I'm in Tucson AZ. Just picked up a 2009 Cooper S, R56, N14B16C or N14B16A (not sure which), 1.6L L4, 1598cc, BMW Parts Type Code: MF73. I purchased the car cheap from an auction. Before I bought the car I inspected it and ran it at idle and high RPM, steady and revving and it ran good (they wont let you test drive it). The car overheated on the way home (of course). I also noticed some engine oil leaks. So, I took the VIN to the MINI dealership's service department to gather some intel. Found out the prior owner (let's call him "Barney") has had the car in for service in the past. MINI recommended the Following: Replace Valve Cover Gasket, Vacuum Pump, Crankshaft Seal (Front) Coolant Pipe between Thermostat and Water Pump.

"Barney" CHOSE NOT to make these repairs. Replacing the Crank Seals necessitates engine removal, SO.... I've got the engine out of the car and it's on a stand. The Cylinder Head is off and in the shop getting reworked (nothing really wrong with the Head or Valves just cleaning, adjustment and re-surfacing. BTW, the Head Gasket showed no signs of leaking. Radiator is solid and not plugged. The Crankshaft and Pistons are still in the block because the compression check was good. I discovered the source of overheating... A really amateur RTV job on the Coolant Pipe-to-Water Pump juncture. Also discovered "Barney" used a "STOP LEAK" product on the coolant system (ugh). The Timing Chain Guide is broken in pieces (common problem?) so I'll be replacing the Timing Chain as well as the above mentioned list of parts.

I'm a bit out of my Wheelhouse on this project. I'm an Aircraft A&P Mechanic and Flight Engineer so I can wrench but have limited experience ordering this many parts and balancing the need for OEM parts (and associated cost) for important stuff with "Rock Auto" for parts with no moving parts. Also I don't know the tricks for saving time or what to watch out for during reassembly. I've already (with the help of your members) gotten access to finding part numbers. THANKS. Also have access to limited repair guides.

Who do you guys recommend for a parts source? I'm really wanting OEM for most everything.

Do any of you live here in Tucson? I'll pay $$ for consultant work, more if you'll get your hands dirty.

Thanks for having me as a member, I'll try to share anything that might be beneficial to you DIYers,
Jeff Sherman

Water pump to "Crossover Pipe" Mess

O-ring migrated to coolant jacket in block

Timing Chain

Block with no evidence of leakage, notice O-ring in #1? Cylinder cooling jacket/port, how did that get there? Pistons are dirty because it was smoking before I pulled motor.

 

Try www.partsgeek.com. They offer both OEM parts and aftermarket parts and their prices are some of the best you'll find.

 

I’m really impressed that Irving made it that far into the block! Hopefully you can get the engine back together and running strong.

For OEM parts, I like to search realoem.com for parts numbers, the Google search to find the best purchase options. There are a few online dealer parts stores that will have decent pricing, and shopping around will net you a few dollars saved.

 

I`d like to suggest fcpeuro.com for parts. They have lifetime replacement warranty on parts, even brake pads.

 

Thanks Minibeagle!

 

Thanks Nik!

 

Thanks cooper48

 

Did you ever get this fixed? Wow they really permatexed the inlet for the waterpipe

 

Not yet. Waiting on lots of parts.