So, I've recently noticed coolant leaking into my oil--and rather quickly. I brought it into a shop that I trust pretty well but they quoted a little over $3k for a head gasket repair. I'm not privy to what this repair should actually cost but that seems a bit high. I did understand that they have to clean out the parts as well due to the coolant, but still, $3k??

I've seen new whole cylinder heads from various performance shops for a little over 2k. I feel like they are asking a lot for labor. Regardless, I would just like to get a few other opinions on that price point (or what you think it should be) before I tell them to go ahead with the repair...

Makes me wish I had an extra 4-5k sitting around to do cams, injectors, cylinder head /w bigger valves and some new headers....haha...

Thanks in advance!

 

Hey, I replaced a headgasket on my r50 recently. Just for comparison, I bought the car off a kid who was quoted $5K by a local MINI dealer to repair. This a very labor intensive job. Here's what it looks like with the head removed:



-Most of front clip is removed or moved out of the way
-Motor accessories needs removal
-Timing chain needs removal
-The only new parts needed are the gasket and headbolts
-Head needs to be sent to a machine shop for pressure testing and resurfacing

If you were local I could have hooked you up with a better price, but in general I think that price is in the ballpark of what you should be paying.

 

I have done my head gasket twice now. The first time I failed to send the head off to have machined so had to do it again. I think if they are charging more than 8 hours of labor they are asking a lot. I don't remember the exact quote when I was looking but think it was in the 1k to 1500 range. The job does seem pretty extensive but actually not all that difficult.

 

Obviously, prices will vary depending on location, type of shop and skill of the tech. A dealer or german specialist would cost more than a gas station mechanic, but you get what you pay for.

In general, I feel mechanics are always getting watered down when it comes to getting paid for their skills due to the DIY crowd exaggerating the "ease" of a job (hence why I left the trade to pursue mechanical engineering). Unless you're willing to take on the risk, large jobs should really be handled by a professional who has experience, especially when the dependability of your daily driver is a concern. You don't want to end up performing the repair twice like the previous poster (Phucket).

 

Yeah, thanks for the information. I understand that it is labor-intensive, but I have a hard time swallowing 3k in labor when I could maybe sell the car for 6-7k when working. My buddy and I will probably tear it all apart and possibly even do an engine rebuild through a local shop once the engine is removed. 3k to replace a head gasket and nothing else or 5-6k and an engine that will have more longevity. I appreciate the information!

 

Hi,

I happen to be in a similar situation right now and I have a quote of $7,000 from Immola Inc. in Plymouth which includes Labor and a second hand engine with 35K miles on it. I have already done the thermostat and with all the diagnosis and everything else have spent 1K. The car I bought at 18.5K about 9 months ago.
Could you share with me where you got your repairs done and how much you ended up spending?

 

Amusable, you have an R58 (2nd gen). the poster seems to have 1st gen mini. engines are different so apple to apple comparison would inaccurate.

 

I am not familiar with 1st gen engines, but is there an oil filter housing? where both coolant and oil exchange heat? could that be the issue?

 

+1 on checking the heat exchanger (oil filter housing)

 

FYI: Only the manual transmission 1st Gens have the Oil Cooler attached to the oil filter housing.