So, my engine blew up the other day. '03 MCS with 175.6k miles. As you all may recall I'd just had the car off the road for awhile, putting a new starter motor in and aftermarket exhaust as the original (?) exhaust and starter motor were shot. I changed the oil on Sunday and can't help but think that the little drain back plunger that I found dislodged in the oil filter housing was the culprit for the engine destroying itself. I've not had the time or the inclination to pull the top of the engine apart to determine exactly went wrong, and quite frankly I'm not sure if I ever want to know. But now, what to do about the car? Replace the engine for considerable cost of money and time, and wait for the next major failure as everything on the damn car has 175.6k miles on it, or sell it as is for a parts car? I'm not inclined to part it out myself as that's a time consuming endeavor and you're left with a hulk of **** in the driveway that ends up getting towed to the junkyard anyway. Or, donate it to the fire department for practice on rescues. You all should help me decide... what would you do?

Cheers,

 

if I blew up my motor, it would get a fresh motor build for a turbo =D

 

I love love LOVE my '06, and recognize that first gen MINIs are getting more & more rare. If I were in your shoes, I'd either look for an '05 or '06 R53, or consider getting an RMW-built engine from Jan.

 

If you have the time, money and inclination, I'd do a new upgraded motor, and a mini restoration. Maybe a good winter project? While you have the motor out, alot of things are easier to get to, so you can replace alot of ball joints, and things like that while you're at it. Maybe have a look at what XSMINI did with his when he refurbished his mini. His was at 365,000 miles before he rebuilt his motor, so I think it's still possible for you to have a great car.

 

I've decided to sell the car. I don't have the time to tear into it. Even if I did I suspect that I would find a myriad of things that need to be replaced or reworked as the car is a NE car, with 175.6k miles and lots of things are shot on the car. I can see it turning into more of a project than it's worth. After all, it's not a rare classic car, they're dime a dozen, I can get another, better example, anytime in the future. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed driving the car, it's just time to stop throwing good time and good money at a crappy situation.

Now, what to do with it?
Part it? Lots of time (that I don't have or want to spare)
Sell it whole as a parts car? It does have a clean title, but finding that one person who's willing to take on the project may take a lot of time, and dickering with the inevitable yahoos that come out of the woodwork to barter for a great deal: "would you take my 50cc scooter in trade? all it needs is a clutch cable and tires and it'll be great!!", etc.
Or, call peddle.com and take the price they offer, which is small, and be done with it.

Decisions...

 

Sell it as is. Just ignore the crazy people.

You'll get more money that way and the car will still be of use to someone. Just list it on Craigslist or whatever, shouldn't take too long to get rid of it, assuming you don't live in the middle of nowhere.

 

I agree, sell as is to a hobbyist/tuner who doesn't mind rebuilding the engine or dropping in another one. Check local SCCA and car clubs. Someone may be looking for a donor car or one to make into a race car.

If someone tries to talk you down on price because engines are hard to come by, send them to this link on a short block with 2-year warranty:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NME7800/

Or, a long block:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NME781...m-Gen1-R50-r53

With cranks next to impossible to find, this is the way to go.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.