After reading several posts on broken dipsticks, I'm confused as to whether there are different sticks? I have seen references to what appears to be all plastic sticks?...Why I wonder is that mine is plastic handle with metal rod/stick pinned to it....I'm trying to visualize where mine could break, but dont really see a weak point in the design, unless it breaks at the pin........or unless some use all plastic sticks?

So whats the story here?

Steve

 

Mine recently broke about 6 inches down from the yellow plastic handle. Luckily, it was still attached when I pulled it out. The shaft is black plastic, with this fibrous insulation inside.

I recently ordered a replacement from MiniMania, who carries the OEM replacement dip stick.

What is to stop this new one from breaking in the future? Nothing!

Here's the OEM part, ($19.95):

http://new.minimania.com/web/item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

Cravenspeed sells a much nicer, all metal dipstick, but it costs considerably more than the OEM ($74).


http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=64

 

OK...thats answers my question....apparently 2 different sticks,..or maybe different for MC...MCS............

The OEM picture from MiniMania is clearly not what I've got...mine is all metal from the handle to the tip.

Steve

 

heres a picture of mine:

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/11_43_7_510_798.cfm

 

Jon
The Cravenspeed dipstick only has an alluminum handle. The blade portion is made of some sort of very flexible poly which they guarantee for life. It "reads" a little easier than stock but I still need my specticals.
Steve

 

Yes, you're right, (upon closer inspection).

Thanks Steve.

Does anyone else encounter a "wall" when attempting to put in the dip stick. I have to really push mine in briskly to get past this obstruction, and fully inserted, (I know, sounds like a personal problem!).

I assume that every R53 engine is similar, but who knows?

One thing is for sure: our dipsticks should not be breaking! Can you say, "design flaw"?

 

I have the same "experience" when reinserting the dipstick. It is almost like the tip of the dipstick is trying to ride up and over a "lip" of some sort when it is being inserted. I usually add a twisting motion that permits the dipstick to become fully inserted/seated without too much force.

You're not alone Steve.

 

sorry may just be the mood but this topic just sounds funny, i have the same problem though, and i also turn it a little and it goes in easier

 

Try to remain mature!

 

My dipstick recently broke in the same place. I certainly don't do anything to stress it and am always careful.

So could it be a design flaw vs materials flaw vs mechanical stress vs age?

I replaced it with a stock dipstick.

MCS and MC have different dipsticks.

I do feel some binding as the stick goes down but nothing severe.

 

Oh, crap...Steve was talking about the dipstick in the car...nevermind.

 

When the aftermarket starts making a replacement dipstick, you KNOW there's something wrong with the OEM one.

 

thanks for all the replies...now I know there are 2 completely different dipsticks,....yes, for the MINI's...

Steve

 

 

i know i know, sometimes its more fun to act my shoe size and not my age

 

I am going to share my confusion. I have a 2008 MC and a 2008 MCS, purchased about 3 months apart. The MC has what I would describe as a spring-type dipstick, solid spring end-to-end - very difficult to read with "clear" synthetic oil. The MCS has a flat metal blade dipstick with a piece of red plastic on the end. This seems backwards to me as I would have expected to find the higher tech looking dipstick in the MCS. They appear to be interchangeable as far as length and the yellow handle. I am wondering if Mini just changed dipsticks mid-year or if you get what you get or if they are truly interchangeable? What do other owners have? I just ordered the replacement from Cravenspeed and I want to confirm it will work in either / both cars?

 

I do not think Craven makes dipsticks for the 2nd gen MINIs. They do, after all, have entirely different engines.

maybe im just not looking correctly on their site, but it lists the dipper under the first gen cars.

 

That all-metal one is a nice new product - I'd have bought one if I hadn't got a Kraven a couple of months ago when my OEM broke the second time.

The Kraven is a solid piece of plastic except for the alum. handle, so it is probably stronger than the string-filled-plastic-tube OEM.

It also has a slight point on the end, to help it get past the constricted part in the MCS engine - duh - what a concept...

 

Here is the link for the dipstick for 2nd gen MINIs:
http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=64

 

Great a Thread about dipsticks this is gonna get dirty fast and theres pictures too.

 

Moss Motors has them listed here;

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=58062