Hello all, we have a 2007 solid night fire red Cooper automatic with tan interior. It was mainly a super fun car. Purchased it just shy of the end of warranty. (We know, now) Shortly before the warranty was over I dropped the Mini off at service for a catalytic converter recall, I believe. I complained that we had been hearing an intermittent TICKING sound. We were assured it was no problem and just the quirky sounds of a quirky little car. Fast forward six month later and the TICKING sound would happen and would get pretty loud. We were given the run around by two Mini Dealers, and the problem was never diagnosed let alone repaired. Finally, in 2014 an Indy mechanic told us the timing chain guides were the reason for the loud ticking sound. By this time we were also experiencing excessive oil burning too. With no help from Mini North America or Mini service, we decided to have the engine repaired by the Indy mechanic. Three weeks in the shop, and lot of surprise added fixes, basically the top of the engine was rebuilt. We drove the Mini maybe 6 months before it lost compression and was no longer drivable. Out of frustration, disappointment, and the vicissitudes of life, the Mini has sat in the yard ever since.

Should we replace the engine? Or sell the car to a motivated enthusiast, what's it worth in need of an engine? It's obvious we have an irrational attachment to a machine! Any advice would be welcome, even the snarky kind, please be nice 😀! Thank you very much

 

Tough situation but you aren't the only owner that has experienced similar scenarios. These are nice little cars but the engines are not very durable, especially if maintained to the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Used engines are expensive and come with no guarantee or maintenance history. You can probably buy another used 2007 in running condition for the cost of buying and installing a used engine in your car so in my opinion I would sell it off and end the cycle of disappointment. But that's just my opinion.

 

Thanks so much. Yea, we’re Starting to lean that direction. You get attached to these little fun machines. We did take a test drive in the new Mini- E. Not sure, if we go that way.