Hi All-

Peter here, first post. I acquired a project 2008 Cooper S for my daughter's first car. It was cheap with a suspected head gasket issue, which I believe I've now confirmed. But it was within her budget and it will give me a project to work on and hopefully be a relatively low cost car for her when finished. She's a year away form her license so I have the time. I've rolled up my sleeves and started in, primarily using this site as go-to resource. I had hemmed and hawed about taking on a project like this--I've never gotten this far into an engine before. But it looks like it's a time-consuming but manageable job.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll continue to use the site and post when I get into trouble. It looks like a great community. My last project was a BMW 335i and I relied on the wealth of information at e90post which seems like a similar site. Happy to be here.

 

Welcome, lots of info here on rebuilds and such, check out the Gen 2 section as I guess its an R56 MINI Cooper S (turbo).

 

Welcome to NAM.

If you are not sure the oil has been changed in the past 5,000 miles, change the oil and then when you have 5,000 more miles, change the oil again. You have the N14 engine that a few have had good luck while many others curse the day they saw the engine.

Any pictures?

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to NAM, Peter. Be sure to click the "DIY Help" link in my signature for assistance while you get your hands dirty. It should be of help, along with this wonderful forum. I am also here if you ever need anything.

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Peter, there is a world of info here for your daughters Mini S and help if you need to to complete your project!