owned my mini 36 days... :( it's gone
 

I bought my mini about 36 days ago for 10 thousand. With 80 thousand miles on it. I just bought a whole bunch of new parts to tune it up and just before they arrived the tensioner broke and it jumped time. It's a 2007 s. I want to go ahead and replace the engine, but I was thinking of putting the*jcw*in it since I'm putting a new one in it. Can anyone recommend a good site here in America for an engine that will have a warranty. And my other question is does the*jcw*fit right up or will it require parts and modification? I have the manual 6 speed gear box. I am planning on a mechanic doing the work as I will have no time. Thanks everyone for the help.

Sorry for your loss. Most used engines will have 30 day warranty, not sure you can find anything beyond that.

I just read a thread that Mini may have a recall campaign for timing chain and tensioner.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/05/...ain-tensioner/

Run your VIN here...

http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...rt/recall.html

Putting a JCW in would probably be more hassle than it's worth. IIRC you would have to change the computer modules and such and that can be a PITA. Go with a regular S engine and since it is a N14 there are a lot of tuning options out there if you want more than stock HP.

You can always call Way Motor Works and see what they think. They are located in Atlanta.

Nope no one in their right mind would undertake such an engine swap, not only would you need a completely new wiring harness for the entire car, you would need to buy the computers. The JCW engine have different compression ratios, it's just not a good idea! I doubt you would find anyone willing to even attempt it anyway.

There IS a recall for the cam chain tensioner for '07-'10 S models. Sounds like that's what happened to you. They just replaced the entire cam chain assembly on my '07 with 113K miles. It's worth a try to talk to your dealer and/or Mini USA.

I bet Mini USA claims of a lack of oil changes since he only had it for a short while, lets hope that isn't the case though. Mini USA came to that conclusion in my case, then a few months later changes their tune. Now all of a sudden there's this recall for 2007-2010 S models.

Whatever happened to my previous owners lack of records for oil changes? So you see first it a lack of oil change records then it's a recall because it's now a defect in materials, parts etc. If anybody wanted proof of the BS crown there you have it! I'm surprised that Mini USA didn't come back at me with the lack of oil change records.

Sorry for you loss.

And good luck getting it squared away!

Well i called mini usa today and talked with them. They couldn't run my Vin number to see if my car was part of the recall because the system was down. Hopefully everything will work out. I do want to ask is there any recommendations before I take it to the shop like topping it off with oil to ensure its full or anything else? Thanks for all the help. I loved driving it and can't wait to be back in it.

I hope Mini USA steps up, the timing chain issues are well known. I was lucky at 95k before I brought it in. A rebuild would be somewhat easy for the dealer assuming you just bent some valves. GL

Absolutely top off the oil so they can't blame you, just tell them you keep a close eye on oil levels every gas up! Let them know you're on top of things, this way they can't try and pin everything on you. They take advantage of the weak and unknowledgeable people, wifes are the perfect target!

All parts from your Mini dealer have a 2 year warranty, this includes engines. The parts may be more expensive but you have a much better warranty than aftermarket parts. A lot of engines only come with a 30 day warranty.

That's a good looking HT (even though I had to flip my screen upside down :) ). I hope you get it running again soon. Hopefully with MINI's recall support too if at all possible.

While it may not help with yours, mine was an '05 S. When my engine blew I had the dealer install a new JCW crate + SC and the rest of the JCW kit (at the time my car was made - it was a dealer add-on).

I have a 2 year parts and labour with unlimited mileage now. It was expensive, but I get more smiles out of driving this thing than anything else. Worth every cent.

The price of junk yard engines is relatively high versus a crate replacement from MINI. You're better off getting a MINI motor and eliminating the risk that comes with motors from a yard.

I can't imagine a used motor is anywhere near a new motor from MINI. Do you have any prices for reference?

Just FYI, they aren't really "new" motors from MINI, just factory remanufactured. Still a much safer bet than used, unless you personally know the history of the donor car and owner.

About $4500 retail gets you a motor with many accessories: ignition, water pump and more. You still have to swap turbo, alternator, compressor, but it's more than just a long block.

Well i just talked with mini usa... they said my Vin number was not part of the recall. So they wouldn't cover anything. Is it worth my time getting it towed 80 miles to a dealer to see if my timing chain tensioner was faulty? And thanks for the information on the engine looks like I will be needing to know everything I can. Looks like my tax return is going to be gone before I get it....

We have them for $3400 with a $500.00 core. They are new Mini remanufactured with a two year warranty.

-Sean

If you end up replacing the engine on your dime, I would recommend installing a new clutch while it's disassembled. Should only cost you for parts rather than shelling out a grand for labor down the road.

Hey Sean, I am looking for the engine online but cant find anything about it. Can you give me more details? Is it a complete engine for the price? Does that include shipping?

I would like to take your advice vetsvette, but I don't have the funds to do anything extra im actually going more into debt in order to fix this now... I have the cash for the engine just not the labor...

I am looking for a long block and I would like to keep my core to possibly build it in the future.