my 2006 has 30k on it and the motor mount on pass side gave out. I mean I heard these things are supposed to last to 150-200k miles. sure it's only $170 out the door, but still...if this thing is supposed to last for that many miles why is mine failing so early?

am I asking for too much to call mini USA and have a talk with them about this? probably....Its just hurtful paying for something that is not supposed to be breaking/faulty from the factory.

also, could the motor mount going out have to do with me hitting too many potholes? I remember hitting on BIG one a few months ago which is when I suspect this started since I haven't had the car for more than 5 months and it was inspected pre-purchase

thanks :-d

 

Who told you they last 150K?

Why would you think any part of the car would be expected to last 150K?

I consider them a consumable, like brake pads - they last longer on some cars than others.

Definitely hitting a bunch of potholes could certainly shorten it's life.

 

The sales advisor

 

You can try and contact MINI but unless you have an extended warranty, you probably won't get any help since they're not obligated to replace it - which sucks because the hydraulic mounts are a poor design. If you're capable with tools, it's pretty simple to replace and the part can be had for around $100. My suggestion would be to upgrade to waymotorwork's solid mount so you won't ever have to worry about them breaking again.

 

Here is the problem, this person is in sales and will usually say things to sell. He/she does not repair these cars for a living and therefor may be speaking incorrectly. Yes it sucks when parts fail and we have to pay to replace or fix them but that is part of driving a machine that has lots of moving parts and sometimes a bad design or inferior quality parts.

 

30K miles for the motor mount is fairly typical. Some people get more, some less. Mine went out around 35K.

 

Yeah, mine's went out around 20-25k, but I've heard this is a typical problem among the 1st gen MINIs. MINIUSA supposedly have beefed up the motor mount in their revised version, so when you go to the dealer, it'll be replaced with a semi-stronger one.

You mentioned that you have hit a lot of potholes. I would recommend when you bring it in to the dealer, ask them to check your LCA (lower control arm) bushing, since they're notorious to go out around 30-35k as well.

 

I would say give them a call. They may not do anything for you, but I believe if you are not happy with a product or service its your right to let them know, and they should know if their customers are not happy.

 

I had that mount replaced for a second time last month. 30k miles seems about right in my experience...

 

You bought a used car....
Things break from age, wear and tear and normal use....and abuse.
Motor mounts are a weak point on the mini. Remove, replace, move on.
why must folks go crazy about things breaking out of warrenty.....it is part of owning a car...crap happens.
Consider yourself lucky....
$170 is cheaper than a SC or a clutch! Heck cheaper than a powerwindow motor I think...

 

30-50k is about right for the oem oil filled mount to fail....
It is a compermise....more isolation, more replacement....just like the dual mass flywheel...great when it works, $$$ to fix when it wears out.

 

Mine leaked at about 50K miles. Some last longer than others. They are not considered too expensive. Somebody should find a way to rebuild the old ones with a soft bushing instead of a fluid filled one.

Some have switched over to the TSX mount from Way Motorworks. It is a noisier design, from what I've read, appears to be much more robust. I haven't convinced myself that the TSX design addresses the engine movements the stock motor mount is designed to address yet. So I will simply replace my upper mount every 5 years or so.

 

Got it replaced.

their recommendations: 2 control arm bushings worn, valve cover gasket speeing oil, and P/S hoses seeping fluid.

since I didn't have a chance to talk to the guy, does anyone know how necessary these are to get fixed right now, and how much it'll run? thanks


I don't want to say I am regretting buying this car, it's too fun.... but it's got low miles and this is killin me

 

IMHO, the labor to R&R pair of LCA bushings will be the most expensive. My shop is charging me $150 for labor, and that's when I have a good relationship with them!

Valve cover gasket and P/S hoses should fairly be an inexpensive fix.

 

edit: just talked to the dude, he said that I have about 25-30k before they need replacing which he estimated around $700...said that he could feel it slightly when braking but otherwise they aren't too bad. Same with the leaks, very minor and something they will check again at my next service which is in 13,000 miles. Must not be anything too bad.

 

Well, if it's cracked, it may be possible that your alignment will change or can no longer hold the setting, which will increase your tire wear.

 

The ps lines are kinda $$ oem...
I think waymotorworks.com has them much cheaper than the oem....they also have a replacement motormount....makes more noise, but a lifetime part...mini chose the quite part...but r/r every 30-50k....you choose.
There are lots of little things that a mini dealer will put you into the poor house if you keep going back to them....find a independent mini centric shop....even a bit of a drive....it will save you $$$ quick....or learn to diy many thing!! The mini is a good car for those who like to fiddle....not good for folks who want a bonds style add gas+oil type of car...