My baby is in need of some new motor mounts.

I'll try and be as detailed as possible because these mounts are confusing me a bit.

I can definitely tell that (what I know as the 'Upper Engine Mount') needs replacing:

You can clearly see the breaks in the rubber.

My mini is a 2003 R53 Cooper S, so (what I know as the 'Passenger Side Engine Mount') this engine mount is the rubber mount, which I understand is hydraulic filled. This seems to be in good condition, and I cannot spot any leaks anywhere:

I was unable to get a picture of the lower engine mount as I have no jack stand, or ramps.

I can only assume that the lower engine mount will also need to be replaced if the UEM is in that poor of condition.

My question being, should I go ahead and replace all 3 of these mounts? I'm leaning towards just getting all 3 in case ones fine, and soon fails and puts stress on the newer ones.

The OEM parts are pretty cheap and I can get all 3 for around $200 from WMW.

My 2nd question is, is it worth replacing any of these with aftermarket mounts? I know TSW makes a passenger side mount for $150, and also BSH makes their LEM for 119$.

Are these worth the upgrades?

and FINALLY.. if I were to upgrade the Passenger Side Mount, does this take the place of both the Passenger Side, AND the Upper Mounts?

Thanks a ton for the help. This has been a pain in the rear so I'm ready to get this taken care of!

 

it seems no one ever helps on these threads (i have one open no one helped me on)
i have an R50 (same thing minus the supercharger) and this is what i did:

I ordered from Way Motor Works the OEM upper and lower Passenger engine mounts for $156 shipped. No one seem to be able to tell me how the TSW mount was different other than it was Taller somehow. i also learned that the TSW is more susceptible to cold weather damage if you don't allow them to warm up for 5-10 minutes.


If you just looking for new mounts i would go OEM, If you want performance mods and are willing to sit and idle during the winter than i would go TSW.

the driver side engine mount is visible if you lay on the ground and look under the air box (it's right next to your ps Fan for easy locating). I plan to replace my lower one with a OEM mount as soon as i have the money and time to do so.


I hope this helps, happy motoring
Rusty

 

Thanks for the reply Rusty. Only reason I've been contemplating getting aftermarket mounts is the durability issue. I've heard the OEM parts fail pretty quickly. How are yours holding up?

 

mine are trashed, bottom passenger mount is sunken (idk if there's hydraulic fluid left in mine) the top passenger mount only has one of the "spokes" torn, and i can't really see the driver side mount yet.
i have 109,000 miles on them. they're suppose to be good for 70k

 

bump

 

The top passenger side mounts from 2005/2006 models are different than the 2001-2004 models and are prone to leakage. Mine lasted 5 years. However, they are fairly inexpensive to replace so I decided they are wear n tear items you just replace every 5 years or so. Not sure if the first gen mounts are still available, so you might end up getting the fluid filled ones from the 2005/6 models, if you so choose to stick with stock.

I used the BSH lower mount for about 6 months and decided, though there was a noticeable improvement in performance, it introduced too much noise and vibration into the passenger compartment for my liking. So I went back to the stock one. I would sell you my BSH mount if you want it, but the shipping cost might be more than if you just bought a brand new one yourself from Way or somebody else.

I am of the opinion that once the top one goes, you should replace it ASAP so the bottom one doesn't break due to the added stress.

 

i was trying to decide whether to go stock or not but i dont really see the point in my situation (no engine mods or anything). thanks for the info. Way has some old oem ones i think i'll grab along with some other parts. cheers

 

I am running with the BSH Lower and TSW upper like you were talking about. The upper was trashed and decided that I may as well do both. I love the BSH even though it does give you more MVH. I personally like that feedback. As far as the cold weather issue like rustyeuro was referring to, I do not feel living in Louisiana I will have that problem. My "upper engine mount" is broken just like yours is in your picture. For that one I am going to just order the factory replacement from Way on Monday with the rest of an order.

 

ok cool. i decided just to go with oem upper and lower, since i dont drive it particularly hard. i will probably get the tsw upper once that one goes but as for now it looks like its in perfect condition. just ordered today.. looking forward to having that fresh mount feel!

 

that fresh mount feel is amazing btw