Hello,

Long story short, we're having to buy a new engine for our 2006 MCS. The MINI is at 98,000, and I was thinking since the engine will be out and the supercharger will be swapped anyway, it would be a good time to service it and possibly install one of the rechargers from Imperial MINI. However, I've been told by a mechanic (one of the people I'm considering for the job of replacing the engine) that this could cause the supercharger to fail due to the change in fluid viscosity. In other words, the new fluid would be to thick for the supercharger to work properly, since it has been running on old thin fluid (or in the case of most superchargers this ones age, no oil at all). He said I'm better off waiting until mine fails…at which point I'll have to pay an astronomical price to have a new one installed. (Did I mention I'm having an engine installed?! $$$$$$$$)

Is there any truth to this? Are there any mechanically inclined individuals that have input? Thank you!!!

 

Makes no sense at all.

 

Find a new mechanic.

 

I have kind of heard the same thing in regards to a transmission that has a lot of miles and has never been serviced. Many people on NAM do the supercharger oil change without any problems afterwards. I would change the oil especially if you are having an engine installed.

 

Yup...get a new mechanic...
Changing the oil in a sc is a dubious $$ saver, but to say it will cause failure...ouch!!
If you use the right oil...no issues...its the oil that is put in when it is rebuilt...

 

P.S.
A REBULT SC, a quality unit is about $800-1000 plus install....
Adding lube is only a stop gap fix if the seals are letting the oil leak out...
So the add the oil adder...IMO kind of a waste...if the seals are bad, it NEEDS TO BE REBUILT.
And if you are paying for a motor swap...it should be about $40 in oil, and a couple seals/gaskets to change or lube a sc....so almost free...the sc is usually off for a water pump swap...possible to leave it in place...but the "story" you are getting told is pure BS....
I might be very nervous that the shop you are talking to is bending you over.....no vasoline or lube, and...er..well...you fill in the blanks...
How much for a motor change?

 

Thank you for the comments. The dealer estimated it at $7850.00, and the mechanic's estimate is $7,200.00.

 

Are you 100% sure you want to go new?! Investing 90% of the value of a car with a new motor is an iffy prospect in most cases....everything else is still aging and rusting...
A quality used motor with a warrenty might make more sense...about $2500-3500, plus install...
The value of a car with a new motor will not go up much...so it is worth more to you then anybody, and if it was wrecked the day after the motor is installed, you are going to take a big loss...
Most shops can source a motor with similar or slightly lower miles...limiting your risks unless you plan on keeping the car forever, and sholder the risks of a full loss...

 

You would go with a non dealer shop for $600?? That seems kind if penny wise pound foolish to me. Is the shop a well known mini independent shop or some random shop? With mini at least it would be warrantied nation wide. My dealer emails me 10% off coupons all the time...that would make up the gap very fast.

Call the dealer and ask them to match if you want to do this but to zippy's note seems like too much to spend.

 

I am with Zippy.
That is a lot to spend for a new motor especially without a new supercharger/water pump. Maybe a used motor or rebuilt motor would be a better option.
I would replace the supercharger and water pump with new. Not just change the oil. You can get the whole supercharger/water pump/gasket kit for $1600.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/superch...e-r52-r53.html
Even cheaper if you get the rebuilt supercharger, which would be a great option.

 

I recently serviced my supercharger with 83K on it. There was still oil in it, but I changed it anyway and it is working great!

Find a new mechanic.

 

What's wrong with the engine? Methinks I would shop around for second,third maybe fourth opinions.