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My name is Jordan and I am new to Minis. I got my hands on an '07 Cooper S (auto) thinking all it needed was a head gasket. I brought it home, did a leak-down test and found that the #1 cylinder rings were bad. Upon further inspection, I checked to see if the bearing were also bad and, lo and behold, the rod bearings on one of the cylinders were also bad. I tore the engine apart and found that the crank was completely shot (bearing damage). I figured this was the case, so I bought another crank and rod beforehand. I also bought new rings, rod, bearings and the necessary bolts for the rebuild. The block is good and the head is also good. The interior is also in pretty good shape.
Unfortunately, I was not able to inspect the car thoroughly before purchase, but I didn't pay much for the car. Although I am new to Minis, I am not new to cars. I've built mostly muscle cars.
What would you guys do if you were in my situation? Rebuild or part out?
Sounds like the PO didn't do a good job of maintaining the car. These engines are pretty fussy about oil level and changes. Then there's all the other "premature" failures we typically experience --- a little browsing will show you what to expect. If you decide to rebuild, think about what you're gonna do with it --- DD, track, power? All can be done very successfully, just be prepared for a high-maintenance project. Then there's a few "special tools" you can't live without, none of them cheap.
I too started long ago with muscle cars. Took a 40+ year break, then in 2010 got my 1st mini --- an '07 MCS with the intent of building a beast. To date, it's one of the highest HP N14's in the country, and one helluva blast to drive, but it took ten years, several mistakes, and more than one rebuild. There's lots to learn about these engines.
Do your research, find and join a local Mini club --- BEFORE you start the repair process, then decide whether to build or part-out. Either decision could be worth your while.
I would encourage you to rebuild it...it sounds like you're halfway there. I recently did a late model VW 2.0 turbo that had timing failure, now it's my daily driver. You have the parts, all you need is the time. Good luck!
