So, took the 2013 Mini Cooper S in for an oil change since we were near the shop. Well, here's the report that came along with it.

Found right strut top torn
found engine oil seep, need to replace crankcase front main seal
found engine oil seep, need to replace engine oil filter housing gasket

Also recommended to preform brake fluid flush and replace microfilter, and replace the battery.

$2,527 for that. He explained that "seep" doesn't mean leak, so, I dunno what to make of that.

Any advice would be great. I watched a few videos on the strut issue, seems like I can do that and save $287 minus the part cost. Changing the battery myself obviously, that saves $340, minus battery cost. I'm concerned about the oil seep issue. He made it seem that the service center really needs to do the brake fluid flush and the microfilter replacement. Kinda made it sound like none of this is ok for it to be done outside the professionals doing this.

Again, any advice, links to parts, etc, would be greatly appreciated. I'm in South Carolina if that helps.

 

Are you seeing oil on the driveway or in your garage? If not, ignore this guy. He's just trying to generate revenue. Brake fluid flush is "recommended" every X miles but if your brakes are working, I subscribe to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of thought. Not quite sure what a "microfilter" is so I can't weigh in on that one (but it does sound fishy). Maybe someone else can answer. If you're competent with tools, there's nothing here you can't do yourself.

 

You can certainly save a few bucks on the filter. Showed my son how to do it on his car yesterday, took less than 5 minutes. Battery might need to be registered on the car, check negative terminal for IBS cable. You can google it for pics so you know what to look for. You can buy a scanner or app and dongle that lets you do that, but you have to decide if you will use those devices in the future to make it pencil out in your favor.

I've used ATP re seal for seeping, but you must make sure it is compatible with the seals in your car. It worked for a 98 BMW for me, saved a fortune.

Find an indy shop avoid the dealer after warranty expires.

 

Here are some pics...


https://i.postimg.cc/d19wR6yT/Mini_Cooper_Sc.jpg
So, that looks like IBS. I'm guessing I'd have to get under the car to properly look at the strut issue though.

Testing the battery, to best of my ability lol, it's showing 12.68v just sitting there. Drops down to 10.48v when cranking. The app + dongle + battery is still going to run $75-100 cheaper than letting Mini service do it. /shrugs.

 

No idea where you reside but there's gotta be a reliable BMW/MINI independent somewhere near you. Dealerships make their money in the shop, NOT on the sales floor and the indie doesn't have a sales floor and staff to finance.

 

If you're in Houston, TX I can help. I only work on MINI/BMW's, and those are all easy fixes in my book.

 

I'm in South Carolina, but it might be cheaper for me to drive to Texas lol. Much appreciated for sure.

 

Struts are easy to change, and if the top mount is torn, the strut is probably bad too.
Those crankshaft hub seals are tricky. I followed the Bentley service manual (says to lubricate the seal), and that's a mistake. PTFE seals are supposed to go on dry, and they have to sit on the crank for 4 hours before you start the engine. Like Edison, I discovered many way how not to do it. You also need a special $157.00 tool to install that seal, but there are some that have installed the crankshaft hub seal without it. The tool makes it easy.
I've not had an issue with my oil filter housing gasket, so I would suggest you see how much it's actually leaking.
Get your brake presssure bleeder kit here: https://www.motiveproducts.com/produ...nd-marine-kits

Flushing the brakes is a 2 year service interval, and it's easy! Germans don't like moisture in their brake fluid.
The microfilter is your cabin air filter. Access it under the glove box.

You can do any of those tasks...just visit newtis.info for step-by-step instructions.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. Much appreciated as always.