1st Gen R50 Cooper Motor Mount Options and Opinions

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by daviday, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
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    I'm considering doing all the powerflex inserts as I think* my mounts need to be replaced. At least one of them definitely does. My question is, well my three questions are, (i) If I think my mounts are shot, should I replace them in addition to installing the powerflex inserts. (ii) I have a 06/03 build date base Cooper, which from what I understand has a solid rubber mount as opposed to the oil filled mount. How is this effected if at all? Finally, (iii) Is there a noticeable amount more vibration with the powerflex inserts?

    Thanks fellas.
     
  2. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    My experience with the Powerflex inserts on my 2003 JCW was an uncomfortable increase in NVH, I had them in there for about 2 months and took them out again.....much better!
     
  3. daviday

    daviday Active Member

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    Thanks for the reply. From what I've read I think I'll be happier just replacing the mounts rather than going with the powerflex inserts also. I was sort of hoping I'd get sold on the doing the inserts though. While I actually enjoy taking the car apart, I also hate having to do things twice. Time to figure out which mount to do first I guess.

    The car has an odd vibration when I come to a stop occasionally. If I tap the throttle it smooths out and goes away. I just had the center exhaust hanger welded back on today as it cracked off. Hoping that was the root.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  6. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    His are 13 years old now, how long do they need to last?
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Forever like MINI Trans fluid. :lol::lol:
     
  8. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    I have the mounts if you need them.
    More and more I see cars with trashed mounts. its really getting out of hand.
     
  9. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    Blew my first mount at 15,000 miles... Buy Colin's mounts and be done with it.
     
  10. daviday

    daviday Active Member

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    Can't figure out how to multi quote :confused5:

    Dave, I'm not sure I can stomach spending that much on mounts for a car with 100hp. Don't get me wrong though, if I can replace the mounts and get 40k miles out of them, while being comfortable, I'll be pretty happy.

    Don't get me started on the trans fluid. The first bit of maintenance I did on the car was redline fluid. Not long after I was on the phone with John Tee. I've sometimes wonder if this is a hazing recommendation for new owners.

    Colin, thank you. I have access to a wholesale parts suppliers locally though. I priced them a few months ago and I think I can get all of them, including lower trans mount, for less than $200.
     
  11. daviday

    daviday Active Member

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    Are the r50 and r53 mounts interchangeable?
     
  12. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    Since yours is an 2003 (good top mount), I would replace the top mount with OEM if it even needs to be replaced. For the other two mounts, I would stay away from Poly. Either go OEM or Vibra-Technics. I would suggest OEM for your usage.
     
  13. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    How many times do they have to fail before that 200$ replacment cost adds up?
     
  14. daviday

    daviday Active Member

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    #14 daviday, Apr 20, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2016
    Thanks for confirming the stock top mount. I'm not completely sure what needs to be replaced to be honest.

    Totally valid point and the main thing I'm considering. Not trying to come off as an "askhole".
     

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