Hello everyone! I recently purchased an R53 from a dealership and immediately took it to a reputable local shop that specializes in Minis for them to do a once over on the car for peace of mind. Unfortunately, I was informed that the water pump needs to be replaced due to a coolant leak. They then mentioned that there is the potential that when they are working on the water pump that the supercharger may indicate needing replacement. They informed me that it could be around $4000 for a replacement and what I wanted to know was if you folks would have any suggestions regarding pursuing a brand new replacement, a rebuilt model from the internet, or an aftermarket third-party upgrade. This is, of course, if the supercharger needs replaced. If it doesn't, I will be pleasantly surprised and thrilled to not have to make this decision, haha. There is a bit of a laundry list of items that need addressed in the car so I am already out over $1,000 in repairs. If the water pump is not covered by warranty from the dealer, that obviously ticks closer to $2000.

Any input that you may have is definitely appreciated! Have a great day!

 

The superchargers are practically bulletproof as long as oil is kept in each reservoir. They can fail but it sounds like the shop may be looking to make more money. What makes them think it needs to be replaced?

 

What mileage does your Mini have? But as cooper48 says, they are pretty bulletproof. I am also intrigued why they came to that conclusion, I stand with cooper48 (again )

 

Thanks for the input, folks! I think they were kind of laying out a worst-case scenario type situation. I think they were mentioning this so I wasn't blindsided when they go to service the water pump. I don't think they are EXPECTING it, necessarily. Just laying out the cards in the event that the supercharger has some shaft play. They haven't taken the water pump out or anything yet because the warranty company has to come to check out the water pump to see if my warranty that came with the car will cover the repair. As someone who always has planned for worst case scenarios, as well, I am just preparing my thoughts in advance. I am hopeful that I won't have to put any of this into play, though.

As for my Cooper, it has 71,000 miles or so. Part of me is thinking about requesting that they perform supercharger service while they are already there if it comes out ok.

 

If you have to replace it. Just go with sprintex or tvs900 better electric pump

 

No such thing.

They already f***ing know you don't need a new supercharger and are taking you for a ride, friend. Would not be remotely surprised if you discovered after they "replaced it" that you wound up with the very same blower, just serviced with oil and degreased "like new." Or, they swap your perfectly good one for a dog with a worthless six month warranty, then sell yours out the back door. This is an old game with these people.

Leaking water pump? Overheating already? Are you missing some coolant? Car dropping it on your driveway? Sweet disgusting burning coolant smell under the bonnet? No? Then how do they know you need a water pump? And why would they instantly bring up the blower? Except, you know, because they know it's worth $$$ even used. They're absolutely ridiculous new (if you can find one) or remanufactured.

Go get your car back and learn how to fix it yourself. You'll find all the information you need right here on NAM.

 

Also dont forget the water pump issue could actually be a sticking thermostat

 

They are just asking if you want to GIVE them extra money for things they don't need to do to your car. RUN!

 

They aren’t trying to rob you for certain. They could be, but hard to tell from over the internet. Lol.

you should probably do the thermostat and thermostat house and a new water pump flange. While they are in there, if they are taking the supercharger off to do the water pump, you can have them open it up and see the condition of the PTO gears on the water pump side. If they look good, have them add new oil and hopefully all is good for a while.

If the supercharger is dry of oil, then the new oil you put in will probably leak through the seals relatively quickly.

I am currently replacing the supercharger, water pump and t-stat on mine. $850 for a rebuilt SC from Detroit tuned. If you are paying for a bunch of labor anyway, it’s worth considering just replacing the supercharger if there is little to no oil in the reservoir of the current charger.