During service it was recommended to tighten? or replace engine torque mounts?, too much engine movement. My car only has ~30k miles. Is this common maintenance for r56 and how do I check myself to verify?

 

With only 30K miles, it should be under warranty and a dealership should replace it. This is not a common failure, but it is often upgraded to a stiffer unit for improved performance. One of the easiest parts to replace --- if you're agile and have access to a jack stand.

The unit is designed to pivot on both bolts, but only pivot, there should be no front-to-back or up-down play on either bolt. With the car safely supported on a jack stand, you can crawl under and manually move the engine forward and back a little bit, to observe movement. Or, completely remove the unit and visually inspect it --- the engine will not fall out.

I just happen to have a slightly used, complete NM Eng unit for sale, not just the inserts but the entire housing with inserts installed. Inserts cost me $60 but weren't strong enough for the beast I built, so I bought a Vibra-Technics unit that replaced the entire assembly. If you're interested, I'll sell the NM unit for $20 and pay USA shipping. PM me for details, pics, etc.

 

The torque arm inserts are a great upgrade. I used the Powerflex street version on both ends. The large end is 2 formed inserts, I did the small end too which you will have to press the original bushing out. Powerflex makes a race version that is a harder durometer but I choose the street and am happy with it. BSH makes a complete new unit but I read about people saying it was hard for street use.

 

OK, on 2nd reading, this is a guessing game --- 30K miles on an R56? You probably mean you have a rebuilt engine with 30K miles. If so, the rest of the car, including the engine torque mount, has lots more miles.

Be advised, not all engine torque mounts are the same --- there are differences in model years, and when you "upgrade", you almost always lose some of the "comfort" of the OEM version --- upgrades are almost always done for performance and introduce noise / vibration --- including the item I'd like to sell, which came out of an '07 R56 hatchback. Part numbers can be verified on Real OEM's web site if you decide to have it replaced by someone other than a dealer.

Have fun with this project ---

 

thanks for the reply's. it is the original motor and everything stock, just low mileage, no longer under warranty. it's not really an upgrade, just it was recommended to me at maintenance service that i have too much engine movement and should replace torque mounts. was just wondering if this is a common mainenance for r56.

thanks for the part offer, but not sure if i want added noise/vibrations.

 

The Powerflex torque mount inserts are a great upgrade, makes the car a bit more responsive and makes shifting easier too.

 

If your use name is any indication, you have a 2012 MCS? While replacing the torque mount is not normal maintenance, the rubber can get old and start to crack. An inexpensive fix would be to install the PowerFlex insert. BUT, that will transmit more vibrations and noise into the cabin. It’s not that bad, but you should know. If you want the car to drive like a new Cooper, just get a replacement OEM mount and swap it out.

It is a super easy task to change out the torque arm, or add the PowerFlex insert. Get the front of the car on ramp, remove two bolts, and it falls right out. Install is the reviewer of removal.

 

If it's not torn and broke I'd just add the powerflex torque inserts
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...unt-large.html