Hi - I'm a brand new owner of a 2008 Mini Cooper S Hardtop. Traded my Spyder in for one because I love Coopers! Problem - in the coolant tank is sludgey stuff and it looks like oil. Took it to mechanic and he says I need a new engine! Car runs great, powerful, no overheating, no nothing! Any suggestions???? (as you can tell - don't know much about cars)

 

OK, not much information. How many miles on it, do you have service records?
Use the link below to find an independent MINI shop in your area and get it checked out. I doubt that the cooling system has been flushed in a great long time.
MINIs are not your everyday grocery getter drive it and forget it appliance that any 'mechanic' can work on.
http://www.minirepairshops.com/

 

I has 106,00 miles on it. Bought it from a local dealer and have no service records on it.

 

It would be prudent with a preowned MINI without service records to change out all fluids. Can't speak for the R56 but on the first gen R53/52s, since I purchased our R53 new, I religiously follow MINI's recommendations of a coolant change every four years and brake fluid every two. I also personally change out power steering fluid in the reservoir at least every two years and transmission fluid every 30k despite MINIs claim it is a lifetime fluid. Also I would get a second/ third opinion before unbottoning an engine. What you have purchased is a mobile computer run by an internal combustion engine. It's not a gas and go appliance. It requires a little TLC. Check what fluids you can at least weekly, especially engine oil and that will eliminate a potential wallet emptying event. Good luck and enjoy the ride. PS-- you also may want to check the intake valves for carbon build up.

 

Thanks for your advise. I am going to take it to a shop listed on the site Fly'n Brick posted to get another opinion. As I said - first Mini - my other half is a trucker and not home much so I am on my own here to get it right. But on the brighter side I am so looking forward to "enjoying the ride." Appreciated your help.

 

NAM is a great source for information. Never hesitate to ask a question. Someome always helps. Good Luck!

 

Agreed with changing out all fluids. Would be advisable to have a local MINI dealer or shop with MINI experience to give it a quick check. We also have service and maintenance guides on our website, along with a list of local shops.

It could be that a prior owner used the wrong coolant, used a stop leak, or the radiator itself is going bad.

Hope it all works out, please ask if you have any questions, and post pix when you get everything worked out!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.