Seems like my facelift R53 upper engine mount is shot.
I've already got poly everywhere else after I did my subframe out job.

Now to take care of this final piece.
A little more NVH is fine with me and cost is not a major concern.
Longevity and performance are the items of focus.
No track, but spirited (50% of the time) daily driving.

Which one??
Thanks for your input all

 

I just went with OEM and used the poly insert to put on it, it should last way way longer. But the hardest part was getting that dam bolt out, I had to cut mine off.

 

"Longevity+Performance"=VibraTechnics. Once and done!

 

Use the .uk.co web site for VibraTechnics, even with shipping you'll save around $80.
https://www.vibra-technics.co.uk/

 

From the .com:
$322.35

From the .co.uk:
£156 (Ex. VAT)
the exchange rate on that is:
$200.38
I did this to my R50 when I had it. They charged me $40 for 3 day shipping from England to Oregon. I cannot remember if there were any taxes added but I don't think that they did.

Ignore that is says Right hand drive, they are the same part for RHD and LHD.

 

Why not this ? I have the polly insert on one of my cars and it made NO difference, I think itle only help once the oem mount begins to wear.. the vibra one imo is too expensive for what it is.. I have one of these enroute and can give more feedback on it soon.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/20436068297...mis&media=COPY

 

I guess that is a good point.

Can you use the poly bushing with a shot mount to squeeze some extra life out of it?

I'd also like to go with something that people have already had good experiences with.
Hence why I'm asking here

 

mine will he installed in a few days but from looks and talking to the guy who has them..other than a few physical features, theyre identical to the vibra mounts.buuuuut i we shall see...
bUt for 1/3 the price is if performs half as well , it woukd be worth it still...

 

 

Looks good Adam.

I ended up getting the Vibra-Technics.
Shipping to Canada on that eBay one is 75cad.
The price difference wasn't as much at that point.

I'll take a picture of it when it comes in to see if we can spot any differences.

 

ShadeTreeMech, I think you made a good decision:

Two of my factory upper mounts died in the first 4 years (leaking), before I switched first to Texas Speedwerks (TSW, now sold by Way), then to Powerflex and on to Vibra-technics five years ago. All are indestructible compared to the 2005 and-up factory unit. The TSW was harsh. The Powerflex upper-mount was better, but still generated significantly more NVH than stock, creating a dash rattle at idle, and changing tone as the clutch was engaged, but quiet at cruise.

The VibraTechnics is as quiet as stock after a couple hundred miles break-in. They credit their "natural rubber" dampening for that.

The eBay one posted by MiniManAdam is clearly intended to be a "knock-off" of the VibraTechnics, but we have no methodical back-to-back comparisons, nor even information on the damping material inside it. Yes, it is cheaper.

I've used and recommend Powerflex for all other mounts & bushings in the Mini. All of mine are the standard-performance Powerflex with the exception of the lower-front "dog bone" engine mount. There I use Powerflex's stiffer "race" version, and I credit that for not having any breakage problems at the exhaust header flex joint that others have experienced, even with an additional 125 horsepower.
As they say. . . your mileage may vary.

 

I've not switched to anything but factory rubber on my Mini's. I did so on my WRX and the NVH is pretty bad when idling - enough that it's annoying. I don't drive hard enough take advantage of the poly stuff. Just my two cents...

 

I loved my VibraTechnics. Looks good, works good. Was great and it was one and forgetaboutit.

 

I went through two OEM and then the TSW, which, as stated previously, induced lots of vibration. Finally went with VibraTechnics and have not questioned that decision once. It just works and lasts.