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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).
There are various aluminum valve covers available. First time I noticed, it was something like $2000. So, figured, OK, showy tuner part, certainly not going to spend that on my 2008 Clubman S.
But now I see some around $150, and going hmmmm.... I need yet another valve cover, because mechanic seems to have cracked my Chinese plastic one, plus failed to change the gasket when he replaced the coolant cross-tube.
(Didn't get any traction with post showing the crack. OK, it's a damn crack, probably don't need that confirmed... So, broke out to separate subject.)
Anyone have experience with the aluminum covers? Any issues with getting car smoged? (California). Do they reproduce the original EGR?
What advantages could possibly justify spending $2K ?
And even if the part by the amazon seller in China is of the same quality: what guarantees are there for fit and material quality as well as long term function?
I don't know the BMW/MINI dealership price of the cover in the US, but adding together install time/effort, a new gasket and sealant, I'd just bite the bullet and get the OEM one from a BMW dealer.
What advantages could possibly justify spending $2K ?
It's pretty. And it's ALL aluminum, despite Chinese seller's assertion that the design dictates that strip of plastic. It's pretty tuner part. Not something that I would put on this car, but there are probably people here who would.
And even if the part by the amazon seller in China is of the same quality: what guarantees are there for fit and material quality as well as long term function?
And ECS has a good reputation, so I'll go with that one.
If the part by the Amazon seller in China is of the same quality (as the Genuine Mini - but do realize you probably meant the $2000 aluminum) then I don't want it. Because the original Mini part is a fail. Was hoping to find something better, and if for less money, better still.
I'm replacing it now because of damage during removal/reinstall by a mechanic. It was R&R to to the cross-tube replacement. He failed to use a new gasket. I can't be sure how the crack happened, though.
I don't know the BMW/MINI dealership price of the cover in the US, but adding together install time/effort, a new gasket and sealant, I'd just bite the bullet and get the OEM one from a BMW dealer.
And have it fail again, like the original? Actually pretty sure this was the THIRD replacement (one was done by dealer on warranty), and now I will be doing the fourth.
Hate to keep paying Mini/BMW prices for crap parts that fail.
The PRIOR time I had to replace it, it was the original Mini part that failed.
I do see from a related thread that Mini released an updated part that is supposed to be an improvement. But it's still $450.
I think I will go with the Hamburg Tech knockoff of the new design for ~$160. 3 year warranty and great reviews.
"Pretty tuner part" reads like "unreasonably high price with questionable, if not lower than OEM build quality/functionality". And it being all aluminum is only a small part of the equation. Engineering, fit, build and finish quality, crankcase ventilation functionality (both new and long term) as well as long term material behaviour are equally if not more important. Assuming higher production costs (due to it being made of aluminum), how can it be sold at a similar price as cheap aftermarket plastic covers?
And whether "Hamburg Technic" really is a manufacturer as they claim (and not just a brand by whoever controls their website) with more than just a german address on their english only webpage (and no full imprint as required by german law) I would strongly doubt. They don't even bother mentioning the international dialling code for the US with their US only phone numbers. Nor have I ever come across any reference to them or their products anywhere here in Germany. The entire website seems to me as if it has only been set up in order to make people think they're buying products of a german company.
The valve cover in my 2010 Mini is still the one from factory with no signs of failure (despite it being removed and re-installed once so far). Should it ever need replacement, I would only consider buying from MINI/Peugeot/Citroen or from the actual manufacturer who makes them for these companies. This is not to say that I'm ruling out non-OEM made parts in general. I just wouldn't want to gamble with parts that are either safety related or can cause damage/hassle which is disproportionate to their cost.
I am currently running the Amazon one, it’s been great for the last 5-6k miles of all kinds of driving. The pcv system is serviceable on it unlike any of the factory ones. It’s all aluminum other than the pcv part.
I am also using the Hamburg version on another n14 and I have zero issues with it. I went with the Amazon one because 1) needed a new one and 2) wanted to see the quality and if heat is an issue again, this one won’t melt.
I am currently running the Amazon one, it’s been great for the last 5-6k miles of all kinds of driving. The pcv system is serviceable on it unlike any of the factory ones. It’s all aluminum other than the pcv part.
I am also using the Hamburg version on another n14 and I have zero issues with it. I went with the Amazon one because 1) needed a new one and 2) wanted to see the quality and if heat is an issue again, this one won’t melt.
So, now I'm back to the Amazon one, I don't like the idea of melting...
Can you tell me which "brand" of the Amazon one you got? I guess go with the seller with the most sales.
That's plastic under the coil packs, though, right? There's plastic parts under that upper cover, as well? Or that is literally the "pcv part".
How does that hose that comes off to the right anchor? Does it come with something, or use the "bow" or clip or whatchamacallit that keeps it from coming out on the original (and that a mechanic lost...)
Assume comes with gasket? (Yea, I need to go back and re-read the Amazon listing...)
That AEM heat shield over the turbo looks practical - like, what should have been there in the first place. Was not familiar with the brand, will look it up. Of COURSE my plastic one is partially melted.
This makes me very happy, as I've always tried to see if I can do an upgrade at same parts cost when possible when I need service parts. For example, needed brake hoses, so braided brake hoses.
So, now I'm back to the Amazon one, I don't like the idea of melting...
Can you tell me which "brand" of the Amazon one you got? I guess go with the seller with the most sales.
That's plastic under the coil packs, though, right? There's plastic parts under that upper cover, as well? Or that is literally the "pcv part".
How does that hose that comes off to the right anchor? Does it come with something, or use the "bow" or clip or whatchamacallit that keeps it from coming out on the original (and that a mechanic lost...)
Assume comes with gasket? (Yea, I need to go back and re-read the Amazon listing...)
That AEM heat shield over the turbo looks practical - like, what should have been there in the first place. Was not familiar with the brand, will look it up. Of COURSE my plastic one is partially melted.
This makes me very happy, as I've always tried to see if I can do an upgrade at same parts cost when possible when I need service parts. For example, needed brake hoses, so braided brake hoses.
Many questions, but home stretch.
the hose connects the same as the factory one, but it fits pretty tight I didn’t use the clip. The black piece you see is plastic, it is the pcv system, and it does come with a gasket. Everything orange is metal though, all serviceable by removing the screws. I had a turbo blanket as well but it ripped in half when the studs backed out, the aem shield saved stuff from catching on fire/melting. I’ve got the stock shield and the aem for now though and have no issues.
I got the "Mitzone" brand aluminum valve cover on Amazon. It looks great! But a couple of concerns:
(1) There are bosses on the bottom at each of the bolt holes. They are off-center, and some have nasty burrs. What if anything should be done about this. Or return for refund or exchange? See photos.
(2) It's painted. On the outside, but... a bit of concern about the paint around inside of oil filler. Clearly, the paint will flake, the idea of paint flaking into the top end seems a bit horrifying. I honestly don't care if the paint on the outside flakes. I didn't buy this for appearance, but to once and for all keep the oil inside where the oil belongs.
Did you end up returning it or did you install it? I'm on the fence if I should order one or not. I'm rebuilding my engine and I need to replace my VC.
Did you end up returning it or did you install it? I'm on the fence if I should order one or not. I'm rebuilding my engine and I need to replace my VC.
I finally installed it. A neighbor did the job, I held the flashlight. Oh, yea, I also knocked off the burrs with a Dremel. Neighbor didn't think the off-center bosses were a problem.
Eliminated the oil leak, but now I have a couple of new issues, one of which I probably brought on myself.... I'll put up a new post.
I think I borked the PCV valve with Blue Devil Rear Main Oil Sealer, which I now think I didn't even need. Will post the whole sad story as a new thread.
Supposedly the PCV is replaceable on this valve cover. Need to source the part, though.
ECS has the valve cover listed, at same price as the Amazon seller, BTW. But no availability until April 2023. I guess ECS listing it is a vote of confidence.
It's funny because i just found these N18 Aluminum valve covers so i am looking for the same info. Has anyone run an aluminum valve cover on an N18, how did it work out for you?
Do we have any longterm experiences with the Aluminium valvle covers?
My Clubman is loosing oil from the cover gasket and I want to change the gaskets first.
If is doesnt work, I would try switching to the Aluminium ones.
I just installed the ECS aluminum valve cover on our JCW R58 and the Pcv system failed out of the box. There is full vacuum in the head not the 0.2 psi it should have. Took the top access off and everything looks fine. Reached out to ECS a couple days ago and haven't heard back. Going to bypass rear port in the meantime since it took 2 months to receive the part... Looks and fits amazing though!
Send me you info and i can see where its at. We are a little backed up with the holiday weekend. We had a couple fail but not many. I have a red one for mine soon as My Genuine MINI one did not last and cracked/leaked in the center :( So anything is better then the Genuine MINI one that needs replaced every 2 years. It cannot take the heat cycles. We have people buying these fixing one issue to only find out the issues are beyond the valve cover. So just be aware of that. They think its their valve cover when its the valve cover and their valve stem seal are bad also ( burning oil like crazy and blue smoke). Or they have a leak from another part of the system (vacuum leak). Bad install or forgot to make sure the oil cap is on tight. A little fresh oil on the seal helps that. If its truly bad we can send out another one. Also make sure on the install its not over tighten and that you do the star pattern like wheel bolts and such, see below. Sounds like you just got a bad one.
Send me you info and i can see where its at. We are a little backed up with the holiday weekend. We had a couple fail but not many. I have a red one for mine soon as My Genuine MINI one did not last and cracked/leaked in the center :( So anything is better then the Genuine MINI one that needs replaced every 2 years. It cannot take the heat cycles. We have people buying these fixing one issue to only find out the issues are beyond the valve cover. So just be aware of that. They think its their valve cover when its the valve cover and their valve stem seal are bad also ( burning oil like crazy and blue smoke). Or they have a leak from another part of the system (vacuum leak). Bad install or forgot to make sure the oil cap is on tight. A little fresh oil on the seal helps that. If its truly bad we can send out another one. Also make sure on the install its not over tighten and that you do the star pattern like wheel bolts and such, see below. Sounds like you just got a bad one.
I am currently running the Amazon one, it’s been great for the last 5-6k miles of all kinds of driving. The pcv system is serviceable on it unlike any of the factory ones. It’s all aluminum other than the pcv part.
So have you had to replave the PCV yet? I'm LOVING the idea of a servicable PCV valve cover but I'm curious if you replace the PCV with another BMW PCV part or is it a special aftermarket PCV? I've replaced the PCVs on my N62 anmd its so easy and nice, so this is a must try for an N14 engine valve cover.
No reviews on their Ebay link.
