$1,724.10. That’s what the total to get the car out of the shop was. $1,071.41 of that was the price of a new seat cushion for the passenger side of the Mini. The airbag sensor is integrated into the seat, so the whole shooting match had to be replaced.

The courtesy check of the car for other problems that should be addressed turned up $4,735 worth of other repairs, like struts leaking, oil pan gasket and O-ring leaks, front arm bushings loose, and front brake pads and rotors showing wear.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy owning a German-made car? It is 8 years old, but still.