One year of ownership! While it wasn’t all smooth sailing, it’s been a lot of fun. The Mini needed some TLC, and continues to light up my smile when I’m behind the wheel. Read on to hear about the tumultuous last quarter for the Mini Cooper.
Stats:
Time Period: 11/1/2014 – 1/31/2015
Miles Driven: 907 / 32,239 31,332 (this update / total) (1,332 previous update)
Average MPG: 26.7 mpg (reported by on-board computer)
Avg MPG for Year: 26.4 (hand-calculated)
Costs:
Maintenance Costs: $0
Repairs: $138.40
Total Cost (non-fuel): $498.78
Services Performed:
- 2/3/15 – Replaced Oil Pressure Sensor; part of the Engine Wiring Harness
- 2/3/15 – Replace front sway bar end links
Summary:
While driving one night in January, the Mini’s engine oil light came on, indicating low oil pressure. After checking the oil, it appeared low, so a quart of synthetic oil of the proper weight was added. The light came back on, the oil checked again, still appearing low, and another quart was added. The light stayed on, and frustration mounted. Not wanting to add too much oil to the system, I parked the Mini, and a few days later, drove it gingerly to the local Mini dealership, Mini of Montgomery County. The diagnosis was quick: a failed oil pressure sensor. The part had failed so bad that engine oil went through it and into the engine’s wiring harness. The appropriate repair would be to replace the sensor, of course, but also to replace part of the engine’s wiring harness, which would prevent the oil from eating through the wires’ insulation over time.
The estimate for this repair: $1,100. The amount covered by the extended warranty I purchased with the car? $0.00. Ouch. The second-best repair would be to replace the sensor and clean up the wiring harness. While the dealership had it (and I had one of their loaner cars), I asked them to check for the cause of a clunking noise I hear quite often when traversing bumps. After a few attempts, the dealership’s lead technician was able to reproduce the noise and track down the culprit. While I thought it was a ball joint, it ended up being the end links of the front sway bar.
The estimate for this repair: $770.00. Covered amount? $670.00. The warranty I purchased comes with a $100.00 deductible, hence the delta.
I authorized the second repair, and in the mean time, the dealership’s service department had decided to “good will” the majority of the cost to repair the engine harness and oil pressure sensor, leaving me with a small amount to pay.
The final tally, thirteen days later when I picked up my car? $138.40. Thanks, Mini of Montgomery County!
With the car back, a shakedown run was called for, and over the next few days, I put over 100 miles on it, all quiet, smooth and running well.
Besides the almost two weeks spent at the dealer, the car ran well, even if snow, rain and extra cold temperatures kept me from driving it (I took the F-150 instead!).
Dated Notes:
- none
General Observations:
- The side windows like to freeze shut if the outside temperature drops below freezing and there’s any precipitation. A good douse of silicone spray helps but can’t seem to fully rid me of this problem. On below-freezing days, I take my truck instead, since its windows don’t freeze in place. This may have to do with the Mini having frameless windows.
by John Suit