It seems my 2002 Mini needs a new throttle body. I have one ordered but I wanted to ask is this something I can replace my self or should I have a mechanic do it? Thanks for all the great help your forum has been to a newbie mini owner. TIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Very easy to do IMO. You'll need to remove the intake hoses, then there are 4 10mm bolts and one plug. Reverse that to install, I would get new gaskets for the install just to be sure but should take all of 30min to do.

 

I do not have any special hose clamp tools so should I go out and get regular hose clamps or can I reuse the ones there?

 

If they are stock still they can be removed by using a pair of side cutters and just squeeze the two halves together and pry up with a screw driver. Don't cut the clamp just squeeze together enough to pop the one side up. To install do the opposite, they usually just snap closed when you squeeze them closed. If you need me to take a few pics of what I mean I can tonight NP.

 

That would be awesome and I would appreciate it greatly. The throttle body comes in tomorrow morning and I want to be able to get the job done so I can test it out. Thanks again for your help.

 

One more quick question. After changing out the throttle body is the car going to be driveable (does it need reprogrammed) and do I need to disconnect the battery when I do the work?