So my car has been having some issues lately, so I decided to bring it to the stealership to get a diagnostic. My car has over 110k miles on it now, so I figure most of the parts was just maintenance. This is the first time I had a service advisor tell me its not worth fixing Here is a few pics of my total cost for everything I would like to have a second opinion on some of the things they are telling me to fix. I already have a nice long wish list on ECStuning which is a little over $1100, which isn't that bad compared to the stealership.

 

Some of that list is just ignorable, I had a similar list but for around $4k from the dealer. Ended up fixing it all for around $800. Really though? $98 for windshield wipers? Gtfoh.

 

my favorite is the $1200 brake lines!! I wonder what they are made out of

 

Better to take it to an independent MINI repair shop, if you can't fix it yourself.

 

I think I'll be able to do most of the work myself. I've read up on all the How To's and watched all the Mod-Mini youtube videos. I'm kind of excited to replace these parts and add some additional mods

 

Yes, DIY and or indy shop and you save $$$$. I rarely see a Gen 1 MINI at the MINI service location anymore. Mostly Gen 3s and a couple Gen 2's. There was a bunch of Gen 1 when the P/S recall came out at the dealer.

Thanks for the orders in advance.

 

yea when I brought it to the dealer for the diagnostic, they changed out the ps pump for my car.

 

That's good, mine was already changed back in 06' so I had a newer part number in it already, since the pump was working, it was not changed out per the TSB.

 

Is there a way for you to look at my wish list to see if I'm missing anything?

 

Send me the link to cart address. Make sure they are all in your cart. Click link to cart, then copy and past the url. You can share a wish list but its an email.

 

just pmed you

 

First part has arrived!! Since I'll be changing my clutch, I figured I finally get a Quaife differential!! Can't wait to see the difference

 

You went in for a diagnostic and thats what they responded with? You have a check engine light on but they didn't state the code or reason for it being on? No reason for the lack of boost or power? How does a brake line fall apart or start to rub on the inside of a rim in a Mini?

Are you equipped to handle this whole repair? Or will you be buying tools and aids along the way? Be sure you have an idea of what you're getting yourself into.

 

Please forgive me....but when I started to read this list..I LOL !!!!!

AND shook my head........this is insane......Brake lines $1200.00 ???? to name ONE.. VERY sad....
I applaud you for doing your own work saving $$$$$$$$ and feeling the pride of doing it yourself..........
I know Mini is an expensive " toy" and MUCH FUN !!!! I LOVE THEM !!!!.....but what would a person do who is unable to do the work ...and there are no Indy Mini shops around?????
Trade it in for new ??????? What would you get in trade ?????

This should encourage someone to open up Indy Mini shops in strategic locations....

I was checking prices for power steering hose (s)....mini dealer $200.00 2006 R50.....mini mania $68.00......

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress !!!!!!

 

They said the reason for my lack of boost was because the clutch was slipping. I had a check engine light for my alternator overcharging and o2 sensor, but when I cleared it with my reader, they didn't come back. I did however have an airbag light which they said my firmware needs to be updated, and they don't know if that would clear the airbag light. In regards to the brake line I did't see where they were talking about, but I will prob just ziptie it out of the way. A lot of the repairs seem pretty easy to do from all the How To's on the forum and the videos on youtube. I have most of the necessary tools, just need to get an engine support and transmission jack.

 

Yea I couldn't help but laugh at the service advisor, when he told me the final cost of repair either. If I need new brake lines I'll just order new lines from WMW since I have the r56 calipers. I'll have to take another look at my power steering hose because I replaced them two years ago, and I didn't notice any seepage.

The advisor did tell me its not worth fixing, so I guess he expects owners to just buy a new one when their car needs some maintenance I wish there were closer Indy Mini shops too, the closest for me is probably Helix.

I'm just patiently waiting for all my parts now, and can't wait to get under it Once everything is done it will be like driving a brand new car.

 

Helix seems to have a great reputation and is probably worth the drive. How far away are they from you?

 

The way they diagnosed the clutch concerns me. It sounds like they didn't even drive it and took your word (??). "No power above 4k" doesn't sound like a clutch issue to me.

 

Helix is 2 hrs away from me lol

 

Well when I'm in higher gears and I floor it, the rpms just go up and down after the 4k mark. Yea I have a boost gauge installed and it's not showing boost either, so I don't know what to make of it. They did say my crank pulley is loose, and I have an ATI damper waiting to go in. The MINI tech said he felt the clutch slipping in first gear, so I'm guessing the only driving was to the bay lol.

 

I bought my car at Mini of Morristown in 2002. Artoo is a 2003MCS. I never thought their service shop was reputable although there are a few good techs there. I stopped even walking in when they told me that the incredible noise that was coming from my dual mass flywheel was not covered under the warranty. I brought it to Prestige and they covered it instantly once they heard the noise.

Helix is great but as you said, two hours away. If you want someone good more locally and also very reputable, try Frank at ECP Auto Service, 794 Raymond Blvd in Newark NJ 07105. He is good, will do what you need and won't rip you off.

Your Mini has plenty of miles left.

Motor on.

///Rich

 

ok, clutch. That's different than what it says on the form in the pic..

 

In the pic it says to replace clutch and flywheel. I hope it fixes my no boost problem.

 

Oh wow he is very close to me, if I run into any problems, maybe I'll have him take a look for me. Thanks

 

Don't do the oil pan gasket until you replace/re-seal the Crank Position Sensor O-ring. Most of the time, that's the culprit. If you should need a new Oil Filter Housing (which I doubt-probably just a gasket), I have a spare I can sell you...cheap, along with valve cover gasket, etc, etc.!