Two days ago I was driving home on the highway. Temp sensor came on and then check engine followed by the low oil pressure. Pulled over and had the car towed to the mini dealer. They are now telling me that my 07 Cooper S with 51,000 mi has a blown head gasket from a leaking water pump. Could this have anything to do with the recall? They are telling me I need a complete motor for $10,000 and it's not covered. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks
Sorry about your motor that just sucks. I don't think any recall is going to cover it. I don't know where on this plant you are located but M/A has many sponsors that may be able to assist. Detroit Tuned Helix WMW
Yah, it's all gonna be out of pocket. I'm in SoCal.What's your take on motor: new, rebuilt, after market. It's a daily driver.
I think right now, my best bet to get it back on the road reliably. Would love to tune it, but don't have a second vehicle and I still owe on the loan.
You could always try: We buy any car.com and see what the will give you or buy a beater until you can have your MINI fixed the right way once. Your whole situation sucks about having a blown motor feel bad for you man.
A few things to think about there. Being it has on 51k miles and the water pump / thermostat has been an issue with these cars I'd try the following. Talk nicely to the dealer, were all the oil changed done at least annually at a dealer and are there records. They know the water pump / thermostat has been an issue. Remind them gently. Bring up the term "goodwill repair". Alternately in your region there are a few good shops with good folks that run them. In no particular order I'd give the following a ring. Scott over at Motoring Magic, Danny at MINICorsa, the folks over at MiniWorx. Hope it works out for the best for you. Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.
Thanks for all your help, gonna call the dealer on mon. One last thing, I have a mechanic I trust. Do you think I could reliably have him find and install a rebuilt? He is not a mini specialist, more of just a fix it guy. Just don't want to go down this road again. Thanks.
I had my motor replaced back in April with 75k on it. Bought a used motor with the same mileage from a rollover wreck for $3k and had it installed for $1500.
new engine with 2 yr warranty from MINI 4400.00 coolant 24.00 oil 40.00 turbo oil lines 80.00 labor disassemble/reassemble 12 hours 1188.00 tax 315.00 total for new (reman from MINI) with wtty 6045.00 Don't get ripped for 10k at the dealer Motoring Magic gives you a free rental car while we change your engine try MINI world for used, 818-768-4800 We DO NOT put used engines in R56 models
Everyone has made great points. I will add that if you think it was caused by a defective part that was covered by a recall give Mini North America a call. I had a BMW that was a year past the dead line to get repairs from a class action sute. They payed for half of the repair. BMW/MINI will work with you some times. I just know there is NO way I would give the dealer 10k for that job. Motoring Magic sounds like the way to go. Good luck let us know how it works out. Welcome to MA
The waterpump/thermostat housing is a known problem on second gen cars. While you're in there you'll want to do a flywheel & clutch at the same time. We had to put an engine in our 07 MCS at 80K miles and that's changing the oil every 5K miles or less. So reliability issues are out there. Wholesale price on a MINI reman engine was around 2300 bucks with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. But like Dave said, if you can avoid the stealership, DO IT!
That engine deal ended January 1st this year. the N14 engines were a great deal up till then, they are currently 1300 more wsale/retail
Engine swap I have a 2008 Cooper S 107K that overheated and now needs a working engine. Looking for a garage in the Long Island NY area that specializes in new or rebuilts. Would like to hand the car down to my son with a working motor.
I don't know any one in Long Island NY but Helix is only a few hours south in Philly and they do excellent work and have done many motor replacements and mods. Helix Motorsports Call and ask for Eric the owner: 267-335-4337