This is my first oil change on this new to me 2002 Mini. After removing the oil cap which was a challenge since who ever did it last put in on way too tight
But then I could not remove the old filter no matter how hard I pulled on it. The filter is different looking than any I have ever seen, it looked like it was plastic with small square holes then about 1/4" of metal that looked like a scratch pad and then the folder fiber on the out side. Completely different than the new I bought Don't know what to other than buy a new cap. Thanks for any input you might have. Dale

 

I should have added the the top of the filter is solid plastic and there is a spring between the top of the filter and the inside of the cap. I can push the filter into the cap and the spring compresses. The filter will spin, but even using channel locks I can not remove it? Dale

 

Hello,

Early MINIs had a different design on the filter. If something happens you have to switch to the newer design housing.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ilter-wtf.html