I have a 2004 base Mini Cooper R50 (naturally aspirated) in need of a new valve cover gasket. I'm researching online for the best way to do this, and I'm not finding much. I've done this job on other makes of cars many times, but this Mini seems to have a lot in the way. Do I need to remove the ignition coils? I also see the fuel rail there. Does that also need to be removed to get the valve cover off? The dealership is wanting over $300 to replace this $25 part. Is it really that big of a pain? If anyone has any links to videos or online instructions, I'd appreciate it. I've been searching the forums and YouTube and haven't found anything for my specific model. I didn't want to spend extra money on a Haynes or shop manual unless I had to. Thanks!

 

I replaced the gasket on my daughter's R50 a few years ago and it was very easy. As I recall, you do not need to remove the coil pack or fuel rail. I did pull the injectors to clean them and replaced the o-rings as I figured I was a already there so why not.

Here is a video on an R53 by Mod Mini.

Let me know if you need torque specs for anything and I'll look them up.

If you are uneasy, just take your time and snap a bunch of photos along the way.

-Jeff

 

Thanks man! I also just found another video to help out. For some reason I haven't found a video on this for days and now all of a sudden I'm finding a few. Thanks again!

 

^^ +1 and get your son to help so when you hand down the MINI he is trained.