So, ive started hearing a nice rattle on my 2005 R53 this week. I took it in to the stealership to diagnose. I threw a rod bearing, $5600 is what i was quoted by bmw to replace. Obivously im looking for an indie shop to see what they want to do the work. I'm wondering if anyone has seen a diy, or if the bentley book has it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would verify that the rattle is from a rod. There are a lot of things on the mini can rattle. $5600 if of course crazy. You can get a used low mileage motor for less.

 

Did they take the motor apart to verify this or was it their educated guess? Like Spider said there are way to many places to get a used or reman motor. Shop around.

 

Yeah, when you hear it it's usually too late, but you heard the noise all week? Or more?

 

it has always been a tiny bit noisy, but two days ago it just started sounding like marbles :(. BMW did a diagnostic, with a stethoscope etc. I don't think they took anything apart.

I'm looking around for motors, or for a way to rebuild mine. i might be able to save a bit of cash if i put a new crank, bearing and oil pump in. So long as the cylinders aren't scored.

Im fairly new to this kind of thing, though. I have never done bottom end work. Always top end and ancillaries

 

You can get a complete rebuilt motor from WAY for around $3k

 

Is there a link for that, i cant seem to find anything close to that price on the site

 

sorry I was off on the price a little
http://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-coo...ck-engine.html

 

call them.

none of the engines on the site have prices. all say to call

 

so i called Way motor works, 4800 for a rebuilt engine for an R53

 

Where do you live? There may be an experienced shop near you.

Rich

 

If your cylinders are scored you have a lot more wrong than a spun bearing. Never replaced bearings on a mini but have on other cars. Doesn't require a complete engine rebuild. Do get it fixed though and don't drive it anymore. Throw a rod and then you're looking at a new engine.

 

I will buy a car from a dealership but unless I am returning there for warranty work they will never see me again. They will rob you absolutely blind.

 

Try a salvage yard. They pull some engines and sell them online.

 

I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

Here is one I googled. you can put what year and what motor non s or s. This one said. These are used not rebuilt but they tell you how many miles were on the car it came out of.

http://www.automotix.net/usedengines

 

For those asking, im in Ontario. I've almost got the oil pan off. Got a stubbon bolt that connets tranny to the engine thats not coming off at all, even with the impact. Going to have to heat it up next weeked.

for all that have replaced the bearing shells before, what has to be done? Pop the old shell off, check for scoring on the crank and put new shells on? This car will be a daily driver for the next 4 years.

 

Marbles rolling around in a can? or maybe quarters in a can? That is what a bad supercharger sounded like to me last year when I replaced it. Nice and quiet now.

 

If the bearing is gone so is the crankshaft. The crank may be salvageable, but you are looking at a full rebuild. It makes sense to buy a quality reman-engine. Cheaper in the long run & your MINI will be back on the road sooner.

Good luck.