Yellow,

I been having this gas gauge problem for a long time already, and since my car is in the shop, I went on and had it checked out. So, I payed $127 for a diagnostic test and they found out what was wrong. The mechanic said that both sensors are broken. He said the the pump on the drivers side takes care of the gas gauge from middle to full and the sensor on the passenger side takes care of the fuel from empty to middle. He said that they ordered a new gas pump assembly for the passenger side to test out if it would work. They said it worked. So, when they called me to tell me whats up, they said that its gonna cost $1113.18 to fix everything. I asked them if it is just the sensor that is broken in the fuel pump and they said that it could be, but they cant order just the sensor. they said that they have to order the whole pump assembly because they don't sell the sensors alone. I think that is bull. I'm pretty sure you can just buy the sensor for both sides online so I don't have to pay more for the pump they are trying to make me buy. What do you guys think I should do? No matter what I have to pay the diagnostic fee. I don't know if they are faking it so they can get more money. They also said that they replace a lot of fuel pumps for Mini Coopers and that they just go bad. If I would just replace the sensor then my pump or something would go bad pretty soon. I don't know what they trying to do, but this is way too much and I want it fixed. What do you guys think?

 

Looking at realoem.com, it appears that the sensors are available separately.

For the fuel pump side the Sensor can be purchased separately (Item 2 for $95.48, that also includes the Seal Item 3) or with the Fuel Pump (Item 1 for $281.29, that includes the Sensor Item 2 and Seal Item 3). Here is the Fuel Pump diagram and parts list.



Item 01 Fuel pump with fuel level sensor P/N 116146765121 $281.29
Item 02 LEFT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR P/N 116146765127 $95.48
Item 03 Rubber seal P/N 116141182905 $6.70
Item 04 Screw cap P/N 116116762417 $4.38

For the fuel filter side the Sensor can be purchased separately (Item 3 for $95.48, that also includes the Seal Item 5) or with the Fuel Filter (Item 1 for $214.38, that also includes the Sensor Item 3, Clip Item 4, and Seal Item 5). Here is the Fuel Filter diagram and parts list.


Item 01 Fuel filter with fuel level sensor P/N 116146765124 $214.38
Item 02 Fuel filter element P/N 116146757196 $48.42
Item 03 RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR P/N 116146765134 $95.48
Item 04 Securing clip for quick coupling P/N 116146758282 $7.88
Item 05 Rubber seal P/N 116141182905 $6.70
Item 06 Screw cap P/N 116116762417 $4.38
Item 07 Securing clip for quick coupling P/N 116146764201 $2.08

 

Over a thousand bucks to fix a gas gage! I'd get a second opinion. Is there an independent shop in your area?

Dave

 

D-dang! That's half of a downpayment on a new car. Definitely go somewhere else and chalk up the diag. fee to lesson learned...that's harsh!

 

Over $1000.00 to have a gas guage!
1. See if you can do what quickmni is saying.
2. Go somewhere else
3. Buy a notebook. Keep track of how many miles you have driven, who needs a gas guage anyways!

 

Don't even need to do #3. Fill up when you get near 250, and you'll never run dry.

FWIW, I haven't heard of a rash of fuel pump failures - sounds like he's just trying to convince you to do the job.
I'd contact Bay Bridge Motors in Oakland- they're good guys.

I also don't think I buy their line about one side taking care of the top half of the gauge. IIRC, the fuel is transferred between the two tanks to keep them roughly level.

 

I already keep note to myself on how many miles I drive; it's just I want it fix and I didn't realize it would cost that much. They trying to play me. I should of never got that test done. I told the mechanic that you can buy the sensor separate and he was shocked . Then he said that he doesn't recommend it because my gas gauge can go bad.

 

That is exactly what I do with filling up when I reach 250 miles. I really don't believe the thing he is talking about the half and half sensors. Imma go to the Mini dealership in San Francisco to ask them. Thanks about the recommendation. Imma check it out.

 

I'm dgomna do research first.

 

Depending on how many miles are on your car you might want to get the fuel filter element replaced along with the sensor.
If you are getting near 100,000 it is probabaly a good idea to replace the filter. Also replacing the filter sometimes helps the pump last a little longer because it is not pushing fuel through a clogged filter.

 

My car is pushing around 66K. I was planing on changing the filter soon. How often should you change it?

 

I've got good used sensors and fuel pumps if you want one. Plus we can get you a brand new sensor for either side and a pump if you really want, but you don't need to buy it all.

 

Mini states that the Fuel Filter is a "Lifetime" element that does not need replacing. I do not agree that any type of filter stays clean forever.
66,000 is not too much but since they will be in the tank to replace the sensors I would spend the extra $50 for a new element.

I still have trouble believe that both your sensors are bad. Maybe a wire or circuit associated with the sensors/gauge but not both sensors.

 

That's complete bull, they are shotgunning and don't know what they are talking about. There are 2 sensors because it is a saddle tank, having 2 sides. They add together to get the fuel reading. You should only need 1 sensor, and it will be the one on the passenger side, sensor #2.

 

FWIW, I wouldn't even bother with the dealership. I'd guess they'll make the last guy's quote look cheap! Good luck!