Sorry for the long post as well as if you have already seen this on Facebook as Im working on what to do next. Well the girl is down and out for the moment. Had a misfire code P0301 pop up on Friday 2/5/16. Did the normal things I could think to do, plugs and switch the coils around to try and chase the problem. This didn't help and the code stayed on #1. Took to dealer first appointment they had, which was Monday morning. Not the news I wanted to hear back. According to compression test and leak down it is a blown piston ring with 90% leak down into the crank (RO pic included). She is an 08 MCS with 40,xxx on the clock. Unfortunately for me she was a 3rd party sale and no warranty. Already called MINIUSA just for giggles to see if they will do anything, not holding my breath though.

I have always had serviced at the dealer. In June they did the timing recall. Since they I had also lost my belt 4 times while driving. Took back to them and they didn't do anything, I just bought new belts and put them on.

Now to figure out my options. Dealer wants $12,600 to do an new OEM engine install or maybe approx $8000 to do a top end rebuild if possible. That's too steep for my budget at this time.

So I'm weighing my options:
1. Local shops quoting aprox. $6000-$8000 to replace engine with used one depending on miles of used engine.
2. Buy a used engine myself and take on the task with friends, as I'm fairly handy with cars.
3. Get help from friends replace only the pistons and rings and hope for the best.
4. Get help from friends and make this thing a monster, if it can be done for under $5000.
5. Find a totalled Mini to use as a donor car and swap engine. Can an N18 be put in place of an N14?
6. Sell car as is and hope to get a little money out of it and tuck tail and chalk it up to a huge loss.

Thanks in advance for options and opinions.

 

3,4 or 6. If it was mine it would be 6 as I don't have the skills for the mechanics. 5 from what I've read would be difficult.

 

You can source you parts from us www.ecstuning.com and do #3 or #4. If there is not more damage , but you will have to tear into it to find out more. The head will at least have to come off.

 

If you do decide to buy a motor and install with friends, search www.car-part.com. That site is a gold mine for used parts like motors, transmissions, etc. Do a search on there and see what you find. It'll help give you some insight on if you want to move forward with that option or not. If you need anything else, just give me a shout and I'll be happy to help. Good luck.

 

Thanks. I have been all over the net figuring out what to do. I think I am going to go the cheapest route for now and just get a set of rings and hope for no further damage after I crack it open. If there is more damage then I'll reassess and go from there. You're website comes highly recommended from a friend that works on a lot of BMWs.

 

That's great to hear your friend recommended us. If you do need any help at all with this project please don't hesitate to shoot me a PM. If you do end up having to reassess the situation, that website should be very helpful in sourcing a used motor near you if it comes to that (I've used it many times). For anything else, I am here.

 

You can get a donor car by using a broker on copart.com