Hey Everyone,

So yesterday when I was cleaning my engine bay I noticed this leak (?) on the passenger side of the engine bay. I just took the MINI into BMW last Friday (8/12/11) and they did what I went in for and performed a though safety inspection. I checked the multi-point safety inspection packet they print out every time I go in and they check everything for leaks (transmission, oil, coolant, etc.)

I have a few questions (see pics below)...

1) What part is this?
2) What does it do?
3) Does this look like a leak or lube? (I'm asking because everything on the multi-point inspection passed with flying colors).
4) If it is a leak, what causes it?





Thanks so much for your help!

Quadrivium10

 

The hydraulic motor mount (the prominent round canister in your last picture) has puked its fluid all over your engine bay. It's extremely common on the 05-06 models. Fortunately, it's not a particularly difficult or expensive repair. Just be sure to clean up the spilled fluid with alcohol or similar cleaner before it stains the paint permanently.

 

Thanks for replying!

Okay, another question....

How do I fix it?

 

I can't find directions offhand specifically for replacing the mount, but it's only held on with two bolts - the one that goes upward through the aluminum bracket, and another one that attaches the mount to the car's chassis (this bolt is between the mount and the firewall).

You're basically going to have to remove those two bolts, jack the engine up enough to remove the old mount, and replace it with the new mount. If you can find directions for replacing the supercharger pulley, it will walk you through the steps for raising the engine.

I know that Way Motorworks makes a replacement upper mount that's solid rubber rather than being oil-filled like the original, so you might want to check that out. I think they also have removal/replacement directions on their site.

 

Awesome. Thanks so much for your help!!!!

 

go buy the part and install.. check realoem.com for the part number.. then go to your fav online mini parts dealer and order. You could do the lower mount bushings while you are at it to refresh all your motor mounts (not a bad idea depending on the mileage)

To install - support the engine (2x4 under the oilpan and then lift slightly with a jack).. undo all the bolts around the mount and swap. you can see the whole motor mount assembly in your pic.. the realoem.com pic will show you all the parts you can take off as well as any additional rubber parts in there - replace ALL the rubber parts!

phil.

 

I just hit 36,000 miles this morning. Worth changing all of them?

 

probably not.. maybe at 100

 

Too late. I ordered the PowerFlex Engine Mount bushings from OutMotoring as a complete set. In the long run it was a lot cheaper and I'll save on labor at BMW. I don't have the tools or the proper space to do it myself.

At least they'll all wear evenly together now!

Thanks so much everyone for your help! I saw this last night and was just like, "uh oh....."

Thanks again!

Quadrivium10

 

Those were replaced under warranty on a lot of cars. I'm assuming yours is out of warranty.

 

Is this easy for a handy, yet inexperienced guy to do? I just noticed mine looks like this too, and would rather do it myself if possible.

I did the thermostat earlier this week, so that gives you an idea of what i'm capable of...

Any other gotchas? (e.g. stuff that most people would assume I should know but probably dont :D)

 

My 2006 MCS at 46K miles had the same problem and I changed it out myself. The only problem I had was the Torx bolt on the underside of the frame. I used a socket to remove the torx bolt but replaced it with a metric hex head bolt the same lenght.