Anyway, I've got a 2006 Cooper S that's rather loaded - it cost around $28k new. Even though it was high-mileage, it was well kept. Alas, some problems have cropped up that make me damn the car under my breath - was curious if there's a DIY way of handling it, or am I screwed by going to my local Mini mechanic and shelling out the dough?

1. O2 sensors, or something like that, prevent the car from passing emissions. It's a smog thing courtesy of the California Clean Air Board. When I bought the car, a co-worker gave me a module to reset the "check engine" light, which allowed me to pass the smogger (yes, the light was on but it blew clean air). Two years later, I am faced with the same problem. Borrowed the module but since the mechanic restarted the car, he also restarted the setting, which made the "check engine" light turn on again and resulting in a fail.

So I figure it's time to get this thing fixed. Is this something I can do with a book, a jack, and some tools?

2. Driver's side door inside handle stopped working properly. Sometimes holding the handle and a hard nudge to the door opens it, but it's now becoming that I have to lower the window and open it from the outside. My gf can't open the door herself (and she doesn't like my suggestion of a gym membership), so it's time to fix this too. I can only assume some clip inside the door is broken, but is this doable for a layman? Or will I end up butchering my door panel?

Somewhat familiar with old cars, but not so much new, so please take that into consideration - assume me as clumsy but willing to get my hands dirty to save a buck (which may be $1000 in this case?). I've always had the attitude that German cars were built to lease, not own, and I'm kinda feeling that way now. :-(

Thank you!

 

We have a lot of DIY tech articles that can help you with repairs to your R53. If you have tools and are willing to dive into repairs yourself (with the help of NAM and our articles) you should be able to avoid going to your local mechanic most of the time.

What I would first suggest is plugging into the OBDII port with a diagnostic scanner to read the code that is triggering the CEL. A "P" code will be given, which will give you an idea of what may be going on with the car.

For the door handle, I'd think it might be the cold weather/ice issue, but you're in Cali so I assume this happens in the warm weather as well (unless you live at Big Bear). I'd say you should take the door panel off and investigate to make sure everything is in working order. It may be a cable issue. Check out this thread HERE.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Door panel is very easy to take off. Just follow that link pelican gave you. It's easy to put the cable back on once you figure out how to do it. Flashlight and mirror will be extremely helpful.

02 sensors will be harder to replace. Sometimes they can be very hard to remove but you're in California so there's a good chance they're not rusted on. But yeah, a jack and some tools will get the job done lol

 

Hi . . . thanks for your replies. Will reply in full when I get the chance - was overseas till 2 days ago and trying to get my life in order.

 

The cable for the inside handle may have come loose or stretched. If it has no resistance when you pull the handle it probably just came off like mine, I just had to snap the cable back in place. It is the blue plastic part in this picture that snaps into the groove, only a certain way though. It is very hard to see what you are doing inside of the door panel so reserve a good amount of time to work on it.



The cable end hooks onto the gold hook, and the blue part snaps in the plastic. Also check that it's connected to the handle itself, if all looks good maybe it could be stretched?

 

Hi . . .

So in the interest of expediency, I had my local Mini specialists handle the sensors so I can get my car smogged once and for all. Gonna try my hand at the door situation now.....thanks!

 

What sensors did you have replaced and what did the dealer charge you?

 

O2 sensors for about $415 including parts/labor/tax. Was a Mini specialist and not a dealer.

 

Update: Tried to remove that damn armrest on the door but spent too much time to no avail. Then went to Scottsdale for Barrett-Jackson auction. Back home now, so will resume this week - hopefully with better luck.

 

Pretty sure the armrest part doesn't come out with just screws, you want the whole panel off to access the inside of the door.

 

We have a DIY on our site that can help you with the door panel removal. It's under MINI > Tech Info (tab at the top) > scroll to bottom and click on Window Regulator Replacement.

 

Can't remove the door panel without dealing with the armrest, per the instructions earlier in this thread.

 

You just take the screws out. The whole panel pops off

 

Ya gotta remove the armrest to remove a screw.

 

Must be different from mine then. The one I have looks just like the picture pelican posted