My engine light came on and they're telling me it's due to bad compression in one of the 4 cylinders. 45 pounds instead of the required 90. They're considering replacing the whole engine and tell me this is a one in a million thing. The MINI is one year old with 14,000 miles. Anyone else have this problem? Anyone who can offer advice?

 

Welcome to NAM! Sorry it's not under happier circumstances Horray for warranty work! On the bright side, your 10K engine may become a 0K engine!?!?

 

I would not worry about needing a replacement engine... happens all the time with Porsche (and to a lesser extent BMWs).
The Enginerds want to see "what happened" and you get a free (lower mileage engine
I wouldn't worry about "non-matching numbers" as the factory is making the swap, and well, number's matching just doesn't matter to the next buyer like it would if your Mini was, say, a 1964 Corvett Fulie.

Good Luck, and enjoy the loaner in the mean time!

 

They've changed up their fix. Now they're saying they're putting in a new head gasket which will solve the problem. Any input on this? Should I consider trading this for a new car at this point?

 

Do a search on head gasket. There is a thread somewhere. I believe MDSBRAIN has a new head gasket and then a new engine (and then sold the car).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=head+gasket
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=head+gasket

 

If the engnine only requires a gasket, then it only needs a head gasket. For their effort, they can practially change the engine. If you let them replace the gasket and it is not better, then you'll have firm footing for a replacement engine. Suggest they check the mating surfaces prior to installing the new gasket. If something is wrong with them, a gasket may not help.

 

Welcome to NAM. Sorry to hear about your car problem. Hope it turns out for the better.