So a few weeks back I let a friend burrow my Mini and he came back a few hours later saying it was making sounds and it was down on power I go out to check on the car and when it's on its smoking like crazy I pull the oil cap off while it's on and smoke is coming out of there as well, I also checked for new codes and it was reading a cyl 3 misfire so I'm assuming my ring fried or worse, I called a local mini specialist and he said I might need a new engine, not sure, I Googled and Googled and couldn't find any rebuild kits or anything of that nature, I think the specialist wants to get a refirbished engine he said it would be around $2000 and labor would be around $1000 does that sound about right? Has any one else here had to replace an engine (not with warranty) and if so how much did you end up spending? Any help or advise is much appreciated! Thanks.

 

I have the same issue, need a new engine. My guy said he could get me an engine for 3K and it would be under warranty for a period of time and then another 1,500 for labor. I am throwing in the towel and going to put my mini up for sale :(

 

engine work isnt that bad. i rebuilt at least 4 engines and currently doing it for a NAM member in chicago. he shipped the car to me and i quoted him parts to replace the chain, guides, all valves, and vacuum pump. parts were about 480, labor (my labor) 800. the shipping was i think close to 600. Moral of the story, there are options to fix the engine. when it comes to engines, do NOT assume. get a compression test and a leak down test and get accurate diagnosis, then make an informed decision.
Im in philly by the way :-)
forgot to mention that i work on the 2007-2010 turbo engines. never tried 2011-2014 turbo engines since they dont have the same N14 engine issues.