What's up Mini enthusiasts? I'm new here and would like to share with you that I installed the oil line heat shield for the R56 and put my Weber grill thermometer on both sides of the shield to measure the heat and the protected side was a good 90 degrees 'cooler' than the turbo side. I have pictures and I hope I can figure out how to post them. If not, the cooler side measured 240 degrees while the turbo side measured 330 degrees after a 20 minute drive. I got it from Way Motor Works for $26.00.
I made my own out of a piece of stainless sheet metal for less than 5 bucks and had about the same result... It ain't pretty but it works.
Remember me? Had a local mechanic replaced the turbo line for less than the dealer. Turns out I have another leak (coolant) and the mechanic wanted to charge me $135 per hour just to diagnose what is leaking. So I decided to go to the dealer where they diagnosed the shield was installed incorrectly. Just my luck. Mechanic agreed to check it out and of course he was defensive about his work. I even showed him the paperwork from Mini. I have the take my mini back to him this Friday although I'm reluctant to do so. I don't think he's reliable . Another thing Mini said I need to replace the hoses - fuel and coolant. My question - is it costly to replace the hoses? Please advise.
:cornut: At the dealer it will be costly to replace the hoses as they are hard to get to and therefore fenders and bumpers etc need to be removed first and then put back on. The dealer also charges retail price for rubber hoses(and MINI brand antifreeze) that are prone to wearing out. A better idea is to get after market silicone hoses(they may not ever need to be replaced) and the proper antifreeze(not brand name MINI) and go to an independent MINI mechanic that does a lot of work on MINIs. Or,get the silicone hoses/antifreeze and ask the tech at the dealer what the labor charge would be. MINI labor charges that are not warranty or insurance are at the discretion of the tech/mechanic. I know this from personal experience at MINI of Dallas. Do check our sponsor list where you just might get every thing that you need from trustworthy reasonable MINI people. GOOD LUCK! and I hope that this helps. Jason
I see you are sorta in the Bay area kinda... You might want to give the folks over at Berkeley Motor Works a call. I've heard good things about them. You can find more details about them including driving directions and contact info in the Local Shops listing here on Motoring Alliance.
Not sure if you make it to SF Peninsula area, but these guys are excellent. Mini Werks - San Carlos, CA
Ok I'm not sure how to reply to each one because I am using an app on iPad. Thanks for all the advice Appreciate it. Yes it is very costly if I am to let the dealer do the repairs. I'm looking for another alternative. Yes I am in the bayarea, wish I am closer to where you guys are. I will have to get quotes possibly tmr from the workshops recommended on here. Once again thx again. It's been a long crazy day today and reading all these advices from u all de-stresses me.
Update - Mechanic finally installed the shield correctly and no he didn't charge me. Believe it or not the coolant leak stopped. My coworkers advised not to replace the hoses for now since the leaking stopped. I've been paranoid every morning before I leave for work checking if the coolant level went low and so far so good. Thanks again
Mona912, I just wanted to throw in my two cents about a coolant leak! I recently started leaking coolant, and easily found it was from the coolant reservoir. I ordered the part from http://www.eminiparts.com/, a MA Sponsor and received the perfect fitting part without issue... THANK YOU! Anyway, the installation of the reservoir took me honestly 15 minutes....having never touched a MINI before.