Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain BSH R53 Lower Engine Mount

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Old Jun 17, 2010 | 01:09 PM
  #76  
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Yes, but one that's in stock or more readily available. I'm sure the TSW one is great though.

EDIT: and for 04-06 cars. that one is for early mini's only. they do have one for later models for $199 but it's been out of stock for a little while.

- Andrew
 
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Old Jul 7, 2010 | 02:09 PM
  #77  
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Originally Posted by andyroo
Yes, but one that's in stock or more readily available. I'm sure the TSW one is great though.

EDIT: and for 04-06 cars. that one is for early mini's only. they do have one for later models for $199 but it's been out of stock for a little while.

- Andrew

Agreed, I have been searching for an 04-06 mount and just have come up empty. Looks like i am going to have to go OEM with VIP Damper kit for the upper mount.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2010 | 08:05 PM
  #78  
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Step-by-Step install

Hi DRIVEN1,

From seeing your pics and reading your post, it looks like a really easy install. Can you give me the step-by-steps...sorry, I'm not too technically -inclined, but willing to get my hands dirty. Really interested in picking one up!

Do I have to lift both sides of the car and will I have to support the engine when dislocating the lower mount from the engine and subframe.

Thank you in advance!!!
Jay

Originally Posted by DRIVEN1
Here is my personal input on the BSH Lower Motor Mount. I have read all the posts in this thread and I think the opinions are nice but PICTURES tell the real stories. Since no one has posted pics of the install, here are mine.

Bottom line though is this is a HIGH QUALITY product that is made well and very easy to install for even beginners that know how to turn a wrench. In addition, if you have any questions on this product, you can talk to Sushil at BSH and he is very knowledgeable and drives a sweet Mini himself.

Here is the Motor Mount just after unwrapping it from the packaging:


Here is the factory motor mount as I am removing it:


Here is a picture of all it took to get to the mounts to swap them (15-20 minutes tops):


Here is the NEW mount installed on the car:


Here is the Motor Mounts side by side (NO COMPARISON):

 
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Old Aug 5, 2010 | 08:14 PM
  #79  
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Dude, nice pics of your BSH LEM install...but were you really working under your MINI with it only supported by the jack?

I hope there's actually a jack stand under there somewhere...

Originally Posted by DRIVEN1

Here is a picture of all it took to get to the mounts to swap them (15-20 minutes tops):

 
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Old Aug 5, 2010 | 09:57 PM
  #80  
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I saw a few of these installed at AMVIV the same way.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2010 | 10:51 PM
  #81  
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I installed mine with the car on ramps, no need to support the motor since it has upper mounts holding it in place, the BSH mount just limits the twisting motion.....I think I have step by step pics on my website.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2010 | 05:58 AM
  #82  
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Originally Posted by wrh3
I installed mine with the car on ramps, no need to support the motor since it has upper mounts holding it in place, the BSH mount just limits the twisting motion.....I think I have step by step pics on my website.
Great pics Bill. I really find your website to be quite useful.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2010 | 09:06 AM
  #83  
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ok guys, i've got the powerflex lower engine bushings in my R53. should i switch to the BSH mount or is it basically the same & won't be really considered an upgrade?
 
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Old Aug 6, 2010 | 08:30 PM
  #84  
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Thanks

Originally Posted by wrh3
I installed mine with the car on ramps, no need to support the motor since it has upper mounts holding it in place, the BSH mount just limits the twisting motion.....I think I have step by step pics on my website.
Hi wrh3,

Thanks for the sharing your instructions...great pics. Looking forward to the install...have to purchase it first! Wanted to gauge how easy/difficult the install is. What's the torque spec for the 4 trans mount bolts? Will try working around not taking them off, but if I have to, will need to torque them to spec.

Are the powerflex upper mounts recommended to compliment the BSH lower mount or is the BSH LMM on it's own good enough.

Cheers!
Jay
 
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 07:58 AM
  #85  
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Originally Posted by MINI-Speed
What's the torque spec for the 4 trans mount bolts? Will try working around not taking them off, but if I have to, will need to torque them to spec.
I have added the TIS instructions/torque specs to my website.

Are the powerflex upper mounts recommended to compliment the BSH lower mount or is the BSH LMM on it's own good enough.
I installed this after I already had the TSW upper mount installed, I would think the lower mount is the place to start and if it's not solid enough you could do the engine upper and then the trans upper. I left the trans upper alone for now.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 05:05 PM
  #86  
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Bill, tks. for the install guide. I just ordered the street version from Way today and it should compliment my VIP custom engine upper damper to my 04 MCS. We'll see..
 
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Old Aug 11, 2010 | 08:27 AM
  #87  
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Originally Posted by ED955S
Bill, tks. for the install guide. I just ordered the street version from Way today and it should compliment my VIP custom engine upper damper to my 04 MCS. We'll see..
Thanks for the order, let us know how you like it.
 
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Old Aug 11, 2010 | 12:27 PM
  #88  
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I got my BSH Street mount in about 750 miles ago. At first it was very harsh as far as vibration. Steering wheel bouncing around at idle, but only when the A/C is on. Wheel hop is gone. Shifting is better, and a stomp on the gas when rolling is impressive. No lag, power is there instantly. Since the install, it has broken in some. I am hoping that by the end of the 1500 mile break in, it calms itself as much as it has since install. Then it will be well worth it. It is worth it now, as the vibrations are only annoying at a standstill, once on the gas, it works as intended. I am pleased so far.

 
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Old Aug 11, 2010 | 12:35 PM
  #89  
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I hear that a lower brace helps remove some of the vibrations. I'll be doing that soon (for many reasons).

My pflex bushings sound similar in their effect as yours. The car just drives so much better though, it's definitely worth it.

- Andrew
 
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Old Aug 11, 2010 | 12:44 PM
  #90  
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Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Thanks for the order, let us know how you like it.
If I receive the part before weekend, it'll be this Saturday project.
 
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Old Aug 11, 2010 | 04:21 PM
  #91  
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The NVH does get a little better as the poly beds in, you do notice it more at idle with the AC on. It's worth the small increase (to me anyway) in NVH for the solid feeling.

I have the GTT mid brace/strut brace and MM lower brace, they all helped a bit with NVH and rattles.....and more importantly made the front end of the car feel like a SOLID single piece.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2010 | 04:09 PM
  #92  
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I installed the BSH R53 LEM (Street) today. There was a bit of buzz vibe inside the cabin but very tolerable and something noticeable only if you pay attention. I have not tested it with the AC on yet.
The drive: WOW. The impressions and experiences from other users are true to my own. Hook up is better when you really go for it. The car felt more solid and gear changes seem to be crispier. I like it!
URL=http://img705.imageshack.us/i/dsc03319i.jpg/]http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/907/dsc03319i.jpg[/url]
The vibe with AC ON is felt more but still OK for me (not that it is shaking my car)
 

Last edited by ED955S; Aug 14, 2010 at 04:18 PM. Reason: AC on test
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Old Aug 14, 2010 | 04:36 PM
  #93  
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Old Sep 12, 2010 | 08:53 PM
  #94  
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After a week with my BSH Lower Motor Mount installed...must say this part is for the die-hard's at heart!!! One word explains it overall: Aggressive.

Definite noticeable vibration on steering wheel and humm in the cabin! When driving it sounds like I installed the loudest exhaust ever, but a friend pointed out the car didn't get any louder outside, it's just louder in the cabin...surprisingly how one part makes a load of difference! I DON'T regret purchasing it nor installing...it'll just take some getting used to!!! The car feels more connected. Shift seem more quicker! No more annoying jerky shifts...it makes upshifts and downshifts smooth as butter and more encouraging to do!

Would I recommend this...DEFINITELY! But be forewarned about NVH, it's a shocking difference. Makes the car sound/feel/perform like a true sports car!

PS: another tip when installing it...I had to take off and disconnect the power steering fan to get access to the mounting bracket bolts. I don't know how anyone could have slipped out the old motor mount and slip in the BSH mount without unbolting the mounting brackets and power steering fan!

Cheers!
Jay
 
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 11:41 AM
  #95  
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Originally Posted by MINI-Speed
...I had to take off and disconnect the power steering fan to get access to the mounting bracket bolts. I don't know how anyone could have slipped out the old motor mount and slip in the BSH mount without unbolting the mounting brackets and power steering fan!
I unbolted the mounting bracket by have an extension on my ratchet that was just the right length to have my ratchet in a space with enough clearance to turn the bolts. However, that place is in a location where I was unable to get a proper torque reading on my torque wrench when tightening the bolts back on (not enough clearance for the torque wrench handle to turn sufficiently. So I just tightened it as much as I could and will get it to a place with an air gun to tighten it properly next time.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 11:13 AM
  #96  
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Unless I missed it, did anyone install the race version? The street one seems to be race-like in terms of increased NVH, so maybe that's why...

I have the subframe out now, putting-in LCA poly bushings, replacing tie rods and ball joints, as well as the steering rack bushing with poly, although I hear that does very little...

I currently have inserts in the stock engine mount bushings, so I'm thinking that I'd like to give this a try, possibly the street durometer...
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 12:14 PM
  #97  
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Something for everyone to keep an eye on...

I found that I was a little low on oil, so I added some a week ago or so. I checked oil again yesterday, low again. I have burned through oil before, but not that fast. Was under the car to replace part of the exhaust, and I see that I am missing 4 bolts in the oil pan. When I put the mount on, I did replace my oil pan gasket at the same time, and I did torque them just past spec. The ones that are missing are the one just around the lower mount, no others. I have new bolts on order, and will loctite them, and the others, but it is something for everyone to check the oil pan bolts right around the mount now and then.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 03:39 PM
  #98  
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Originally Posted by raven9mm
I found that I was a little low on oil, so I added some a week ago or so. I checked oil again yesterday, low again. I have burned through oil before, but not that fast. Was under the car to replace part of the exhaust, and I see that I am missing 4 bolts in the oil pan. When I put the mount on, I did replace my oil pan gasket at the same time, and I did torque them just past spec. The ones that are missing are the one just around the lower mount, no others. I have new bolts on order, and will loctite them, and the others, but it is something for everyone to check the oil pan bolts right around the mount now and then.
Keep in mind the BSH Lower mount you are using uses a material that is much more stiff than the OEM rubber on the big end and is solid metal on the small end vs the rubber bushing on the OEM mount. The lower engine mount on the MINI actually mounts to the oil pan, so you are putting a lot more stress on the oil pan itself.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 07:00 PM
  #99  
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Has anyone considered removing & alternating between the stock mount and the BSH mount...it's pretty aggressive still, even after 3+ weeks with it on!

All this oil pan talk is getting me concerned...might take it off and reinstall for next spring/summer. Went under the car 2 weekends ago...the four bolts on the oil pan is there...thank goodness.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 07:17 PM
  #100  
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Originally Posted by Neufusion
Keep in mind the BSH Lower mount you are using uses a material that is much more stiff than the OEM rubber on the big end and is solid metal on the small end vs the rubber bushing on the OEM mount. The lower engine mount on the MINI actually mounts to the oil pan, so you are putting a lot more stress on the oil pan itself.
Indeed, hence the reason I mentioned the need to periodically check the bolts in your oil pan, since I found out the hard way.
 
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