So as many of you know I went to the dealer last weekend and returned with a few things that needed attention. One of them being the upper engine mount. At 101k...and not sure if and when it was replaced before I owned the car - it was a definite this thing was shot. The early cars don't have fluid that leaks out..so it's not as tell tale. Take a look at the picture...it was completely separated all the way around. I got a TSW mount off eBay for like $30 shipped two years ago (the guy hated the rattling and called it unbearable) and it had been sitting in a box ever since. Being hugely against any vibration and rattles I had been reluctant....but not wanting to buy an OEM one for $90 I decided now was the time to go for it. So the review: At idle you really can't tell it's in there...So when people say that passengers complain I'm not sure where that's coming from. At 1400 and 2100 RPMs you definitely HEAR some rattles...I already had an exhaust rattle coming into the install...I think this exacerbated it. NOTE: I also replaced the other upper mount (bushing attached to the strut tower) and has recently replaced my lower mount, on other forums people had noted that if you had worn other mounts that vibration could be caused by those weak points. Shifting - In a word WOW...it's so butter smooth I am shocked. I am used to cars grabbing gears and lurching forward... This kind of almost automatic feeling in a manual is odd and enticing... So...I hope you guys all enjoy your Saturday night. I only drove for 15 minutes...we will see over time how I feel about the NVH.

Also @ECS tuning - thanks for getting the upper mount and E12 bolt plus other goodies out to me so quickly. I won't be tackling the oil filter housing and valve cover gasket until the spring but nice to have the parts on hand.

 

I have the TSW upper mount, BSH lower and Powerflex gearbox inserts, I am not scared of NVH. :p The engine not moving around when accelerating and shifting is a feeling that I like. The mounts loosen a bit after a while and looking at yours, it's pretty much new.

 

Thanks Da_Ghost -- yup. The guy basically gave up after a few hundred miles of having it in the car. The vibration isn't so bad...wouldn't mind finding the rattles and resolving them though. I don't think it being 20 degrees outside helps with things much....the MINI only gets driven 2 days a week and not very far -- its going to take MONTHS before I break that in....oh well. I guess thats a reason to go for a long drive I guess (more than the 25 miles RT to work).

 

"Also @ECS tuning - thanks for getting the upper mount and E12 bolt plus other goodies out to me so quickly. I won't be tackling the oil filter housing and valve cover gasket until the spring but nice to have the parts on hand."


You are welcome , glad we could help.

 

So if anyone could offer a little help I'd appreciate it. I have the TSW/WMW upper mount for 04+. The bushing in the dogbone where it mounts to the strut tower is deteriorating and while I've taken steps to insure the part doesn't come off (large washers on either side) I would like to see if anyone offers a bushing to replace this or if I have to try and purchase just a dogbone from Way or another retailer. Please, any help is appreciated.

 

Hello Cincy,

You mean the pre 12/2003 mount with the rear bushing ? 22116756405

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/22116756405/




#3 or #8 ?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...66#22116756405

 

I mean the bushing on the aftermarket piece created by TSW and now owned by WMW. The poly bushing insert in the kit in this pic

 

The bushing in this part:

 

Ok, that makes sense. The large washers are not holding it ?

 

They are keeping the bracket from coming off the tower but they are also allowing a lot more vibration to transfer to the body. There is just the bushing with the metal cylinder through it and a large head bolt to mount it. Since the bushing is failing the whole thing was moving and I found a washer that just happened to be the same size as the bushing and added it to keep everything attached.

 

Might be able to find a bushing from a Mc MasterCar or something cross ref. We don't have anything close to that.

 

Ok. Thanks, I have no idea what to do. I tried to call and email Way but I get no answer. Kinda frustrated right now.

 

Welcome , sorry I cant help you with that part . :(