I'm getting ready to change out an oil filter housing on my 02 MCS. Just wondered how hard of a job this will be. Any time savers or hints that I need to know. I'm just a half a$$ mechanic but I do have a full stocked shop to work in. Thanks in advance :-)

 

Are you asking how to change the oil filter? Well-covered in numerous DIY's on this and other sites.

Are you asking how to replace the cylindrical housing that encloses the oil filter and the filter fits into? Why? Regardless, it is exactly the same process as changing the filter except you'll use a new housing.

Are you asking how to replace the entire oil filter takeoff from the engine block? Dunno about that one.

- Mark

 

The oil filter canister houseing and oil cooler unit fastens on with 3 bolts.
Drain oil.
Remove oil hoses going to the cooler.
Remove 3 bolts.
Remove unit.
Reverse process to assemble.
Be advised, it's dirty job, cramped working area.
Stock up on 4 letter words that are politically incorrect.

 

Thanks so much. I was afraid that it was a big job where other stuff had to be taken off to get to it. I'll start with the 4 letter words while draining the oil. Probably while driving it upon the rack. Would a parts house have the gasket that goes between it and the block or is it a dealer option? Thanks again!!!

 

I may have the gasket for it.
Have to check another box.
Very easy to make a gasket.
Buy some .015 thick gasket material, 6" x 6" at auto parts store.
Lay houseing down with gasket side up.
Place gasket material to cover the mateing surface.
Hold gasket material down hard.
Take small plastic hammer and start tapping on the edges of the houseing.
The gasket shape will be outlined.
Tap around all the holes and edges.
When the shape fully outlined, you cut out the gasket with a good pair of sissors.
I usually use an Exacto knife to out the holes.
Check gasket against the mounting flange.
Make sure all surfaces are clean and smooth.
I would suggest a very thin coat of Permatex non hardening gasket sealer.
Apply it too both sides of gasket.
Assemble the unit, torque all bolts to specified amount.
Let it set up for about 3-4 hours.
Install drain plug with new copper washer.
Fill with oil.
Look for oil leaks.
Bump start motor 3 or 4 tiimes, looking for leaks.
Start car, looking for leaks.

 

I'm curious, what went wrong?

- Mark

 

I changed my oil and filter and when I went to put my new filter in it wouldn't seat. I pulled it out and looked inside my canister/housing with a mirror and noticed there was a piece lying inside of there. It was a small black plastic spring loaded piece that acts as a valve that keeps oil in up in the housing so you won't start the engine dry. It had a few little **** on the end of it that were broken. It seemed that this part was non replaceable so I just purchased another whole thing used and saved some money. Hope this helps...

 

The spring at the bottom of oil filter canister can be removed without createing an issue.
All it does is to push filter up.
Removed mine 6 months ago, no problem.
Could not find a gasket for unit.
I'm sure you can buy the gasket thru MINI dealer.
Just getting ready to take box down to USPS.

 

Ok this isn't just a spring. It is a small black piece that goes into the hole inside of the canister right beside the temp sensor. I left it out and installed everything back and started the car and at idle to 1500 rpm I get a low oil pressure light. And when you let the car sit for a bit and start it you can tell it's starving for oil for just a second. I wish I could get pictures to show. When I replace this part I will post pictures from the old one when I remove it from the car.

 

Also, Vollgas. Thanks alot!

 

Ok, Here is the piece that came out of the inside of the housing. It had 3 little pieces inside the spring that have broken off. This piece has a spring inside of it and it opens and closes to keep the oil primed. Or that's what I've been told. When I get my old housing off I'll post more pictures.

 

Well I got my filter housing changed and just to let everyone know, It's a tight job. But all worked out great. Thanks to Vollgas for the part and everyone else for directions and input. The mini is doing great now. While it was in the shop I went ahead and added a new belt, and new powerflex bushings. Now to save up money for a little window tint, console, armrests, and a non-blown drivers side door speaker. The fun just never stops!!! I LOVE MY MINI...

 

I need to change the same gasket to the oil filter housing and was wondering... Did you swap this out without dismantling the coolant lines and heat sink/oil cooler? I need to get this done with my next oil change which is basically due now. Any info would be great.

 

Sorry for the delay, Been out of pocket for a while. Yes I changed this whole part. It really wasn't bad with the car above your head while standing. The top bolt was easy to get to with a pivot extension socket. I'm not a mechanic and I'm short tempered when it comes to things like this not working out right but I held it together and it all went great. The gasket came from bmw. As far as coolant. I lost more than I thought I would so I flushed it all out and went ahead and added new. Again sorry for the delay, Hope this helps.

 

Thank you for the reply. Looks like I'll be buying some coolant. I'm glad to hear you didn't run into any snags.

 

Sorry to revive this thread but any chance you know the torque spec for the 3 bolts? I don't want to risk overtorqueing these. Thanks.