Hello fellow Mini lovers,

I'm ashamed to admit that I've been neglecting my 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible for a few years and just took her to the dealership and they're suggesting the following list of repairs.

Can anyone provide guidance as to which repairs you would go to the dealership for and which ones you would take to your regular neighborhood mechanic?

For example, one item not on this list is fixing the convertible top. One of the cables has broken and the top no longer opens. I felt that the Mini dealer would be the best to repair that because they would have the expertise and to me that makes their higher rate worth it. On the other hand, I figure pretty much anyone can replace a brake light bulb so I could take it to a mechanic with a lower rate.

But for other stuff, I really have no idea. Mini is asking $1700 to replace the knock sensor, which is a $50 part, but apparently in order to get at the part to replace it you need to disassemble half the car. So, should I prefer Mini to do the work since it involves so much disassembly and reassembly?

What about replacing the coolant tank or the engine mount? Are there repairs that you would prefer the dealership perform?

Can anyone provide any guidance? I'd be grateful.

Stephen.

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LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BULBS INOP

LEFT REAR SIDE MARKER LENS BROKEN

KNOCK SENSOR, REC REPLACEMENT

INTAKE PLASTIC AIR DUCT LEAKING

LEFT FRONT ABS SENSOR

COOLANT EXPANSION TANK LEAKING

POWER STEERING INTAKE & RETURN HOSES

POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE

PS RETURN HOSE LEAKING

A/C CONCERN

FT STRUT

FT UP STRUT MOUNT

REPLACE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING

FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT

REPLACE ENGINE MOUNT

OIL FILTER HOUSING

REPLACE OIL PAN GASKET

ENGINE HARNESS

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