Hello everyone,


I just bought my 2nd Mini Cooper, a 2007 S (production date 11/07) so it's almost a 2008. Had it 2 weeks and my mechanic told me she needs head gasket replaced (needless to say she is parked till it's fixed). Anyway, he wanted me to find out if anyone has done this themselves and if you could provide any tips, do's and don'ts. I am a single girl have limited extra $$$ and this guy is good but he hasn't worked on many Mini's.
Do you recommend replacing the timing chain while he is replacing the gasket (he said it would be the time to do it).


Any help is appreciated.

 

Your mechanic doesn't know how to replace the head gasket on the mini? I might try and find a different mechanic.

It's not rocket science. You do have to own the special tools for holding the cams in alignment but other than that there aren't any special tools required. It's like any other head gasket job really.

The mechanic should check chain tension before pulling the head and see if the chain needs to be replaced or not. It's certainly easy to do with the head off but the whole timing chain assembly isn't exactly super cheap either. Not like a timing belt where a replacement belt is $50.

 

Thank you for the reply. The mechanic is VERY capable and he will do the job for a really affordable flat fee. I just can't afford dealership rates.

 

Why does he think it needs to be replaced?

 

Yes you really want to do the timing chain kit while you have it apart.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/timing-...-cooper-s.html

As for tips buy the special tool kit to do the job and follow the directions in the bentley manual, it's not a 20min job so take your time and do it right.

 

Steam from the motor had it checked by BMW mechanic