Hello,
I have an 05 Cooper S with a bad case of bottom end knock that Mini USA won't cover under warranty (23K grrr). Can some one point me in the direction of a good source for a performance short block? My dealer wants $8200 to replace the motor ($2000 or so is labor) and I just can't see putting a stock motor back in it for that kind of money. I'm going to do the work my self but don't know much about the quirks of this motor so I'd like to source a S/B from a shop instead of building it up myself. Can anyone make any recommendations? I've already contacted Jan at Revolution, are there other shops I should be aware of?

Oh, I did some searching but couldn't find much on here for the newer cars, everything was for older non BMW cars.

Current mods: Alta CAI, throttle body, 15% pulley, ECU upgrade and a full Miltek exhaust.

Thanks.

 

give jan a call. Other than that I have been thinking of doing a mid engined awd conversion using a sti engine. Its possible but you would be looking at well over 10k. Closer to 20.

 

Why won't MINI cover this under warranty? Because of your mods? Or do they suspect abuse?

 

They are claiming neglect. The bottom line is the motor was run 4 quarts low on oil, however the car has 1200 miles on it since August when it was in the dealer for an oil service. I rarely drive the car since I primarily ride my Triumph, only bringin out the cooper on rainy or excessivley cold/hot days.

The pisser is there wasn't any kind of indicator the motor was low, no blue smoke, no oil puddle where it parks and no service engine soon indicator. I'm still fighting this but am trying to investigate my non dealer options if I end up having to own this problem.

My whole issue is who checks the oil on a new vehicle that sees 400 miles a month when there are no other signs of it being an issue?

My dealer is actually pretty cool with the modifications. They subscribe to the logic that they will warranty anything coming from the factory. If I change a part then it's my fault or if I damage a componet due to installing somehting else then it is no longer covered. Seems pretty even keel compared to some of the other stories I have heard on here while I was a lurker.

 

I would go back to the dealer and kindly request that they call their regional MINI service rep to evaluate the claim, or join the BMWCCA (if you haven't already) and take the case up with an ombudsman (liason between the club and BMW corporate).

If you have a receipt for the oil change and a record of the mileage at that point, and it's really only been 1200 miles, then I would be looking for a lawyer to fight this. No car uses 4qts of oil in 1200 miles unless there is a serious problem. So in other words, either there is a defect in the car (which MINI needs to take care of under warranty) or the dealer screwed up during the oil change—which they need to stand behind.

I would NOT pay a dime to anyone until you've had a lawyer examine the case or you get a satisfactory answer from MINI and/or the dealership. If you pay to have it repaired, that's pretty much the same as admitting that you caused the problem.

Keep us posted, I'm curious to see what the outcome is.

 

I agree. THen use any money from the lawsuit to get a 2L stroker motor from Jan (RMW)...

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the sentiment. However I'm investigating all of my options at this point so I need to accept the fact I may have to pay for this out of pocket. So other than revolution,is there anyone else I should look in too?

 

Nope Jan is a genius. He can give you a ton of power and it would cost about the same, or less than what the dealer would charge you for a new stock motor.... I'm not sure if he can use your demolished block though... That could add to the price...

 

LOL It's not like it has a hole in the side of it!

Seriously though I think the block will be salvageable. The rotating assembly not so much.

 

Depending on where you are located, I'd suggest that you contact the nearest aftermarket vendors who actually do work on cars in your area and see if they have a SB. Jan at RMW is just one example. There are many others. Start by going to the vendor directory. I don't think that most vendors will advertise selling an SB if they have one, so I don't think you can scratch them off your list unless you call them. Examples (I think) would include Lucky Dog, DMH, Fireballed, Pilo, Mini Madness, Central Coast, Steve's Auto Clinic, the list goes on and on.

 

Good point Mark, thanks.

 

BUT I also agree with those who said if you have proof of mileage when the oil change was supposed to have been done, and that was only 1200 miles ago, then they owe you an engine. Take it to your attorney and have him/her write a letter to the dealer. If you have the papers, then they are not likely to fight it.

It almost sounds to me as though they left the plug out or loose, or something, or something unattached or attached incorrectly? In fact, it even sounds as though they drained it and never put the new oil in!! Tech maybe got distracted after he drained it, and for some reason didn't fill it, buttoned it up and never actually checked the level?

This is why I have an oil press. gauge in my immediate future.