I posted another thread about the original symptoms here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...full-stop.html

However, I thought I'd post a new thread to keep you updated on the end result.

The short story is that I was out running some errands, and suddenly I notice the car running rough at idle, almost as if it was going to stall. The whole car shook due to the rough idle. I noticed that acceleration was weaker as well. There was no check engine light, so I thought I might have a vacuum leak somewhere (had just recently repaired such a leak). But, as I was pulling into my driveway, the engine light came on. Plugged in my code reader and got P0301: misfire in cylinder 1 detected. Diagnosis at the dealership ended up being a cracked piston with the solution of a new engine.

So, my 2009 Clubman S with 55,xxx miles on it has a blown engine and is in need of an $8000 repair. I'm still within 4 years of service, but outside of the mileage warranty by 5,xxx miles.

Dealership said they would go to bat for me for a goodwill engine replacement from MINI USA. They tore down the engine to confirm the problem, so they could "build the best possible case for me".

I dropped the car off this past Friday. Yesterday, I was asked to send in my maintenance records, which show oil changes performed at 43,597 miles, 48,432 miles, and 52,490 miles, ahead of MINI recommended service intervals. In fact, I wrote that, according to the car's internal computer, I shouldn't have needed to change the oil at all, but I was going "above and beyond" in an effort to provide "extra good" care for the car.

As you all may remember, I also replaced the clutch, flywheel, and spark plugs at 52,490 miles as well, and shortly after put new tires on it, replaced the thermostat housing, and replaced a cracked PCV hose. So, I'm at about $4K into the car in the last 3K miles or so.

Anyway, my fingers are crossed. Hopefully MINI will come through for me, or else I may end up having to give up the car.

 

Crossing my fingers for you.

 

So for $8k are you getting a whole new engine or are they just honing, re-ringing, and replacing the damaged piston?

 

It's a cursed car! After goodwill repair get rid of that car

 

Got a call yesterday that an inspector had come to look at the car/engine. That person didn't say what he thought, either way, but all the details have now been sent up the chain to MINI USA for a verdict.

v10climber: I believe $8K is for a whole new engine.

 

The thought had crossed my mind. However, the other through that crosses my mind is that, if they do goodwill a new engine, then the car will have a new engine, new clutch, new flywheel, new thermostat, and new tires...

Anyway, I'm not betting on a goodwill repair. I'm hoping for one, but not betting on it. If I cannot afford the repair, then the car will be history, anyway.

 

Chances are very good you don't need a whole new engine. I would take it to an independent shop and just replace whatever has gone wrong in the current motor. Should save you a few grand...

 

Got a call from my service advisor this morning. MINI USA are going to cover 80% of the cost of the new engine, leaving me out of pocket about $1500. Considering that they were not technically obligated to help at all, I'm very happy with this, and MR CHOW will live to see another day.

 

Great news!


...sorta. You know what I mean.

 

Congrats!!
Best wishes that you have a good reliable car when it us all done!!

 

Wow, at least they are willing to do that much. Many manufacturers would tell you to go take a hike. Granted, the motor should not have blown so soon, but I wonder what exactly caused it. Now it will have a 2 yr unlimited mile warranty on anything the dealer fixes. Now drive the **** out of it for 2 yrs and then see if you want to keep it.

 

Personally, I couldn't be happier, short of them covering 100%. But, since they didn't have to do anything at all, I'm just happy to be able to afford to keep my car in working order.

According to my SA, they did confirm the problem to be a cracked piston, but were unable to find a specific cause.

 

not a bad deal at all! congrats, and way to go MINI!

 

This might be a stupid question, but a new engine would "reset" any issues of carbon build-up, right?

 

Most definitely.

 

Wow - that is great news!

A brand new engine.

Happy Birthday MR CHOW!!!!

 

Congrats!

 

Just wanted to post an update. The new engine seems to be working well, as far as I know, anyway.

I installed a Scan Gauge II so I can keep an eye on temperatures, as I wonder if my cracked piston could've been a result of an overheat issue of some kind. The dealership couldn't tell me what caused the damage, so I just have to speculate and do what I can to watch things going forward.

The "boost" seems different now. Before, it seemed to "slam" on; i.e., when I put my foot down, I got a sudden change in power...almost as if the car shifted into another gear. Now, it seems much smoother.

Also, I think I'm hearing "pop and burble" when I shift from 1st to 2nd, and sometimes 2nd to 3rd. I didn't notice this with the old engine.

I also notice that the oil looks so clean when I check it! I can't even "see" it on the dipstick. I have to roll the end of the dipstick on a paper towel to see the moisture and know where the oil level is. The oil was comparatively filthy in the old engine. LOL.

The only weird thing is that I can hear a subtle low frequency "rumble" now that I didn't notice before at idle, and I can feel a slight vibration sometimes at idle, which I notice at the steering wheel and through my foot on the brake. I'm not sure what to make of this--whether or not this is "normal" and/or if I'm just over-sensitive to any little vibration now. I'd think nothing of it, except sometimes it's there and sometimes it's not.

Otherwise, I'm glad to have a refreshed engine, a free "reset" on any carbon issues, and some more miles with MR CHOW on the road.