I have a 2003 R50 base model hatch with just over 66,000 miles on it. This past weekend while driving, there was catastrophic engine failure that hasn't been fully diagnosed.
I had one mechanic look at it, to diagnose the issue and he stopped when he saw a hole the size of a silver dollar at the top of the first cylinder. Now I'm lost as to what I should do. The car was gifted to me about 1.5 years ago by my grandmother, who has since passed on, so I'm left without all of the service records for this car.
I know at one point the first cylinder had been sleeved, as a repair. I've been told that's an improper solution to any damage in the cylinder and that the engine should have been replaced instead. Now i must have the engine replaced.
I'd like to keep the car because A) it's a mini and the most fun I've ever had on the road, B) Sentimental reasons, C) anything I could get to replace it wouldn't come close.
What I really need to know is if there is any chance I can salvage my mini for less than the $6,500 the dealer quoted me. Would a used engine be a good option? Can I do any replacement work myself and hope for success? Would I be able to put an engine from a totaled Mini in (provided it's damaged in places other than the engine)?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

A independent shop is usually cheaper than the dealer.

If you possess decent skills then you can replace an engine yourself. I'd recommend getting the Bentley manual if you do. To save money you could go with a used engine. Talk to Way Motor Works to see what he has to offer.

 

+1

A reputable Salvage Yard would be a good place to find a good used engine for a savings about $2000.00, but if you wanted to go Dealer supplied remanufactured short engine runs about $3500.00 a New one is about $4700.00

Example:

http://parts.miniofkennesaw.com/show...category=19711

No matter what you do, best of luck.

Motor on!

 

Depending on where your located at Way Motor Works in Atlanta GA. would be a good source for a used engine and they could do the install as well. If he is too far way, find a local shop to rebuild a junk yard engine for you.. I'd think you could get out for $3000-3500 with that and install.. Maybe less depending on price from junk yard price. there will be other costs most likely like clutch kit. Might as well put a new one in while everything is apart..

 

We've had good luck installing junk yard engines, but it's not without risk. Most yards warranty their engines for a year, but that doesn't cover the cost of removal, assembly and reinstallation--about $2K. Also budget for replacing accessories on the motor like pulleys, brackets, hoses and wiring: when the monkeys remove motors in yards, they limit their tool chest to chainsaws and bats.

 

Sound like you broke a valve and then more damage after it broke. I would consider a new or rebuilt engine if you can afford it. If you have mechanical skills and time then the used one and you do the work. Not to say you couldn't also buy a new/used one and install it your self. Good luck I have done it both way over the years. The Race engine ever for us had two sleeves and won a number of big races for us. .60 over 350 chevy.

Tom

 

I have a few used bare blocks available $400 plus ship.

 

Thank you all very much for the information and the well wishes.
My concern with buying a bare block is that once I'm elbow deep under the hood i'll find that other components need replacing as well, in addition to the block. I'd prefer to not fall down the rabbit hole spending money on parts as they become necessary. I live in Baltimore MD if you guys can give any local suggestions for yards I can check with.

 

car-parts.com is a great resource for searching wreckers. After you put in the model and year and what part you are looking for (choose "engine"), you can search by distance or cost, etc. Many of those prices are open to negotiation. I have used LKQ in Frederick (they are a nationwide company), but you will find lots of choices there. I live in Rockville - and pulled the engine on my 2003 R53 last year. Feel free to ping me if you get deeper into it.

It's worth thinking a little about the 5-year plan. Since it sounds like you have some attachment to the car and want to keep it long term.
It would be worth replacing high-risk parts even with a running engine - timing chain and guides, oil pump, engine dampener pulley, belt & belt tensioner, alternator, water pump, thermostat, etc. Take a good look at the engine mounts, too.

Good news is you don't have to vent the AC system to change the engine, you can just shift everything out of the way and work around it.

Definitely a good time to replace all the coolant and heater hoses if they haven't been replaced previously.

Sort of low miles to consider a clutch, and you didn't mention if it was a MT or not, but it will be sitting right under your nose if it is a MT and you have the engine out.

 

A while back I replaced the engine in a '97 Saturn SC2. What would take an experienced mechanic in a shop just a day, took me a week in my driveway (I took vacation), but I did it. The car ran great up to the day I gave it to an unemployed friend (when I bought my first MINI, an R53). I bought a re-manufactured engine from NAPA. Paid around $2500 for it. (You can pay less if you want an engine that was less fully overhauled.)

MINI engines are rarer and pricier than GM's economy segment, but you might find a complete one in a junkyard for a few grand. As mentioned, talk to WMW; they keep wrecked MINIs on hand as a source for parts. As someone else said, an independent shop will do the work for much less than dealer rates.

 

[QUOTE=MiniMDVR;4036201]Thank you all very much for the information and the well wishes.
My concern with buying a bare block is that once I'm elbow deep under the hood i'll find that other components need replacing as well, in addition to the block. I'd prefer to not fall down the rabbit hole spending money on parts as they become necessary. I live in Baltimore MD if you guys

Another rabbit hole to consider is the Midlands transmission on the 2003 R50.
Not as problematic as the CVT's, but they do fail more often than they should.

 

If I'm hoping to build up from a bare block, can I reasonably expect to salvage things such as the crank, rods, pistons etc. ? As a senior in high school, I'm at a place budget wise that keeps me from considering the "should probably be replaced" parts and focusing on what I absolutely need to replace.

 

Just got my car towed back yesterday as we were having inclement weather. Once off loaded the driver handed me this. https://i.imgur.com/L9LN3sK.jpg
Frustrating that something so little could cause such a problem.