Well the title pretty much sums it up.

2010 Cooper S 6SPD Manual - 70k Miles

Initially the Turbo started to malfunction, nobody really gave a clear diagnosis what was wrong with it. While trying to decide what to do with it, wife was driving down the road when the red oil light came on and the car sputtered and died on the side of the road.

By the time I arrived she had left the lights on which killed the battery. I tried to jump the car but it would only kick over. Towed it home and charged the battery. Was able to get it started and it idled really rough and sounded terrible. The red oil light is still on (Low Oil Pressure) a backyard mechanic said it sounds like I lost a cylinder, he could hear it right away without it even firing up.

So now I have a nice 2010 Cooper S sitting in my garage - I have debated parting it out, selling as is and losing my ***. Or I have a wild hair up my *** and pull the motor.

Car is located in SoCal will not be a daily driver I have 4 other cars. Curious what some ideas you guys have. Buy a used motor and swap it out, rebuild the motor with some performance parts. I wouldn't mind finding a shop that could make it a cool little performance motor and I could mess around with the thing?


Just looking for ideas

 

If it is one of your 4 cars and you have the money to throw at it then yes rebuild the motor and modify the heck out of that car. It will be your thinker car if you will BUT only if the rest of the car is in decent shape like paint, interior, etc...basically make it like a show car that can make a 500hp exotic car break a sweat if you track it.

A very tricked-out mini will look way cooler than a half-million dollar car (for me anyway) if it is done right PLUS it won't drain your wallet for gas and insurance.

 

well...assess the damage first. take the valve cover off and see what happened? did the vacuum pump seize? did the exhaust sprocket break off? did the chain get cut?....Based on what you see, it could be a relatively cheaper fix comparing to motor swap.

 

Literally had the car towed home and parked it. It's hard to start and idles rough. I was selling another vehicle and the buyer was a backyard mechanic. He took a quick look. When I tried to start the car he said stop, he could hear it sucking air and said I most likely lost a cylinder cause he could hear it. It starts up and runs, just crappy LOL

I just parked it inside my shop for now.

 

If was me, I'd take the head off and assess the damage. Could something somewhat minor..

 

i say swap!!! find something with less plastic.

 

Sounds like timing chain took a dump. If so it's not too bad a repair.