I'm a newcomer to this forum -- seeking information about issues associated with the following situation, which is, in a nutshell: I purchased a 2012 Mini Cooper S with 25K, and two days in had a head-on collision with a rogue semi tire on the freeway. Drove 3 miles to the next exit, car overheated and blew head gasket (in addition to miscellaneous other damage - intercooler, water pump, front bumper, etc.)

Thankfully, my insurance company is covering all repairs, and everything else is complete (the engine damage didn't reveal itself until they were finished). They are now investigating options for the engine -- all depends on extent of damage and availability of adequate replacement parts.

My questions for anyone out there who may have experience in this area are these:

How long will it likely take to complete an engine replacement/head gasket repair?

Are the S-model engines fundamentally different than the base-model engines, or is the turbocharger on the S-model the only difference? (Sorry if that's a stupid question).

In the event that it is just the head gasket (no crack or warp of head or block), would it be better (for the car) to replace it rather than replacing the whole engine?

Thanks so much!

 

The "Justa" uses a fairly different engine than the "S" or the "JCW" model does. It has a different designation, uses a different fuel injection system, the compression ratio is different, and there are more differences.

So don't think you can get a Straight Cooper engine and slap a turbo on it and have an S engine. It's gotta be the right kind from the start.

 

My dealership had MR CHOW's engine replaced within two days.