Posted this question in the 2nd gen forum, oops, I still think of the Mini as the 1st gen. Anyhow:

We have an '03 MCS with 120,000 miles. The passenger side motor mount needs replacing. We received the replacement from the dealer and are now trying to remove the old one. It appears that it needs to be unscrewed from a stud on the frame rail, can anyone verify that? Any tips on how to remove it?

Bob

 

I’ve never removed it but I can show the parts picture http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...66&hg=22&fg=05 and a picture of the Torx (E, I don’t know the size) head; it is the silver bolt on the far right. It can be reached by removing the fender liner.

Lisle makes and inexpensive set of Torx E sockets (Sears and auto parts stores) which would be a worthwhile addition to the MINI tool kit. I’ve used my set on the door brake and clutch pressure plate so with any kind of mileage on the vehicle they won’t be a wasted purchase.

 

A TSW engine damper, installed over the stock engine damper, should extend its life as it takes a good deal of the stress off of it. I had the stock engine damper replaced once already inside of 20k miles, under warranty. And the TSW firms up the connectedness of the driving experience. Smooth up and down shifting is easier.

Zip

 

Thanks, I really appreciate that. Anyone know the torque spec?

Man I hate torx fittings. Why do manufacturers use those things!!

Bob

 

Why buy the TSW when you can get the LOTR damper for a better price?

 

Without knowing the grade of the bolt or thread pitch I will take a guess at 41 ft-lb because it's an M10 bolt on the chassis and that is a common value. If it has the grade stamped on the bolt then determine the pitch and look it up to be sure.

Page 010-8 in the Bentley Service Manual has a table for torque values and bolt grades. It shows an M10 with a 10.9 metric grade at 66Nm which converts to 48.7 lbf-ft.

I'm a little suprised it's an M10; I was expecting an M12 at 74 ft-lb.

 

It's an E14 and it is torqued to 41 ft-lbs. (56NM) and then tightened another 90°.

Steve

 

That's a perfectly good question.

Although I am generally price-driven, there are times when other factors override $$. I like the mounting design and location of the TSW better than the LOTR damper. To me, the TSW appears to be more functional in its workings and adjustability. A couple of the guys in my club tried both brands and decided the TSW was functionally (and aesthetically, if that's important to you) superior. After seeing both of them, I have to agree. Most of the guys in my club that have engine dampers have the TSW. And most of us are not rich.

Also, I didn't think the difference in price outweighed the differences in functionality I have outlined. To me, a little over a hundred bucks was a reasonable price for a device such as this. I didn't feel that the reduction in price of the LOTR unit was worth what I would not be getting. Would I have liked the TSW unit to be less expensive? Sure, but I'd like everything to be less expensive.

Does all this mean that the TSW is wonderful and the LOTR is crap? No, of course not. My views on the engine dampers are my views (and the views of most of the guys in my club, who have a lot more insight into these cars than I do).

Buy what you will. Spend what you want. The goal is to be happy. I'm happy.

Zip

 

Thanks, again, for the torque specs.

 

dont forget to replace that long torx bolt. any bolt that has to be tightened torque to yield is a one time use item