For a 2002 R53, how many miles will the OEM upper engine mount last? My mini sees mostly easy, highway miles.

From what I read on this forums, TSW are but they also cost twice as much.

Thanks in advance.

 

I just replaced my factory upper mount with an OEM replacement. I got 72000 miles out of the original one. If I have to do it again, I'll probably go to the TSW mount strictly for longevity. The factory upper is hydraulic and will fail eventually. The TSW is a solid mount and will probably be the last one you buy. I'm sure you will have more vibration though.

I just added powerflex engine bushings and have a lot more vibration at idle. IMO it's a great feeling!

Here is the link;
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...orary-fix.html

 

The TSW mount is only for cars built after 10/03. Those cars have the new metal "can" engine mount.

 

No there is a mount for the 02-03.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...1&cat=0&page=1
And we do have these early mounts in stock. Sorry no 05-06 ones in stock.
The early mounts usually wear out and get shorter, rather than just leaking the fluid like the new ones.

 

How do you tell if your mount is bad?

Rich

PS-I hope my lower control arm bushing bracket arrived with the extra bushing? Thanks again. Artoo feels like he is new again.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.

CRoth, I'm installing the powerflex engine bushing kit from WayMotorWorks next week. Looking forward to the additional vibes.

Way, thanks for the bushing kit. You rock!

 

That's where I got mine from. I have the Powerflex dampener bushings on the way now for my tensioner. Hopefully I'll have them this weekend. My factory tensioner bushings are shot. I have a temporary fix to get me by until they arrive.

Do a search for "temporary fix" and you should see my thread with pictures.

Chad

 

Very nice. Did you have to take off the tensioner assembly for that?

 

Thanks for the correction. I didn't realize they used to have one for the early cars.

 

I took the tensioner off to inspect the pully and dampener. I had this idea after I put it back together. LOL

When I put the zip ties on, the tensioner was already re-installed. The zip ties just slipped behind the tensioner bracket from the bottom and connected in the front.

You know, like McGyver would do... LOL

 

I have the TSW mount, and it definitely causes vibrations, especially when it is cold outside. I like the way the mount works, but I'd prefer something a little softer that doesn't leak. I heard they may be working on a modified mount with less NVH. If they don't I may try spot drilling this mount and filling in the strategically placed holes with softer silicone.

 

What about the VIP mount? Reports on here indicate that it doesn't add the NVH that the others do.

 

Newer models have that oil can that will actually leak when it fails.

On my 10/2003 production 2004 MCS w/80k miles, It had a solid rubber mount. When I pulled the OEM mount, I could put a screwdriver through it and crank on it to expose huge rips through it. My upper stabilizer and lower engine mount were bad as well. I replaced the upper mount with a TSW mount and the rest with OEM.

The TSW mount added very little vibration and is barely noticeable. I'm considering adding powerflex bushings to the upper stabilizer mount and/or trying out the BSH lower engine mount.

Replacing all of the mounts made a HUGE difference and I highly recommend it for anyone with 60k or more miles.