I have had Rupert since April of 2006, I received him freshly ordered directly from MINI with 9 miles on the Odometer. Since then, here's what's been done...

OE Options:
Astro Black Metallic
Factory LSD
Front Foglights
Rear Foglights
Projector Headlights

Aftermarket Modifications:
16% M7 Pulley
M7 Front Brace
Innovate Wideband
Megan Coilovers (Prototypes - Custom Valved)
Engine Mount Bushings (All Polyurethane)
Thmpr Camshaft
OBX Headers w/ OE Catalytic Converter
Bytetronik Full-Access
Bosch 550cc Injectors
Custom Box-Intake w/ Samco Hose
ACT Lightweight Flywheel/Clutch
Enkei RPF1 16x8J +38
ATI SuperDamper
Solid Brake Bushings
SS Brake Lines
Megan Cat-Back Exhaust
M7 Thermostat
NRG Plug Wires
Megan Short-Shifter
Ravenspeed Shift-Boot
Extended ARP Wheel Studs
Seibon Carbon Hood
ACT Clutch (Will be New)
Alpine Head Unit
Alpine Speakers
Alpine 4-Channel Amplifier

New OE Things:
Supercharger replaced with OE Factory Supercharger ~20,000 Miles
Shift Linkages replaced ~5,000 Miles
Wheel Bearings replaced ~35,000 Miles
Refreshed Headliner (Black)
Crankshaft (Will be replaced)
Piston Rings (Will be replaced)
Fresh Block (Decked & Honed)

So here's my dilemma; ultimately I will have to sell Rupert because I made a huge financial mistake and had one of those kid things. People warned me... I should of listened.

A longwhile back, Rupert had oiling issues and he had rod-knock. At the time I didn't have much time and people recommended this shop in SoCal in North Hills. They replaced the crankshaft and put Rupert back together and also installed the clutch for me while it was out. I have had no issues for the last 10 years but I did notice a bunch of cut-corners and silicone instead of gaskets... those guys really cut every corner they could apparently. Fast forward... 2022.. I mentioned to my wife that I was thinking about selling Rupert because there's now too many cars and not enough driveway. And I guess Rupert overheard because two days later... wouldn't you know it... that rod was knocking again.

I'm going to have to get rid of Rupert... it's just a matter of how at this point.

What would be fair market for Rupert if...
Engine was rebuilt, block honed and decked with fresh rings.
Clutch was a fresh ACT Clutch. (I don't feel like putting in an OE Clutch, but ACT is also very aggressive for new people)
Rupert was repainted.
Seats were reconditioned (The seams are split)

Compared to Parting-Out as-is. Normally the Part-Out would be the easiest and honestly more profitable way to go... but... the market for R53's isn't hot right now... it's not even warm right now. I've had an R50 block for dirt-cheap for sale and not one hit.

I'm in Southern California, so the car market here should be healthier than most places... what do you guys think?

 

If you decide to part-out, there are a lot of parts that will sell more quickly than a block.

 

Being original owner, you know true total chassis mileage, body history with any collision/repairs, interior et al. My thinking is; if those aspects are winners, I'd much rather see this R53 with a new or properly rebuilt engine than parted out. In recent weeks, I've been lightly participating in the UK R53 OC on Farsebook wherein I've read way too many reports daily of cars being advertised for parts value before scrapped. At that rate, the number on roadworthy R50-series cars is being rapidly reduced. My thoughts before buying mine remains the same today, i.e., pay more for condition with less (or no) need to restore. Thinking it would be helpful for more specific details on that to augment upgrades and repair work done to-date.

 

Man , sorry to hear about BOTH UT O's...
What are your other vehicles??? It would take take much to swap even a used shortblock in..600$ for shortblock and find someone local to do the work at his shop or garage.. I'd start asking around.. you've had the car so long , you know it so well I'd think and I guarantee your going to regret it if you do decide to sell it..
don't let others wanting to buy parts off it to sway your decision.
KEEP IT , FIX IT and message me in a few months when its back driving ,better than ever...
good luck in either decision you make and I wish you the best with the in coming.

 

Supercharged short blocks are going for close to $1,000 round SoCal and there's no telling the condition.

I already have the motor out and the block torn down... the bores are out-of-spec so they will have to be bored with oversized pistons. The problem is, no one makes them unless they're forged. I am thinking about trying to just sell the chassis as-is at this point... this is going to be a rabbit hole that I don't have time for.

 

Financially - parting out is a better option. But, it is the most messy one: are u ready to have a semi-disassembled car on your driveway / garage for MONTHS? And then you'd need to figure out how to get rid of the stripped chassis. So, it is the slowest option.
Selling it as is - probably the fastest option, but you won't get much out of it (regardless to all the mods).
Fixing it and then selling - 50/50. As you already figured, it is not cheap and not fast either. The crankshaft itself is super hard to find in a good shape and it prices start with 400 and up. The block - another 500 (plus some luck to get it in spec; otherwise, like you mentioned, you'd need to find oversized pistons, and those exist only as forged for a hefty amount of money (+1000 easily, considering rods, and re-boring). Plus a LOT of labor (either yours or mechanic's, i.e. - money). I would consider this option only if I was planning to keep the car.

 

A used motor could be an option too, it will be around 1500 (at least this is what I see on ebay and car-part.com). But then again, the question is for how much you can sell the fixed car....