Advise sought about replacing Oil Filter Housing Seal - Service Position
 

Mini Cooper R56 (Non S) 1.6 L Prince Engine

Best procedure for removing oil filter housing? What parts to fit other than seal kit?

Remove Exhaust manifold and heat shield plates
or
Remove Bumper and Radiator

I have an oil leak around the oil filter housing where it mounts to engine. Note - not my housing - image here for clarity
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/minicoo...167bb6deab.png

I have read several web pages and watched several videos.

I found one video focused on removing exhaust manifold and heat plates - seems very awkward and has the potential for seized studs. Seems to need a couple of special tools. I do not look forward to trying this.

Other methods refer to putting car into Service Position, but I cannot find a video that shows this going as far as getting access to the pump. Videos seem to stop with doing noting to radiator.
I am reasonably happy removing bumper and bumper / crash bars
Do I need to remove the radiator and air con radiator (or move them)? - Note Aircon does not work, so no aircon gas to lose if air con radiator removed.
Will that give me access to the oil filter housing bolts without removing (or completely removing) the exhaust manifold and heat shields?

Anything I have missed in my question?
Anything else I should so while doing this?