Hi all,
I am an owner of a Mini Cooper S R56, model of 05/2008.
I have approximately 55000 miles and at this point I have a consumption of about 0,6 ltrs per 1000 Kms.
It has been proposed to me to rebuilt the engine in order to solve this issue and in more detail to:
1) Clean all valves from carbon built up
2) Change piston rings
3) Change the springs in the intake valves (11347562716)
4) Apply the BMW Sealing Kit (13647600869 if I am not mistake)

Also, in addition to the below, I added a full turbine service (although it was not proposed). The total prices quoted having in mind the crazy greek prices was about 2600$.

Can I please ask your opinion if it really worth doing this job and if it will actually solve the issue?

Regarding the regular services I have to say that up to now I change the oil every 5k miles top, I have changed twice already the spark plugs and I have arranged to change for the second time the fuel filter.

Thank you

 

My 07 justa uses about a quart every 3,000 miles. Forced induction cars, turbo cars, generally consume a little more oil.

Minis consuming oil is apparently a pretty normal thing, a quick search of this site should render alot of discussions on the topic. Oil consumption in newer cars in general seems pretty normal (vw claims a 1 quart loss for every 1,000 miles is acceptable in there 2.0l turbo motors from what ive read)

an engine rebuild may or may not solve the consumption issue, i honestly dont know, but it seems like a very expensive route to go

I have heard that cleaning the carbon from the intake system and valves is highly recommended for the r56 s on a regular basis. Have heard some people say every 30-50k miles and it leaves the car feeling like new for a while.

hope this helped

 

Hmmm $2600 for a repair that MIGHT solve the problem. I wouldn't do it. I would only rebuild the engine with better parts for a high performance build, not another block with OEM parts.

 

the point here that I would like to ask your opinion, is if these repairs are going to fix the problem. I have read almost everything regarding this matter and I cannot find a clear explanation regarding the nature of this oil consumption.
Therefore, this is what I am asking, that if I proceed with these repairs will have any effect.
and of course, i will end up with a practically new engine...

 

I don't think you'll find anyone who can give you a definitive answer. I doubt even your mechanic proposing to do the work is willing to give you a definitive answer. Without a clear source/reason for the oil usage, any solution is really a trial and error attempt to fix the problem.

 

Complete waste of money what until the oil consumption is worse. It may never get worse.

 

As stated, a refresh isn't a guranteedfix for your problem. If your turbo is bad, then all of that will be for not. However, chances are your consumption is in your head or your rings so the shot gu n technique could work.

 

Waste of money... If a brand new Mini uses oil, why would your rebuilt engine be any different? Just no way of telling what the outcome will be. It's not like an old Chevy with 200,000 miles that starts using oil and you rebuild the engine. More than likely the Chevy won't burn oil afterwards. Go buy a brand new Mini and chances are 50/50 it'll use oil with 2 miles on it. I say no. Save the money for a down payment on another Mini or other car down the road.

 

I would say you are within the limits that MINI states are fine.

1000 klm = 621.37 miles
0,6 ltrs = 0.6 quarts.

so if you calculate up to 1000 miles we get multiplier of 1.62

621 miles X 1.62 = 1006 miles

0.6 quarts X 1.62 = 0.972 Quarts

MINI states that you can burn 1 quart for every 1000 miles so you are near but still above the limit.

And not only does MINI/BMW think this is okay but many others like Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota just to name a few think this is acceptable on some of their engines.

There are many threads here that explain this in many different ways.

So I would not spend the money on a rebuild that only has a 50/50 chance of making you feel better when in reality there is no problem.

 

Couldn't agree more, plus you can buy a lot of oil for $2600. My non-turbo used a couple of quarts up in the first 10k miles but hasn't since then (now at 56,000 miles).

 

Have you check for leaks in the valve cover and oil pan cover?

 

I have checked the car at least 4 times all around (and below).
And we have changed the valve cover (the plastic one) twice up to now.
There are no signs of leakage anywhere.
It is just consuming the oil (but no white smoke since it is not so much).
Yesterday i had my oil and filter changed again.
Now I will measure it again for the next 1000 kms (620 miles).

 

Oil brand an weight can have significant effect on consumption or not.
Make sure you're using an approved synthetic oil; it could make a large difference.

- Erik

 

Only the oil that the official dealership provides since I do the oil changes every 5000 miles there...along always with the filter.