I have over 180k miles on my 2006 model, with no work on the s/c. Am i living dangerously?
Would like some replies from other owners with similar or more miles on their s/c.

thanks!

 

Every supercharger will be different when it comes to oil consumption.

I serviced the supercharger on the '06 Cooper S I just restored; the car had 126K miles on it. According to my research, the water pump end should have 40ml of oil, and the compressor end should have 145ml. I had 30 and 88 remaining respectively. With 180k miles, I would highly recommend servicing the SC.

 

My one owner 05 went to 151k on original - never touched it. Did a major service, and installed a used S/C with unknown miles, but smooth. It had a Dinan pulley on it - I bought it on eBay ( the pulley ), and they sent the whole thing. I put fresh oil in, and a new water pump. That now has 178k, so 27k on that setup ( did it in Aug 2021, so 3.5 years. 180 untouched, you are on borrowed time.

if you are DIY - it’s not awful, but you need to get into service mode, and once you are digging in, you will find other stuff. Expect quite a few hours of work.

 

Same here.

 

I just spoke to my local "performance" mechanic. (The shop has the word "performance" in the name.) He seemed a little down on Minis. I think most are more familiar with the turbo version which from my knowledge has a completely different engine, and shorter life span.

His opinion is, if it has already gone 180K miles, don't mess with it.

I called my local Mini dealer. (they are 100 miles away) They do not do it, they would not give a price. They said they replaced a s/c a few years back, and charged around 5 to $6k .

 

#1 - Find yourself another "performance" mechanic - HE'S WRONG!
#2 - Forget the dealer - 5-$6,000 is stupid crazy!!! (Even if they would do the work).
If you have a garage/work space, can source a Bently manual, watch the ModMini videos (and the like), I am confident that the talented folks here on NAM will help you get through it if your up to the challenge.
Superchargers should at the very least, be inspected @100k.

 

i have a remanufactured unit with less than 20k miles for $750
and an original 45k mile unit for $650

 

Great! Can you help me install it?

I am in coastal MD, but I love Miami. I'll buy you dinner. Joe's Stone Crabs? Havana Harry's?

 

been here all my life and never been to Joe's,
Havana Harry's i only went there once and didn't even eat after they told me the wait was over 1hr , to me the place feels like a factory cafeteria ,
the tables are all on top of each other , you can't barely move in there , don't like over crowded places like that .

 

How difficult is it just to inspect the supercharger? Does the car have to go into 'service mode'? I have an 02 R53 with about 50k miles. I've never checked/serviced the unit. Car pulls like it is brand new and the whine is music to my ears. Max boost is just shy of 17 on the track.

 

The supercharger must be removed for inspection. And, yes, it requires front end service mode. There are two oil ports that run dry over time resulting in the dreaded "rattle" (ruined bearings) you've read about. Factory spec is to service at 100k miles. When I bought my '04 MC40 it had 125k miles and had never been serviced. When removed it still had oil in both reservoirs but it had obviously decreased in volume. At 50k, I doubt yours needs immediate service but if I were you I would want to replenish SC oil that old just for safety's sake. It's not difficult to pull the SC but it is involved because so many other things also need to be removed to gain access. If you've ever wrenched, a weekend's worth of work is all it takes. Good luck.

 

That sounds like a no.

Miramar Diner?

 

I have an 04 JCW with 186K on the clock and have never touched the SC, I take very good care of my car and have had very little issues with her. Other than 'normal' issues i.e., Alternator, Clutch, Battery and Fuel Pump. I take my Mini to very well respected Mini mechanics in Ventura County. 1st was Motoring Magic in Thousand Oaks and he did not recommend messing with the SC unless it was obviously leaking oil. After Motoring Magic closed (due to Retirement), I have been going to Main Street Minis in Ventura and Chuck also says the same thing. Early on when I liven outside of Ventura County, I went to Mini Corsa in North Hollywood and they had a similar stance on the issue. Servicing the SC IS NOT a required scheduled maintenance to be performed per Mini. Everyone just thinks 100k is where it should be done. I figure it costs $1000-1200 to have it serviced. The SC will eventually fail (as all things do) and then it's another $1000-1200 to remove it plus replacement SC (be it rebuilt or aftermarket) which is about the same price $1000-1200. I figure I am saving $1000-1200 by not messing with the SC until it actually fails and then it will have to be taken out any way. My car runs amazingly well and why mess with perfection?

 

If you are planning on doing something like replacing the Water Pump or replacing Hoses or other work that would have you elbow deep in the front end, I would recommend going ahead with the S/C service, if nothing else just draining and refilling the oil (Service Kits are available). Sort of like replacing the rear seal when you are doing the clutch, you might as well do it while you are in there. It is just a matter if it is something you want to do. Generally speaking, a small service kit is just over $100.00 and only a couple of hours to do the work.


Motor On!

 

Great minds think alike! This was my plan too

 

you and your mechanics are wrong , and let me tell you why , at 100k your supercharger could be low on oil , so you change it and top it off , it could last you another 100k miles on stock pulley , versus 150k miles and its completely dry and locks up or eats up the bearings , and if you do your own service , you can actually inspected every 50k miles , making the supercharger last twice as much .

 

While it’s off the car the rubber coupler inside the pulley snout can be replaced too. SCOL has them as well as Eaton Supercharger oil.

 

Interesting, Motoring Magic in Thousand Oaks was HIGHLY regarded by everyone in the Mini community. Having taken over the mantel from Scott, Chuck at Main St. Minis is also HIGHLY regarded and Dan at Mini Corsa in North Hollywood....not sure how ALL 3 can be wrong?!

 

because every mechanic has there own opinion , some with out any experience , for instance this one you had posted earlier , " 1st was Motoring Magic in Thousand Oaks and he did not recommend messing with the SC unless it was obviously leaking oil " they do leak oil , but internally , your engine will suck it up just like the PCV gases , you will never see a drop of oil on the floor from that supercharger, so obviously that mechanic has no clue how a supercharger works .

 

The supercharger on the 2004 Mini Cooper S is a Roots-type blower12. It is sealed and designed to last the life of the vehicle3.
However, it is prone to rear housing leakage, which can lead to supercharger failure4 (To this date NO leakage has occurred)
The MINI Eaton supercharger uses a 'lifetime-lubricant' and is not included in the MINI factory regular maintenance schedule. (Per Mini Mania Inc.)

I wish Scott, Steve or Mike (all worked at Motoring Magic - Scott was the owner) or some other customers were on here to chime back on his Mini knowledge.

 

here is a little knowledge, 2006 automatic, original owner , 45k original miles , completely stock , look how dirty that oil was , and was already 2oz low .

 

Well, I'm over 188K now and still runs amazingly well. I will take 3 well respected, experienced and long in business Mini mechanics over 1 owner. Is what it is. Maybe your issue is you have an AUTOMATIC...lol!

 

🙄

 

These cars are 20 years + old - you made it to 188 - the leave it alone answer is the safer to give - they don’t want to have to open a can of worms and deferred maintenance. Mine is an Auto also. But that has nothing to do with the amount of oil left. I don’t think there are many good r53 shops left. My kid is in San Diego, and I ship parts there, and fly in to do the work.

 

Lucky kid! A flying mechanic who makes house calls! I'll PM you my address. 😉