Parking Sensor Error (PDC)

[TBi]

Hi All,

my first post here and it's for a problem!

My car ('07 R56 Cooper S) has given me a PDC error. I brought it to Keary's in Cork and they diagnosed that the rear left sensor is bust.

The thing is i had just gotten an alternator belt replaced (on a 4 year old car?) the day before the sensor went bang. And to add insult to injury this is the second time a sensor broke, the last time again a day after i brought the car into the garage. This was only back in August.

It seems very coincidental and i'm hoping for a goodwill on it but it's 1 year out of warranty. I'm not going to pay them to have it fixed again so i want to know how easy it is to pop out and replace the sensor. Anything to watch out for and how much it is to buy one? I found one on ebay for about €50 inc. shipping.

I might get the goodwill but good to have a backup plan just in case. Anyone have an idea what is causing the damage to the sensors? Is it normal for them to die after 3 years? I don't really want to replace a sensor not knowing the root cause behind them breaking in the first place.

I think it might bring it to another garage in future. Anyone here know a garage which fixes mini's in Cork other than Keary's?

[MiniMpi]

Get in touch with Gerard O'Leary in Ballincollig
He has a specialist MINI & Mini garage abd has all the up to date dealer equipment Keary's do and Will fix the car and for a lot less too!
086-8663828

[irlmin]

Hi and welcome to the site , PDC sensors are unfortunately problematic , We have replaced 3 on customer MINIs in the last few weeks and in fact need to replace another one on My daughters Cabriolet next week . its not terribly difficult to fit BUT bumper must come off as 'clips' need to be accessed behind the bumper .We usually have some in stock and price will be good , let Me know if We can help , We are based in Ballincollig . you can call Me on 086 8663828 or 021 4877158 .
Gerard

[TBi]

Don't understand why a sensor like this should be so fragile. Will see what Keary's say to me and might give you a call next week.

Actually need to get a wire fixed so might ask about that too. Multifunction steering wheel call button wire was cut for parrot Bluetooth kit for previous owner. Would do it myself but hate fiddling with the plastics!

[Bawnee]

I have the sensors on the back of my 08 Cooper Clubman & have had no problems with mine.. Think you might just be unlucky!

[TBi]

I have the sensors on the back of my 08 Cooper Clubman & have had no problems with mine.. Think you might just be unlucky!

I probably shouldn't have trouble with them either. My main issue is the coincidence of going into the garage and then they break the next day... this happened twice. Still waiting to hear back if BMW/Mini will cover it.

[Bawnee]

Yes this is very odd i have to say.. Fingers crossed you get it sorted soon.

[Owen]

Get down on your knees and put an ear to each sensor with the car in reverse, ignition on, but engine off. You should hear each sensor emit a ticking noise. The one that doesn't is the dud. If they all fail, the control unit's a dud.

Pop to Ger and he'll sort it in no time.

[TBi]

Well Keary's sorted it for free. Mini paid for hardware + half labour and Keary's covered the left over cost, albeit not without a bit of arguing!

Now i just need a new wheel, some <BEEP> in a SUV almost ran me off the road and my driver rear wheel is full of scratches!

[TBi]

Wuhoo now another sensor went pop. The last one of the 4 that needs replacing and BMW are being a pain in the arse!

I have to pay for a diagnostic, AGAIN! (Although i know which one is gone, by process of elimination and listening for the click)
I have to pay for labour, AGAIN! (Few screws and two clips?)

and i might get the part for free ... Fecking hell diagnostic + labour is more than the part plus it ain't all that hard to fit.

[Bawnee]

Ouch your not having a good run of it are you? I had issues with a light casing so feel glyphs pain but thankfully my warranty covered it. Hope you get it sorted to your satisfaction & soon!