Long story short I have an 07 Cooper S with 140k on the clock. that my wife and I absolutely loves to drive. The car drives great, except for the fact that it's leaking oil from pretty much everywhere. The head gasket was replaced, water pump, t-stat, as well as the timing belt and all the other things that go along with that at roughly 125k miles (2nd timing belt service along with the walnut blasting). The Mini dealer quoted over $4k to fix everything. From what I recall the parts were failry minimal, with the bulk being labor. I have the detailed breakdown but that sounds like I can pretty much get a new (used) engine for that price. I know these cars aren't worth a lot but to me it still is.

With all that said can anyone recommend a mechanic or shop in NJ, preferably somewhere in the Morris County area that I could take the car to and get another estimate?

 

Yes I know the feeling,,,, like the car just want to get it fixed,,, just be sure to get the cylinders compression tested first and scoped for condition probably the front oil turbo line seal, vacuum pump, oil pan,, you need to be sure extra blow by internal pressure isnt just pushing oil out. its not a bad job if you want to try you can strip to nose off to get to everything

 

I agree with you. I can tell you the engine idles fine and runs smoothly and still accelerates well. I'll take your advice and definitely get a compression test done. I'm pretty sure the rear main seal is leaking but definitely worth checking the items you mentioned.

 

ECP Auto Service
794 Raymond Blvd
Newark NJ 07105

Frank SeSilva knows what he is doing, his prices are reasonable, he gets the car done when he says it will be done and he's a nice guy as well.

If you want to pay more...

Shade Tree Garage
171 Washington Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-540-9880

They also do great work but their prices are close to the dealer.

///Rich

 

Possible on rear main those are hard to get to but they are generally ok. that vacuum pump leaks from the bottom around and down the trans edge, at that mileage the vacuum pump should just get changed, pierburg is oem and they are not too expensive and easy to get at. The biggest leaker that can really empty out the oil is the turbo oil line, if its original it leaks down behind the turbo and the whole front area is a mess its a bit harder but not like a rear main, If you can get those two checked and dealt with give it a bit and see if the rear main is just a tiny thing if so I would live with it, well I just rebuild the whole car but thats getting carried away.

 

You may want to check out Helix Motorsports near Philly.

Lomedico Exotic Motors do great work, but they are in Shrewsbury (Monmouth County).

 

Thanks for the responses. This is like going to the doctors. You always want 2nd opinions before doing any surgery