Purchased my '09 R53 mini used almost two years ago and having nothing but problems with it. Replacement after replacement and leak after leak. Over $5000 in repairs and now I am told there are more oil leaks that will require the engine to be pulled out to get to the leaks. This will be about $8000 more to do. The car is only worth about $8000. Anyone know any success stories or lawsuits out there right now that might be able to help? Thanks!

 

No. But that maybe because i'm not familiar with an 09 R53. Didn't know they made them past 06

 

Who is doing the diagnosis & repair? That is a lot of money for oil leaks. I had BMW give me a quote of $1300 for leaks on a BMW, I had an indy shop do the same items for $500. Next time something leaked I bought a seal snake oil product for $10 and it actually worked.
I still to this day can't believe it worked, but it sure was worth the $10

Can't imagine you'd have anyone to go after on this.

 

Find a different shop, you are getting fleeced. You can get a brand new engine for $8k.

 

^This^. Run away from that shop! Pull the motor to fix leaks? Oi.

 

I definitely would find a new shop or DIY the leaks yourself. These articles can help if you're DIY capable. Good luck!

-Luccia

 

I bought my R53 and my E53 from owners selling for a song after quotes like that for engine work. Don't know all the angles, but some shops see a nice import and seem to jack the prices up ... Get more quotes or DIY...

 

problem is that it is Global Imports Mini of Atlanta telling me this. They are one of two in the Atlanta market. They offered the repairs only. I went to Way Works Motors who is well know for his dedication and knowledge on Minis, and he is the one that told me about replacing the engine for cheaper ($6000) and it would have a 2 year warranty. Why I want to go after Mini USA is the defects in their engineering on these vehicles and that they do not stand behind their product. It has 86K miles on it and needs a new engine basically? I call this pretty Shi**y.

 

Really not sure what model 2009 MINI you have, but if it's a Cooper S it will have the problematic N14 engine.

Did you have this car checked out before buying it? What repairs have been done since you bought it?

 

I have not seen this car only talked to him on the phone. From my understanding he has an R56 MINI with the N14 engine and the two halves of the block are leaking. We've seen this issue before a few times as there is a bulletin that the factory didn't get enough sealant or used the wrong sealant in the corner.
The dealer quote is to remove the engine take it apart and reseal it then reinstall the engine.
We don't bother doing that as we can replace the engine with a brand new one cheaper than taking it out sealing it and reinstalling it. Also I've known guys that have done the reseal and later the bearings failed. So it's not an ideal situation.
Hope we can help him out.