And because it's just the paper element that has to be changed, it's much cheaper than for some cars!

May I be permitted to stick my nose in with a correction to the hexagon size? Like many fittings on this engine, it seems to have been chosen so that you can work on it whether you've got an Imperial or a Metric tool set. The socket which fits the oil filter housing is 1 1/16" AF (an inch-and-one-sixteenth) if you've got an old Imperial socket set like I have (that socket used to fit something on the Mini, because I had it marked, but I can't remember what it now. Was it the steering wheel boss?) or a 27mm socket if you're younger than me (because 27mm is exactly an inch-and-one-sixteenth!).

The oil drain plug can be removed with a spark plug socket for 14mm spark plugs (my old one is marked 7/16" Whitworth) and you're obviously going to have a spark plug socket whether you're on Metric or Imperial, so that looks like a well thought out design.

When replacing the housing, smear a bit of oil on the rubber sealing ring first, so that it turns into the housing without damage.

Edited by MrEckerslikefromRamsbottom on 12/11/2014 at 09:55