Hello-I bought my first Mini (2003 R53)two years ago.It was well cared for and had 125K+ miles.All went well,new tires ,battery,front rotors and pads were the maintenance along with oil changes.Anyway,cyl.# 3 blows a plug,my mechanic fixes with a Time Sert.,no problems for over 5K miles now.This past September cylinder # 2 blows a plug,my mechanic fixes with a Time cert,but within 1K miles it blows it out again.I've read all the stories on these early motors,and this seems to be a MORE than common problem.now there is not enough material left for another Time Sert.My question is what's my best answer to my problem-#1-new/rebuilt head and timing chain,#2 used/rebuilt motor,or #3 sell as is to highest bidder.The car is stock,very clean ,and everthing works.I do not really want to sell it,but don't have the ca$h to buy a newer 'GOOD USED' one.I'll be paying for the repair if I go that way,so what are your thoughts.

 

Sounds like time for a new head (and properly torqued plugs). If you are willing to spend the money to keep the car - it just makes sense.

There's numerous aftermarket upgrade options as well as stock S OEM and JCW heads available (not to mention used ones like in the NAM marketplace)

I looked around at the market when my engine blew, and nothing gave me the smiles that the mini did - so I popped in a new engine (but my problem didn't have a simple solution like yours does). It cost me more than other used S's but I have a solid car now.

Good luck

 

If its a clean car and you like it.. I would put a new head on it. Or a rebuilt type one. But make sure the plugs are being torqued properly. I think your problem is that the plugs are not torqued to the proper specs. Or maybe not even being torqued at all! Good luck!

 

Why even think about a motor?!

You can get a used head...
Have it machined....
And reinstall....
Just tourqe the plugs THIS time....

 

What he said..