Recently purchased an 04 mcs with 96k. Dealer looked it over and gave the following list of needed repairsil pan gasket & crankshaft sensor o-ring; control arm bushings (torn); strut mounts (mushroomed); valve cover gasket & spark plug socket gaskets; res to pump p/s hose; right hydrualic motor mount; tires -front bald, rear feathered; right front rally light (glass broken);clutch kit, clutch bolts, guide tube (seller included clutch parts & control arm bushings).

Should I avoid diy on any of these? Do any of the repairs need to be done at the same time for efficiency? Are any urgent? Tires are @ 30 to 40% tread remaining.

Which Bentley repair book should I purchase? I found 2 different books for the 04.

 

I'm interested in the answer to the Valve Cover Gasket as I purchased an 05, now 99k on it, and was also told to replace the valve cover gasket. It doesn't sound like that repair will be very difficult, but if I clean up the engine and don't see any leaks, is it necessary? Or is it so easy/reasonably priced that at 100k I should just do it?

Also need to do my power steering hoses and clamps. Hopefully this weekend!

As for the control arm bushings, this is a MUCH more difficult job. Mine are also torn, my local BMW shop showed me photos. BUT, they also told me this will be a minor handling issue and doesn't have to be a top priority (this when they replaced my alternator). I have no intention of trying this one myself, but plan to save up for a month or so and have them do it or get it done the next time I'm there for something else. ~$600 job for parts and labor. I can go easy on it until then.

 

Clutch should most likely be left to a pro...unless you are very adventurous, and have lots off tools, jack stands, and a few experanced friends...oil pan gasket and bushing could be done at the same time by a shop (non mini dealer, but a mini centric shop can save you big$$.
It sounds like you need tires...you say bald...then say 30% left...?!
Engine mount is pretty simple...strut towers...bash them with a 2x4, and a hammer back into shape....then add craven std's (strut tower defenders) or camber plates to reinforce them...and then a good alighmment.
Valve cover gasket might be a good diy...
PS pump hose/resiviour...you will have to determine is it needs a new hose (on the high pressure side) or just a clamp
Remember, a book with even step by step repairs can still get one into a world of hurt, and leave the car in parts...so if you have never done car repair, get some help...at the very least you need a bunch of tools....the mini does have a steeper than normal learning curve when you work on them...that is comming from the pro's...
so it might not be a greater starter for diy projects unless you are careful and process slowly.

 

Thanks wma1887. Let me know how the ps hose & clamps come out.

 

Thanks ZippyNH. Seller said 30%, dealer said bald. They do have some tread. I do have a lot of tools. Was able to replace clutch in MGB in early 70s.

 

I recently bought an 04 MCS that was a salvage. I have no former experience working on cars and I felt that I was able to handle the entire repair process myself. If you are the type of individual that considers themselves a fast learner and are moderately handy with a wrench then you should be able to handle it. Find a good friend willing to help out for a weekend and you should be able to accomplish most if not all of the issues. Get a Bentley manual and internet access in the garage to log in to Soopercooper for DIY info and your set. I have an 04 and a '10 and I find the 04 is much more DIY friendly due to less electronic crap. With a little patience it should all come together.

The plus side is you will learn a lot about your Mini and feel much more confident going forward. Happy tinkering!!!

 

Who suggested that, and why? To my knowledge, this is not a maintenance item. If it's not broken, don't fix it. As an aside, this is one area I'd diligently follow torque specs. And step torque in a star pattern, if the book doesn't suggest that anyway.

 

My local BMW shop suggested I replace it, said there were a few small leaks. I cleaned her up this weekend and was thinking about just checking oil level regularly (like taking a break around 9 every morning, getting out of the office and into the garage to check) and looking for more visual leaks, but for a $10 gasket I'm willing to err on the side of caution.

I've read other posts that they have OVER torqued the cover and broken it, I haven't seen anything about under torque. I was going to go for "snug"; star pattern isn't suggested in the service manual but it is my nature/habit.

I didn't get to PS hose/clamps this weekend, it looks like most of the job needs to be done from underneath. I think I'll wait for the next oil change, then do them at the same time. I also cleaned up the upper connection on that and checked the level, so I'll be monitoring to see. I'm starting to think I was advised to replace stuff because the previous owner and/or their dealer spilled frequently and didn't clean up after themselves, so I'm going to continue cleaning up and monitoring levels.