My daughter is visiting and when she shut her 2007 S model off I heard a rather load pressure escape sound from the firewall area . Every time she starts and then shuts it off there is a pressure escape "whooosh" sound. I thought it was the crankcase ventalation as it seems to come from under the valve cover. I have had nothing but problems with the local dealer who wants 150$ to "put it on the computer". notto mention a half day drive to get there.I was reading about the problem with the carbon build up and it almost sounds like a stuck valve letting compression back into the intake manifold. Thus my concern.
It runs great though and only has 32,000 miles. out of warranty by 3 weeks. any help ? thanks

 

Video of said noise?

 

well the dealer replaced the thermostate housing and said the check enigne light was not due to cooling level but the noise I had heard. They want to replace the valve cover at a cost of 645.00 because of a malfunctioning valve. what a crock. who would design a part that can be used up into a valve cover and not service the part.
JUNK

 

If you can't change it yourself then find a local independent BMW/MINI mechanic. You can find the valve cover (PN 11127585907) for under $300. Labor on that is less than an hour. If you order it don't forget the gaskets.

 

I have no problem changing it but still 300$ for a valve cover that is a lifetime product because it has a pvc valve that goes bad at 38,000 miles made in it? Total lack of engineering.
HAs anyone that has installed a catch can gotten any cel from that? that is what the dealer is ssaying. That the malfunctioning crankcase valve built in the valve cover is causing a check engine light. Yet if it is bypassed thats ok according to the forums with many people just removing it?

 

The PCV valve is not replaceable? Who designs a PCV system where the valve is not replaceable?!

 

Welcome the world of R56 MINIs.

I've never heard of anyone getting a CEL from installing a catch can. The only way I can see that happening is if you stuff up the install.

Block off the one that leads to the intake manifold, and run a catch can between the one that goes to the intake pipe pre-turbo

 

thanks, I am wondereing how a supposedly cracked valve cover, internally can cause a check engine light. I am going to do the catch can and see if I can reset it. The dealer said he found the crack with a smoke test. He would not provide the engine code even though I paid 125$ for them to check it out. seems wrong to me.