Engine Malfunction Light

[johnson55]

Hi All:
New to the forum, just like to share my recent experience and have a question.
My 2011 Mini Clubman 33K mi., started having 100-200 change in RPM at idle and the car faltered when starting up from a dead start. Engine malfunction light on steady.
Had it scanned at AutoZone, came up with Mass flow Sensor fault and Rich and Lean at idle with multiple faults.
Took it to the dealer at Dublin, OH and they found a leak in the valve cover gasket.
They were able to find it and fix it in a short period of time and had new software to upload to the ECU. This was done with no cost to me, car is out of warranty, but I expect they did it under the EPA requirements for 50K miles emission standards?
On the way to the shop I went at 55mph max for 70 miles and go 43.5 MPG. On the way back I got 48.0 MPG! Anyone else with this experience?
Question: Dealer wanted $1050 for Continental tires and alignment. Does anyone have any other suggestions for replacement tires. Anyone used Tire Rack?
Thanks for the forum, I've already learned a lot for it and the tech tips.
Dave

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I've used Tire Rack a lot for all of my cars. Good prices, good service. You will have to find a local place to mount and balance the tires, but that shouldn't be too hard.

--DD