As we all do, I endure stop and go traffic routinely. First and second gears (manual transmission) always tend to 'bounce' the motor when let off or apply the gas.

Is this a symptom of the torque arm or motor mounts? I understand the engine is meant to 'rotate' a little when it starts torque-ing, but it seems excessive.

Granted, this is my first FWD car, with the motor mounted sideways, so the engine movement is foreign to me.

Is there a fix or is the fix just "get used to it, n00b."

 

+1 on that... it is annoying.

 

Are you asking if the jaunt is excessive? Or the movement is excessive?
Do you have the engine torque arm poly inserts that stiffen up the OEM rubber?

The jaunt is from the combination of several things including the transmission (gears meshing), the engine (no throttle engine coasting) and the mounts.
Those all create some slack creating the hesitation jaunt you're referring to.

- Erik

 

Jaunt...first time I've heard that. But it's not really when shifting. More like, you accelerate, then traffic stops in front of you (or you come to a stop sign or something) so you take your foot of the gas and let the engine slow you. There's a noticeable jolt...then, if you hit the gas again (no clutch, just going from no gas to gas) there's another jolt.

I haven't changed anything from OEM at this point. I don't want to chase the problem with money. I'd rather diagnose the problem and either fix the culprit or replace what needs replacing.

 

From driving other small engined FWD cars its pretty normal to have this to some degree.

 

Correct, that's the momentum of the car (when slowing down) tacking up the slack.
An engine mount can reduce some of that, but there's still 'play' with the gears meshing within the transmission.

As noted above, it is normal.

- Erik

 

Okay, it's normal...but is there any way to mitigate the effect? Driver mod or TAI or?

 

Firmer poly engine mounts.

 

Does this Behaviour get worse as the car ages? My mini is 3 yes old and I notice more now... Same with my last car but it took until about 5 hrs old.

 

Yes it does. Mounts, bushings, and other connecting parts do "stretch", loosen up or wear overtime.


- Erik

 

The engine mounts on the R56 are pretty sloppy. Get a set of the NM Engineering torque arm bushings and that will eliminate a lot of the rocking.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-engi...nt-insert.html

 

I sure wish you'd take Paypal. Or, I wish Paypal still had their plugin that created a credit card number to use at non paypal vendors.

 

Sorry we don't take PP, just had too many bad experiences. But we are happy to take Visa, MC, or Discover.

 

is this part easy to install myself? or do i need to take my car to Atlanta, Way?

 

The torque arm inserts are simple to install. Get under the car, loosen two bolts (remove one completely), slip on the torque arm inserts, put the torque arm back on.

You just need to get the car in the air (ramps or jackstands) and a torque wrench is advisable.