SO true, NB Cooper. You've said it all!

Actually, I'd be happy with my existing Mini engine....just give me the Honda reliability!!!!!

 

Oh man now I'm thinking and that's just bad news....

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-engines-and-e...ationFlag=true

Many challenges to an engine swap project unfortunately but if one had the time and inclination it could be fun. Probably be better for a 1st gen mini.

 

It's still a German car. If you think I'm being disparaging by that statement, see my signature. Haha. Their engineering is not perfect for sure, but in general they are also engineered more for fun than longevity. People seem to forget that when they buy a Mini, since it's priced (relatively) low and is basically a really fun econobox.

I have seen a local F20/other-swapped R53 and R56, by the way: seriously epic and something I would love

I'm sorry for this bad turn of events dhoosee, it sucks to see this happening to an enthusiastic original owner. FWIW, I wouldn't have bought ours for my lady if I didn't do all of my own wrenching, and would also not be able to maintain any of my cars. I'd be in a Honda

Anyway, this is the first Justa (this is not an S, right?) I've heard of needing a timing chain (not a belt) from stretching, and I'm surprised at that mileage. And also scared, since our Justa is just rolling up to 70k miles and I thought this was an N14-only issue. Ours has needed nothing since 30k when we bought it, at least. I gave it a tune-up and change the oil + filter regularly.

Side note, I've said it before: I still don't get the trouble people have reading the dipstick, except for in low light conditions. It takes a few dips like most dipsticks, but the level is pretty readable for me. My half-joking guess is that everyone thinks it's hard to read because all of their Minis are low on oil

Our Mini does consume an inordinate amount of oil, like more than my air cooled 911, so I'm very diligent about overfilling slightly and have trained my fiance to watch out for any untoward noises, which it makes when cornering hard and a little low on oil.

Side note 2: What is this about a Mini programmed battery? Sounds like dealer scare tactics to me, the $125 Autozone battery in ours has been juuuust great for the past year/15k miles

 

Side note 2: What is this about a Mini programmed battery? Sounds like dealer scare tactics to me, the $125 Autozone battery in ours has been juuuust great for the past year/15k miles [/QUOTE]

If you have the Mini Cooper IBS system installed, you are unfortunately stuck with the registration process. My 2007 MCS has it but thankfully my battery is good!

This is plucked from a different post her on NAM,

Shatzy62 wrote it best so in an effort to save time here is a copy and paste.

THERE IS a procedure that is supposed to be done on the computer system when a battery is replaced and it DOES affect the way the car sees the battery. No it does not take 1.5 hours only about 5 minutes.

So for those who think this is BS well it is not totally

Here is the wording straight out of the Wiring Diagram Service from BMW/MINI

Registering the battery replacement

Why register the battery replacement?
After fitting a new battery, the service function 'Register battery replacement' should be run. Registration of the battery replacement is necessary to notify the power management (software in the engine electronics and intelligent battery sensor) that a new battery has been fitted in the vehicle.

Without registration of the battery replacement, the power management does not run properly and this can lead to function limitations, for example reduction or deactivation of individual consumer units.
Register battery replacement

This function informs the power management in the DME/DDE of a battery replacement. The following operations are performed:

•The current kilometre reading is stored for the battery replacement.

•The stored measured values (battery charge statuses, current, voltage, temperature, etc.) are deleted.

•The power management is initialised.
Replacing the battery: other battery capacity or AGM battery
As the battery depends on the engine ands options fitted, the following information is coded in the CAS:

•Battery capacity (for example 90 Ah)

•Battery type: AGM battery or lead-acid battery.

In the case of battery replacement, in general the battery capacity used as series standard may be used.
On installation of a battery with higher or lower capacity or installation of an AGM battery, Progman must be used to recode the CAS:

•With Progman, run the retrofit ”Battery” (select battery capacity of the fitted battery).

•Register additional battery replacements with this service function.

Battery: battery capacity and battery type

The battery capacity can be read from the label with the technical data. The other label contains safety instructions.
AGM batteries can be recognised by the black battery housing. The cycle-proof AGM batteries are used for especially heavy loads on the vehicle network depending on equipment and requirements.

 

I had not seen that, NB, thanks for sharing. Our Justa doesn't have it, phew.

Mini Cooper IBS is a hilarious acronym

 

Yah no s*&t ...........sorry couldn't resist,,,

 

Sheesh, that's flipping terrible. Good luck with it, David.