My engine, transmission and subframe are all out of the car (motor is toast). Does anyone have experience with the cheap silicone hoses on eBay? I think I know the answer but figure I'd ask. Posted some photos of the car and some of the things I've done to it.

Jay from MA

 

Nice center console. The silicone might be ok or might need trimmed due to it being an off brand off ebay. I would just go with a brand name or just replace all the hose with OEM ones. I have an R52 Cooper also BTW.

 

I'm looking for a whole kit but it's confusing to find the right one for the non-S motor. Thanks for responding!
Jay

 

Samco has some kits, those are the ones i know and they are in the UK, home of the MINI.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...Cooling/Hoses/




Or the oem kit: https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...ngine/Cooling/

 

Really great. I'm still deciding what I want vs. need and will be sure to place the order with you when ready. Thanks agian.

 

You are welcome.

 

Silicone is ok for a street car. You are more buying them for looks. The off brand ones you find will usually not fit very well and won't hold the same pressure as the good quality mishimoto, samco, or Forge as their standards for silicone testing are legit.
We offer the Samco kit for the R50, but most other companies don't offer the non S kits as the market isn't there like it is for the R53
https://www.waymotorworks.com/samco-...s-r50-r52.html

I would honestly suggest sticking with the stock unless you have wear or an issue with your stock hoses.

I'd look more for other normal fail parts while you have it apart like the powerflex control arm bushings, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket and so on.