How to Change the Fuel Filter on a Mini Cooper

Unlike many other cars, where the filter is located under the bonnet and beneath the body, the Mini Cooper has placed the filter inside the fuel tank, accessed by removing the cover located under the rear seat, which unclips and is completely removed by pulling up the front corners.

Below, you will see a compartment with a cover secured by 5 nuts of 10 mm. Remove them and you will see a black cover with a seal underneath.

Remove it around the edge. Before disassembling, make a reference mark on the body of the car and on the locking ring of the filter: this will help you reassemble everything in the correct position and with the right seal.

If the car has been driven recently, there will be pressure in the system. At the front, on the rail, there is a valve that you can press to release the pressure, using a cloth to catch any petrol.

Disconnect the hoses and connectors, unscrew the locking ring and extract the assembly. Now separate the cover from the filter: there are different coloured plastics: insert a screwdriver into the appropriate slot and lever to separate the cover from the body of the filter.

At this point, you can extract it to change it: the Bosch kit that you can purchase on Amazon with code B00FZWMHG8 at the price of £26.96, with free delivery for Prime customers, contains the filter and a set of seals. Insert the new filter, close the assembly, reinsert it into the tank and align the marks made earlier by re-screwing the locking ring.

Reconnect the hoses and connectors, and before closing, turn the ignition on to run the pump and check for any leaks. If all is well, reassemble the cover and the seat.