Hi everyone,

Thought I'd post and maybe get some feedback here. I searched quite a bit and didn't see anything, so my apologies if I missed something.

I have a stock '05 Cooper with just over 125,000 miles on it. About a month ago, the SES and DSC lights started coming on intermittently. I didn't pay much attention because they'd go off after a while.

A couple of weeks ago, they started coming on more frequently, so I took it in for an oil change, reset the ECU, and ran some fuel injector cleaner. That seemed to do the trick. For a while...

Last week: The Reckoning. The lights came on and stayed on. I had my dad check the codes, and it was a P304, generic misfire. Got the spark plugs and wires changed. The mechanic (a guy I've taken many cars to, is reliable, and I trust) said the code cleared, so I picked it up. 5 minutes after driving away, the lights came back on. Took it back the following morning.

He did compression tests, and said the 4th cylinder only had 75 lbs. of compression. He worked with Mini service, and they deduced it was probably a gasket or valve. I talked to him today, and he said that after cracking the engine, he discovered that not only was the 4th cylinder burned, but #2 is also. He sent it out for machining today.

My initial quote was $1600 - $2000. I didn't bother asking today how much that's changed (I'm obviously already at his mercy).

So my questions: Has anyone else run into this scenario? Is it common? Is there anything I can do to make sure the other 2 don't burn also?

Thanks!

 

The R50 valves are very prone to burning after 100,000 miles.
The valves are made of a different material than the R53 valves.
The R53's are a harder steel because of the heat of the SC.
Ask your mechanic to have all the valves replaced with either OEM or aftermarket R53 valves.
They are the same size, OD wise.
Get a 3 angle valve job, new gaskets and you should be good for another 100K+.

 

Thanks for the advice. I called him yesterday and gave him the info, and I get to pick it up today.

 

Is it really such a hard line? Is there something to do to prevent it? 05 cooper with 75+k running as strong as can be...