Perhaps a silly question or I've been searching for the wrong part...
Wondering if there is a better upper engine mount for a pre-facelift R53 oppose to the early (2002 - 2004 PF) rubber ones.
Preferably one that isnt too stiff adding to excessive vibration and doesn't cost an arm & a leg?
It's my daily driver. I don't race or track the car.

 

i've heard / read good things

https://www.detroittuned.com/vibra-t...d+Engine+Mount

 

Thanks .
probably a little more than I was hoping to spend but across the board; I haven't discovered any other middle of the road options in terms of design and price range.
I've read mixed reviews regarding vibration but still a contender to consider the trade offs = price and longevity.
Might be worth it in the long run.

 

Look at powerflex. There are some insert choices for r50/r53. I’ve used them on my control arms and lower dog bone mount. It’s what I wanted. Not harsh. Control arm has been in for 80k miles.

 

Vibra or a powerflex insert is likely the best choice. Recently replaced my upper mount, paid the premium price for a Corteco mount. Its been fine, however, there are no markings, stampings or anything to say where it even came from. Seems like most parts are outsourced and made cheaply even for brands that used to make quality parts. The Corteco is likely made right beside the amazon specials anymore...

 

Thanks again, noodles and Scooba -
Powerflexusa was the first place I'd searched.
Literally, every bushing and rubber part (with exeption of rear control arm bushings)on my Mini has been replaced with powerflex. I was a little surprised to find that powerflex has not made a (urethane) upper engine mount replacement for the 1st Gen pre-facelift (rubber) upper mount (at least none that I've seen)....Perhaps due to the fact that the early rubber mounts are also hydraulic filled (but not prone to leaking like the facelift metal mounts)?

But yeah - we both think alike with regards to poweflex.

 

powerflex is good stuff

buy the mount at a place with lifetime warranty and never pay for it again

seems like the stock mount fails every few years

 

^^^Agree^^^
Urethane (from my professional mold and casting experience) seems far superior in longlasting durability and most chemical resistant to many rubber (RTV).
I would definetly prefer a urethane mount.
I just haven't found any pre-facelift urethane mounts as of yet. If Im mistaken (Anyone have a link?) - For now; I am considering (researching reviews) on the Vibratech upper mount for the 1st gen pre-facelifts.
'found a pretty reasonably priced one on eBay. Hopefully it's genuine and not counterfeit.

 

vibra has pre and post fl, i believe

 

They do. I’m pretty happy with my post-facelift mount.

It used to be cheapest to buy directly from the https://www.vibra-technics.co.uk website (not .com). Dunno what the state is now with all the tariff idiocy.

 

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Vibra Technics pre-facelift upper mount I found on eBay for $221. But apparently I failed to read the fine print regarding shipping- "Will not ship to the US"...
So, instead of getting a deal... I got the finger.
No remorse - I don't mind. I would prefer to support our trusted vendors anyway.
Thanks to all for your valued input!

 

​​​​Hey,@deepgrey ,
Had you noticed any increase in vibration with the Vibra Technics mount as opposed to the stock?

EDIT/Addendum:



This is why I will NEVER go cheap (@ $45) on buying a replacement engine mount brand from URO again.
I'd replaced both the upper and lower mounts just last Fall - 13,000 mi since then.
(13k may seem a lot but w/genuine MINI (@ $185) lasted at least 21k before beginning to fail.

 

Yes, there was a noticeable increase in NVH at idle.

 

Hey @deepgrey Thanks for the quick and honest reponse.
Seeing as I just placed an order for the early Vibra Technics top mount - I suppose that's just something I'm going to have to live with....but hopefully will not have to spend another dime or moment replacing yet another upper engine mount.
'should be here by Tuesday , 9th.
Btw: Very interesting/informative read on the vibratechnics UK site with regards to urethane vs synthetic and natural rubber for under the hood and engine applications.

 

As posted in "What did you do to your Mini today?" discussion thread...



Received and replaced the 1y/o URO failed upper engine mount and installed a new Vibra Technics

 

that looks sharp. any nvh difference?

 

Vibration? - Yes (but not harsh). 'Can only mostly be felt at idle and low rpms. The difference in vibration that is felt is very light and subtle. But the responsiveness of the torque felt while driving is the most noticeable. Even with a brand new high-end $$ rubber mount never felt as responsive or as "connected".
Btw: @ssoliman - I must Thank you for the DT link. As I could not find a more reasonable price in effort to be able to purchase from the UK. Thanks again!

 

good to hear! every now and then i say something that is somewhat useful

 

ALWAYS useful 'in my book'