I took my MINI Cooper S 2019 to the dealership for a brake fluid service and was told my AC Clip is broken and needs to be fixed. I don't drive this car much and was told it's common, however I never had this happen to my previous MINI of 15 yrs. The cost for labor is $900 and that one plastic clip cost $400. I would like to know if I'm being ripped off and how does this clip even break? The mechanic told me if I don't get it fixed my engine will start to break apart. So they have to take out my engine to fix this one piece. I never heard of this repair before and I can't believe it could break, because I don't even drive it much. So it's fishy to me that this could happen.
What makes this problem better or worse?
I didn't even know this was broken
How long has your 2019 Mini Cooper had this problem?
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Hi, my name is Devin. I am an auto repair expert with the Car Genius team here at RepairPal.
It does sound unusual to have an AC clip on your Cooper S that would cost that much to replace, and you're right to question it. The clip likely refers to a part of the air conditioning system that holds components together, possibly related to the condenser or a line connection. These clips can break from normal wear, but it's unusual for such a failure to require engine removal unless it's tied to other significant parts. I'd recommend seeking a second opinion or at least getting a detailed explanation of why this clip is so integral and why the repair is so involved.
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