Just out of curiosity, what is the normal price for an intake manifold gasket replacement at a dealership? Unfortunately I'm having to take my R53 in there as the only other exclusive Mini shop has a waiting period and I have to get this done ASAP. Thanks.

 

What makes you believe you need an intake gasket?

I've had to replace them, but what is the diagnostic reasoning in your case?

 

What I was told by the Mini dealer here. Originally I had an SES light come on and when I had it read they said it was an o2 sensor. But when I took it to the dealer they told me it was actually the intake manifold gasket. I'm new to Minis and am still learning about them so I'm at a point where I feel I need to trust the dealer in this regard.

 

It looks like the list price is $19.15.

Here are some links to follow if you're interested in reading more:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3391

http://parts.miniofkennesaw.com/prod...611173671.html

 

I would have a knowledgeable buddy come over and give the car a look over. You don't need to be a MINI super tech to find an unmetered air leak. Plenty of more common point of failure before I'd say you need an intake gasket.

Intercooler boots
Failed BPV
Cracked black intake duct
Green gasket between the intake duct and SC
Fuel pressure regulator source fallen off the intake manifold
I've even seen leaks from the fuel tank reed valve

If all of that is ruled out, and you can see yellowish brown buildup around the intake manifold then you may need an intake gasket. I've only had one car need an intake gasket, and that car lived a hard life from the get go..

 

Unfortunately, I'm still kind of new to Atlanta and the only knowledgeable buddy I had is no longer with us. I'll double check today and see if I can find anything you describe. I know the gasket doesn't cost that much it's just the labor that's going to kill me. If there's anyone in the area that knows of a reputable shop other than WMW (he has a withing list), I'd love to hear it. I found a couple of places on repairpal that claim to do Mini work but I just don't know. Thanks a lot for the responses.

 

I'd wait for Way, how long of a waiting list does he have? Does your car not even run?

Don't get screwed at the dealer when you have a great resource in town.

 

No she runs fine. I'll have to call tomorrow and see how long the wait is now. The issue is I have to get it done to pass emissions so I can get her registration renewed. The last month has been a really bad for me and this is just icing on the cake. If it weren't for the registration thing I'd have no problem waiting. I mean I just realized that the dealer neglected to tell me about a cracked front drive axle boot until after they had already replaced the hub so now they can charge me twice for the same labor. Kind of sours me on how I felt about that dealer that's for sure.