together (all new style), or that you need to stick with all old style parts.

    Hence the suggestion to find a used cap/spring/core assembly off a salvage car, as the simplest solution.
     
  12. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    I meant it looks like all he will need is a new canister, not the whole oil filter assembly. I assume the picture is of the old style.
     
  13. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    That's what I'm talking about - both cap part and the base part of the assembly changed. I don't know if the new style cap and filter will work with the 2002-2003 housing? OP says the new style filter will not fit his housing, that the whole assembly has to be replaced to use new style filters.
     
  14. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Ahhhh......now that would be typical BMW now wouldn't it.
     
  15. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    I saw they have a newer style cap but the reviews say that the threads dont line up. Not sure?
     
  16. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    Got the new housing


    This picture here is the angle it sits in the car as seen from the wheel well
    Anglefromwheelwell_zps16b58cf4.png Back_zps976fc8de.png Front_zps97c06823.png
     
  17. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    Under the hood

    Jacked the car up today to locate the oil filter housing and see how hard this job will be. Took some pictures, maybe someone can give me some pointers...

    View from the top, looks like I wouldn't be able to reach the bolts from the top...
    ZoomOuttopofmotor_zps1f84a1a7.png
    Decided to take off the left front wheel and see If it was accessible from there...

    Wheel_zpsd016d00e.png



    Tried to zoom in the best I could. Looks like the 2 closest bolts should be no problem, but there is the 3rd bolt which is on the opposite side of the housing, not sure if I will be able to reach it...

    OilfilterHousing_zps7a514230.png



    So I put the wheel back on, will get oil tomorrow. Any advice would be great. Maybe a better/easier way of getting to the housing. Thanks
     
  18. MyklMacD

    MyklMacD New Member

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    Help!

    Alright cars jacked up, oil drained filter taken out. On to the housing.

    Cannot for the life of me reach the far/3rd bolt from the wheel well. Managed to take off the first two but i cannot find an angle to get to that 3rd bolt please help
     
  19. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I remember seeing some discussion about this with Scott from Motoring Magic but for the life of me I can't find it. Might I recommend that you give him a ring.
     
  20. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    I did have a used one...never mind
     

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