So today I went out and activated the radio in the wifes Mini Cooper. It's a 2006 S with around 92,000 miles on it. I am very mechanical, and noticed the vacuum on her boost/vac gauge was at 10" at idle. I thought this was a little low.

Pulled dip stick, smells like gas!!!

So I pull the filler cap off the cover and start it up. It has a gas smell and enough blowby that I can feel the individual cylinder pulses as each one fires.

At this point I am to assume that the rings are gone, and it is in need of a re-ring at the least. I plan to do a compression check on it, and go from there.

I have not messed with this car other than all the routine maintenance, and I realize it's sorta high miles, but would you folks agree with my assumption? It does use a little oil as well. I never drive it, so I can't give an estimate on mileage.

Has anyone else dealt with this?

What are my options??

Short block?

Rings?

What is most available for these cars?

Thanks!!

 

One question...
ever change the pcv valve? Many folks have NEVER done this...thinking i might be contributing to tge fuel smell, etc if stuck.
As to everything else....just guessing a compression check/leakdown, etc before you start getting too deep...heck..could be more simple like worn valve/guides....
Know of a few close to 200,000 mile modded mini's that have been driven pretty had that run fine...so i would hope it is not the worst....