From what I understand the R56 uses an electric oil pump. Has anybody given thought to wiring a manual pre-start prime button? (for lack of a better word) If the majority of engine damage occurs at start up, why not hook something like this up? Let it prime then hit the starter. Maybe even wire it into the start button. Hit the button, pump runs for a few seconds to get the oil circulating and then the starter engages. There is already a pump that circulates coolant for the turbo on shutdown, why not wire into the oil pump prior to engine start?

Seems like a good idea to me. I'm a missing something here?

And if somebody invents this now and gets rich, you owe me!

 

Since most of the electrics in the MINI are computer controlled, your wiring mods wouldn't be easy. Probably void the warranty on the engine as well.

 

Actually, like most production engines, the Prince uses a chain driven oil pump. Here's a picture from RealOEM:



I like your idea though! It would be awesome to have an electrically driven pump so we could do have a pre-start primer. I can definitely picture that happening come next generation of engines.

 

Oh okay. I heard on-demand oil pump so I assumed electric. I was leery of an electric oil pump but figured they must have a pretty bullet proof design. Oh man, and I thought I was on to something too. Um... I'll go crawl back under my rock now.

RealOEM won't allow hotlinking so I looked it up. Here's a direct link to the image for those interested.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...28&hg=11&fg=30

 

Here is a picture of R56 oil pumps principles..



And couple of pictures of my Pug 207 modded oil pump. No more rattling!
THP oil pump