Hey all. Just bought a 2006 R50 as a project. It actually runs great but needs a clutch (throw-out bearing) and air conditioning. Also, I want to learn about Seals, so I will be replacing most of those.



Anyway, what are the go to brands for replacement parts and what are the good ones? I see LUK, VALEO, M-PACT, URO Parts etc. I am ashamed to say I would like to spend as little as possible. Any experience for a noobie?

 

We have marking on our site that show if its an OEM supplier or not. Some products you can go with OEM supplier and some aftermarkets will work just fine. We also have reviews on our site to compare.

 

I am no expert. But I've learned (the $hard way$) and try to stay with OEM or "Genuine" when I can afford.
So far I haven't had any real problems with aftermarket (non OEM) seals.
Although when it comes to clutches - I've been told by 2wo well respected MINI mechanics to always go with Genuine Mini clutch kits for non tracked daily drivers.
I previously had a LUK clutch kit (also aka OEM supplier) installed and fail prematurely. Due In-part to improper installation from a previous "BMW/Mini" indie garage.
With the new Genuine Mini clutch recently replaced; I could instantly tell/feel the difference (after 1k) between the previous LUK and the new Genuine Mini.
I'm sure much of that also has to do, greatly in part, by the seasoned Mini mechanic that just preformed the work.

BTW: That Mini you've just picked up looks pretty nice. Thanks for rescuing yet another beloved classic
Best of luck and have fun!

 

I buy almost all of my replacement parts from FCP Euro, WMW, ECS tuning and/or Pelican Parts. I think, for the most part, they all sell quality parts. With regard to the clutch, I replaced my OEM clutch with an LUK clutch kit and DMF and did not notice any significant difference in how it felt compared to stock. At most, my clutch pedal was a little lighter to operate but performance wise, it has been perfect - even after my idiot brother-in-law smoked the s*** out of it one day loading my car onto a trailer.

 

Oil Filters - OEM only

Gaskets and Seals - OEM or I've had best luck with Victor Renz items.

Clutch depends a lot on your driving situations and skill level.
If you've got a lot of stop and go, or aren't very accomplished with manual transmissions and clutches, stick with OEM and Dual Mass flywheel setups because of the extra cushion they provide in the physical connection. LUK is a good alternative to OEM.
If you've got a lot of highway driving and/or are used to standard clutches, the Valeo is a very good option, with a great reputation, and well tested by many.

 

Go with the Valeo single-mass flywheel clutch kit. I run in on my MC40 (197.5hp at the wheel), it's affordable and it works perfectly plus it provides a much lighter pedal feel.

 

I don’t think you should be ashamed to say you would like to spend as little as possible. On the contrary, that shows you have common sense. Spend as much as you need to, but hopefully not much more.

I think if you go with brands carried by the major Euro-focused parts houses, you’ll largely be fine. I have bought from ECS Tuning, Pelican (owned by ECS, I’m told), FCP Euro, AutohausAZ, German Auto Parts (I know them more as a VW/Audi parts house but have bought MINI parts from them too), WMW, and others. I always shop around among these vendors. I have purchased from some others as well, with mixed results (including Rock Auto, who I like as well, but they aren’t really Euro specialists and you have to be choosy with them). I did have a problem with a part made by Uro Parts, but that does not mean that all parts by them are bad.

As noted by others here, these Euro-focused vendors tend to carry OE or OEM manufacturers—they’ve done the work to sort the wheat from the chaff— and who the OEM is will vary depending on what part you are interested in.

I have used a LUK clutch in a different make vehicle without any issue, so I would not hesitate to use them in my MINI. When I eventually have to do my clutch, I will go LUK and Dual Mass Flywheel as the engineers designed. For gaskets I have used Elring, Victor Reinz, and Fel Pro. Maybe a Mahle here and there too. For o-ring seals, I think proper size and proper material for the application matters more than brand, but if you don’t know these things, stick to the bigger names.

 

Check out www.partsgeek.com. They offer both OEM and alternate brands. Pricing and service is great. I've never had a problem with any of their alternate brand products.