In the last 3 weeks I have bought a 2002 Cooper S with 44,000 miles. I really didn't know much about the car but, I had to have it! The car seemed like it was in good condition, but Euro cars are not familiar at all to me. SO, I decided to take it to a local MINI dealer: MINI of Morristown in NJ, for a free 30 point inspection thing.

Two things that stuck out for quotes:
1) Oil pan gasket: $700
2)Valve cover gasket: $250


Holy **** what did I get my self into lol.

Now, I've been buzzing around this forum for a bit gathering bits and pieces.

I saw the great R53 nub thread, which will help out great for the oil pan gasket and have searched far and wide BUT can anyone direct me to a DIY for the valve cover gasket? Like i said, Euro's are completely foreign to me, but am eager to learn.


AND can anyone beware me of any other 02 issues?

 

Start looking for a good independent mechanic...that will save you. Repairs certainly can be pricey but it isn't kinda pricy to fix any car. I've never liked paying for repairs on any cars.

P.S.
Welcome and congrats

 

Valve cover gasket is very easy to replace. Something you should be able to do yourself with a Bentley guide. I think the part is only $30 or so.

 

The valve cover gasket isn't too bad to replace
http://www.waymotorworks.com/valve-c...0-r52-r53.html

The oil pan gasket it ALOT more work and should have someone that has done one before do it.

 

i just bought my MCS and upon reasearch have found that the 2002 MC's had bad oil pan gaskets and front main seal gaskets. also the coolent overflow tank had a problem cracking or something. other then that and some few programing glitches that have already been fixed its a solid car. as for the gaskets, if you know anyone who knows a thing or 2 about cars the oil pan isnt that hard and u should be able to do the valve cover gasket yourself.

congratulations on your new car though

 

OK you didn't know you had a problem until you had a free inspection. The free inspection is a tool places use to drum up business, nothing more nothing less. If they said you have a leak I'd believe them, but you need to understand there are different types of leaks with varying severity's.

My advice to you is to keep an eye on the dipstick. If it is not going through much oil it may just be a seep & not a real leak. Are you seeing oil on the ground where you park? If not again possibly just a seep & not a real leak. For what the repair cost is on those items you can buy a lot of oil to top up with.

Above all watch the oil level!

Congrats on the new MINI, enjoy!

 

I have been keeping an eye on the oil and it still seems to be fine. When I was poking around, I did see that others had oil pan issues and held them off, so I think i'll be okay for a little while.

Thanks very much guys!

 

My local Mini dealer also performed the 'free' inspection on my car and also quoted me similar prices to replace the valve cover & oil pan gaskets... Funny things is, the car has never dripped a drop of oil on the ground...

 

I love it when I get quotes of $450 or more to do a set of brakes when I have my tires rotated by F&F Tire World.

Yeah, I can buy them, take 2 hours out of my day and replace them for about $200, with lifetime pads.

What a joke!

 

brakes are one thing, thats one thing i can handle lol. I have been keeping an eye on my oil, and nothing seems to leaking? no drips in the drive way. Underneath the hood (i.e. bonnet?) theres nothing that seems to be leaking as well; and nothing smells. So Idk, I kinda agree with the dealer drumming up things.

Thanks for the heads up about the coolant.

BTW: the passed two days, shes been doing this thing where the idles reaaaaally low when stopped at red lights? I almost think shes about to bog out ..but doesnt?

 

1. The MINI is a sport's car. Things go bad on sports cars. Things require $$$ to fix on sports cars. Just not to the level of a Porsche or Ferrari.

2. The oil pan gasket does not necessary have to be replaced right away. I was told around 45K miles on my old '02 MCS I had a leaky gasket. I did not change it until 105K miles. The drip was minor. The right mechanic can even take the pan off and change the gasket without lifting the engine (which is why the quote is so high).

3. I agree with Way on the valve cover gasket.

 

All good advice, however unless you have done some gasket replacements I would not jump on the valve cover right away. Get someone to help that does have experience and tools if you don't.