1st Gen R50 Cooper Problems with oil filter cap, R50.

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by M1N1, Oct 18, 2015.

  1. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    So I pull the Justa into the garage to do an oil and filter change. I followed the usual procedure with no problems. Drain plug came out okay, filter cap unscrewed just fine. But when I tried to screw the cap back on (new BMW filter, pre-oiled "O" ring), the bloody thing would not go back on without trying to cross thread. I tried all I could with no luck; rotate the filter, make sure the filter was seated properly, another new filter, etc., each time checking that the cap was going on square. :mad2:


    I then tried the old "O" ring, and whaddya know, the cap went on properly as it should. I then fitted the "O" ring from the second new filter, and all was good.

    I only use BMW, Mann or Mahle filters.

    Anyone else had this problem?
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Maybe you have one of the special Space Shuttle O'rings that aren't fond of the cold...
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Jul 31, 2009
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    I have the same problem on my R53. Some times I try 50 times get mad walk away before it will go on with out cross threading. Other times the stars align and it goes on the first try. You are not alone.

    Its not the O-ring its the loss nut putting in the oil filer. Sorry:D
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    To be more helpful. It helps to push down then turn it counter clock wise first to make sure it is lined up correctly. There is a spring on one side of the housing that makes it tilt and go on cross threaded.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Pushing down while turning has always worked for me. At times it can be a bugger. Walk away have a beer & revisit it later. :beer

    Don't be tempted to use the old o-ring. They turn into brittle plastic after a while & leak.
     
  6. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

    Feb 24, 2015
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    I have had this recurring nightmare on my '02 since I did my first oil change on the car, more than a decade ago.

    It is soooo easy to cross thread the oil filter cap, and so difficult to get it threaded right. Years ago I took a Dremel to the cap and worked on the start of the threads in the hopes I could help it engage more easily. I don't think that really helped, because it is still a multi-attempt trial and error affair, involving verbal lubrication (I.e. #&%*@#!!!) and sometimes taking 20 min or so before it finally threads evenly and I can tighten it down.

    On the last oil change I actually fantasied about buying a brand new oil filter cap for my next oil change thinking my original one is permanently jinxed and a new one would be the ticket. Or that MINI somehow updated the later caps and they go on easily.
     
  7. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Today was the first time that I have had a problem refitting the cap, and I've done many oil changes. I read somewhere (probably in a thread on MA) that extreme care should be taken when putting the cap back on as it is so easy to cross thread the damn thing, and I have no desire to replace the housing.
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Well you have just been lucky!!!! So Ha welcome to our nightmare!:devil:
     
  9. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    Just use Vaseline on the O ring............no naughty comments.
     

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