So I'd lost one of my Metal "British Flag" Valve Cover Caps, I went to the Dealer today to get replacements, figuring on paying $40 bucks for them. To my surprise $15.95...I didn't think anything about it until I got home to replace them...THEY'RE PLASTIC!!

 

It's because of the 07+ TPMS. They can't be metal anymore or they'll seise tight and ruin the tpms

 

The metal caps can permanently bond to the stem: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...p-problem.html

 

'08 MC, Metal Valve Stems...NO problems, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have lost one!! Can they be ordered online...maybe??

 

We were simply explaining why MINI started producing plastic valve caps. Most people might assume that the reason was to cut cost, but in this case it wasn't. The physical conditions allow a possible problem, but it won't necessarily happen. If you take off the caps often enough (e.g. to check tire pressure), the metal pieces won't get a chance to fuse with each other.

If your dealer doesn't stock metal caps, they can order them for you. Otherwise try Morristown MINI.