2013 Cooper S, only 48k miles. Had the 1/2 engine yellow light come on yesterday, and power feels reduced, but it otherwise runs smoothly. Took it to the dealer today for diagnostic, and they said the wastegate went bad, and they want to replace an actuator and solenoid (1 of 2?) at a cost of $1,800, and also the entire turbo and peripheral parts at a cost of $4,600 !! So about $6,400 in total. Wow, are they for real?!?!

I did a search and some reading on here, and it seems not uncommon to replace the whole turbo when the wastegate breaks, but one popular vendor sells new factory turbos for around $900, which is a loooong way off from $6,400. Please, someone put my mind at ease that the above is typical dealership horses**t and that an independent can fix this for far less?

Pretty disappointed that such a big failure occurs at only 48k miles. My wife and I drive the car pretty conservatively, not too hard at all. Would have expected this maybe around 100k miles.

 

I recently had a quote for a brand new turbo and oil lines at a Mini specialist here in Orlando, the quote was under $1400.

 

Yeah, this is pretty nuts. Try to find an independent shop.

Replacing the turbo should be maybe 4-6hrs for a professional. And even a waste gate rebuild is possible.

Not questioning the diagnostics, but make sure to get a second opinion. That's really early for a waste gate.

 

Labor is likely 4 to 6 hours, if they're removing the front fascia, radiator, radiator support, and the like. My local Mini dealer is $159 an hour labor. That amount of money your being quoted is scary. I would find an import or Germany import specialist, MB, BMW, Audi shop. I have three within 20 minutes of me and they are always more reasonable than dealer rates.

 

I would replace the turbo and not be concerned with the other parts for the turbo they quoted as a new turbo already comes with the diverter on it and 99% of the time fixes all the turbo related faults.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/stock-...8-r59-r60.html

 

I suggest to have the oil lines replaced when you replace the turbo. I just replaced mine with JMTC and could not be happier. Also did Mario's DownPipe. This was my first time to replace the turbo myself, it wasn't bad, actually working on the mini is quite enjoyable.

I bought the car @ 48K miles and the turbo was almost gone and died soon after. The second turbo lasted about 48-50K miles also! It was highly recommended to service the downpipe catalytic converter or replace it.