Head Gasket

[scrob]

Is there a history of Mini's needing new head gaskets? Our 2002 Mini One is just out of warrenty and now needs a new head gasket. Just wondering if this is a common problem or have we been particularly unlucky?

[ScienceGuy]

I have a 2002 also and this is the first head gasket I've heard of failing.

What are the symptoms?
Have you ever had it overheat due to low coolant?
Have you made any modifications?

[scrob]

Yeah it overheated last week in traffic and spat all the coolant out... now theres a small leak and possible head gasket needing replaced.

[ScienceGuy]

Do you know why it overheated in traffic? I'd like to prevent that on my 2002 if possible.
I think that's a more important question than the head gasket one.

[scrob]

I think the fan failed and she heated and spat all the coolant out., grr......

[Jammy Dodger]

what does a head gasket job cost on a 2002 MCS? - in USD please :-)

[kustomisedminibadges]

hi Scrob - how much did your head gasket cost?

[MINIMANIAUK]

The diesel is a PITA to work on ,just about everything is more difficult than the petrol,and thus more time consuming and expensive,the clutch change for example is close to a complete engine change. If you have to have a new engine you will be shocked at the price! check at your dealers and make sure you are seated!
Also it is worth checking the wire that is connected to the oil level sensor at the rear of the engine,as we have found these melted and could have expensive results,they are in a silver conduit but still melted. Although the MPG on the diesel is great,all these savings can be lost if there is engine trouble. The price of a replacement engine is shocking and you would think that the quote was for a Ferrari

[kustomisedminibadges]

Yeah me & my dad changed the clutch - it took 2 days! we were trying to take the front of the car off before we realised the gearbox fell out when the subframe was removed!

we'd have ago at the head gasket - but dad's not worked on over head cam engines before & is abit worried about the timing set-up.

might do the head and then get bmw to do the timing - hopefully that will half the price

[swamos]

Quote: Originally Posted by scrob (original)

Is there a history of Mini's needing new head gaskets? Our 2002 Mini One is just out of warrenty and now needs a new head gasket. Just wondering if this is a common problem or have we been particularly unlucky?

Speak to your dealer. They may go to BMW on your behalf and ask for support. You probably won't get it done for free but you might get some help

[HarryHBMCC]

My 2005 cabriolet just went in for a head gasket. The coolant level dropped, which happened many times in my 2002, but unlike all the pressure tests done on my 2002 this one showed a leaking head gasket. Not fun, driving a Nissan Altima until Friday at least

Harry