Not sure if this is the correct place to post this or not so I apologize in advance.

I have a 2013 Mini Hardtop, just the base model with nothing special, with just over 99K miles on it. The other week the check engine light came on, it was idling rough, and not accelerating well so I took it up the road to Advanced Auto to see what the codes are. Misfire in 1 and 2. Ok cool, its almost 100k miles and I haven't ever changed the coils, just changed the plugs last year, but I bought new coils and plugs to see if that fixes it. It did not.

I took it to the shop down the road, the guy is from South Africa and has worked on Mini's before, he checks it over and does a compression test and finds out the cylinder 1 is down to 10lbs. He told me with these cars that it's better off to replace the motor since with these cars once he opens it up chances are there are more problems and at that point a new motor would be cheaper. I was quoted ~3k for a new motor and ~1k for labor to install when the KBB on the car is ~2.2k - 5k with a working motor.

My questions to all of you:

1. Does what the mechanic is saying line up with what you have heard before?
2. What would you pay for a 2013 Hardtop that needs a new motor?

Thanks all!

 

1- 10psi is not whole lot to prompt an engine replacement, in my opinion. Just because he worked on Minis, doesn't necessarily mean he is trust worthy. I had a friend was told he needed an engine for a spun bearing from two different locations including the dealership only to find out it was the serpentine belt. it took me less than an hour to figured it out and replace it! Take it to another shop for a quote (don't tell them you already took it somewhere else). Also, check the timing chain, when was the last time it was addressed/replaced/checked?

2- most buyers will lowball you!

 

The timing chain has never been replaced or checked to my knowledge.

I forgot to mention that when I changed out the plugs, they were covered in oil and gunk. There was also oil in the coil well. I'm not sure if this changes your thinking at all.

 

It is possible that the valve cover was leaking and so there was some sort of vacuum leak. The timing chain could be stretched and due for replacement. Personally, I would remove the valve cover and take a look under there. Replaced the valve cover gasket and timing chain. In the grand scheme of things, it's still cheap to do these things and doesnt take too much time or money.

 

Find another shop that is a legit MINI/BMW shop as a cylinder only being 10psi low doesn't warrant an engine replacement. A proper diagnosis in this case will likely save you thousands.