120,000 miles and turbo is on its way out. Several vendors offer a turbo cartridge replacement which is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire turbo.
I am keeping the turbo stock, so any reason to get the entire turbo assembly?

 

That depends on whether or not your waste-gate is in good condition, that's some impressive mileage on your turbo. Wow 120,000 miles!

 

We also just changed the original clutch at 118,000 which I think may be the world record for an R56 clutch life.

 

Wait a minute you're the original owner and have never replaced the clutch components before now?

I can understand not wanting to put too much money into your MCS with that kind of mileage, I would at least replace the waste gate.

 

I had the reverse issue. The exhaust side (waste gate) was broke on mine. To separate the two halves of the assembly I needed a 5lb hammer and cold chisel to get it apart. After that, I discovered the turbo half was leaking at the impeller seals. Time for a whole new turbo.

You can also remove the entire turbo assembly and send it out for a rebuild if you want the original back.

P.S. I got 100,000+ miles out of the turbo and it still had the original clutch when I traded it in with 122,000 miles.

 

My waste-gate has a very annoying fluttering noise most noticeable in second gear at exactly 1800 RPMS and is gone above 2000 RPMS, I don't hear it in the other gears. My turbo has zero end play or any play for that matter. I'm at 62,000 miles now, from what you two are saying I've got about another 60,000 miles on my turbo but the noise might be worth a new turbo.

Looks like the two of you are good at shifting gears smoother and don't abuse them. My clutch was in horrible shape when bought it with only 45,600 miles, it took almost 15,000 miles to see how the previous owner treated the clutch, like he stole it. Hot spots all over the flywheel and deep cracks in the material.

Sorry for going slightly OT.

 

Sheeeit! I wish i didn't stumble onto this thread. I'm at 100k now and I'm on the original turbo and maybe the original clutch (bought used at 32k). Clutch is on the way out. Didn't think i'd have to replace a turbo as well unless it was mistreated or abused often.

This car is my moneypit, but i love it sooooooo.

 

You can't expect turbos to last past 100,000 miles, I have seen most only last 60,000 -75,000 miles. If your turbo does hits 100,000 - 120,000 miles or even higher, give Wagner the credit for building a reliable turbo. It all depends on how fast you put on mileage, time isn't on your side either.

 

Well, just as a reference, i bought my car used in 2011 with 32k miles on it. Now i'm at 100k and i've been lucky enough to still be running the original. I'll be doing some more research on a replacement though :(.

 

If you chose to buy a new one you can get it far cheaper if you buy the OEM Wanger turbo and not the Mini branded one. They both have the exact same part number except without the Mini stamped into the turbo metal plate. Same thing with the vacuum pump, Pittsburgh vacuum pump made for Mini again without the Mini sticker. Mini outsourced most of what makes up our MCS's.

 

I’ll start with the positive. Just replaced the clutch a couple months ago and it’s the original as far as I know. Now, I’ve been told the turbo is starting to go. There’s oil running through the cold pipe causing a greyish-white smoke from the exhaust. Mini group members have suggested I look at replacing the turbo cartridge. Has anyone saved their turbo this way? Thanks, I’ll hang up and listen. 🤣