2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Is this the direction I should be heading?

Ditch it and buy an R53.............:biggrin5:

 

This is what we decided with my wife's 09 MCS, not being mean or rude here, just being honest. Her car was going out of the factory warranty in June. We were either going to get an extended warranty, sorry, but there is no way I will own a 2nd gen car without one, or, sell hers and get a older 1st gen car. When we called our dealer, where we bought her car, we found out to extend the warranty was going to be $3700. :eek6: So......we took her car to CARMAX, got a quote of $17,000. We then proceeded to look for a 1st gen. And found an amazing 06 JCW convertible, aero kit, all Carbon fiber interior, ect. We bought this car for.....get this....$15,000 :biggrin5: I still had 7 days to sell her car, did so, and got $19,000 for it. So...we saved $7700 bucks and got a super nice, essentially bullet proof car to boot. Hope all goes well with whatever choice you make

 

+ 1 R53 all day long.

 

You do realize that the whole "buy an R53" was tongue-in-cheek.........I don't think anyone here would seriously tell someone "I told you so" in regards to their car purchase. I am sorry if my comment caused anyone any problems, it was simply a poke at the whole R53 vs R56 debate.

I sincerely hope the engine problems are not as serious as some have suggested.

 

There is a R56 in the shop that threw the chain, bent every intake valve, very strange looking when every valve is open at the same time. Hit the tops of the pistons, looks like they should be ok though. Make sure all you 2nd gen people check your oil all the time.

 

Holy crap that huge chunk out of that valve and that carbon build up is crazy. Sorry but I don't know anyone doing R56 head rebuilds.

After you get everything back up and running you may want to think about adding a Methanol kit to keep the carbon cleaned up in the entire system.

Howerton Engineering, LLC

Howerton Engineering, LLC – MINI

 

Another head "rebuilder" is Thumper Performance --- a sponsor / vendor for this forum. A couple years ago, I bought one of his TPR1 heads (stock size valves) for my R56. Great results! I suggest you contact him for current info.

Can't comment on smog controls 'cause my neighborhood doesn't require them.

Best of luck with your engine rebuild ---

 

Well......the basic readers, the ones that cost $50 bucks can only do so much, I actually use a scanguage, it only reads and clears so much. Now there is a software called, "Bavarian Technic", that does much more, that's what my mechanic used to use, but still way more limited than what he has now, the main BMW software. But it, the main BMW software, cost's BIG BUCKS!!!!!! Here is the info on the Bavarian Technic, which is sold by FES, a vendor here on MA:

BTW, the Pro software seems to do more than the original stuff they had, but not sure how much more?

BAVARIAN TECHNIC DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE

Diagnostic Software for BMWs and MINIs.
Finally! Diagnostic software for BMWs and MINIs. Covers all new Minis, R50-R57! And it talks to all the subsystems, not just the OBD-II system. This software even lets you modify the service interval count and mileage! It can read and clear fault codes from all modules that "talk" via the diagnostic bus including the ABS system (airbag light). All normal OBD-II functions are supported as well. It will do real time data logging from modules that support it. Enthusiast system is limited to three VINs.

OBD-II Codes and Datalogging - Service Interval Modification
Air Bag System Checks - Supports many Subsystems
Free Software Updates!
This is a hardware and software tool that plugs into your Windows PC's USB port (check system requirements). Once plugged into the car, the tool is capable of communicating with the different system control units in the car.





Bavarian Technic Diagnostic SW
Finally! Diagnostic software for BMWs and MINIs. Covers all new Minis, R50-R57! And it talks to all the subsystems, not just the OBD-II system. Enthusiast system is limited to three VINs and does not include the command console.
$ 286.95

Bavarian Technics Pro Software
Finally! Diagnostic software for BMWs and MINIs. Covers all new Minis, R50-R57! And it talks to all the subsystems, not just the OBD-II system. Pro Version has no vin limit and supports module coding.
$ 674.95

 

There's a really nice 06 on Tarheel Minis forum, low mileage too.

 

Ignore those troglodytes. You have a really good turbocharged car to reclaim.

Before you remove the head, pull the intake manifold and check for carbon build up. Carbon may be holding your #3 intake valve open causing your compression to fall to zero, you may be able to clean up your intake ports and valves and get full functionality back.

Dave

 

I think it's very unlikely that carbon is holding the valve open, for one thing you'd hear the sound of a loose lifter clattering.

I think your first idea is the best, pull the head and see what's going on, then you'll know what to do to get it back on the road. I can almost bet you've had a timing chain problem.

You make no mention of it making noise before it went into limp mode, but black smoke and sudden oil usage along with 0 compression in one cylinder are not harbingers of good news.

Let us know what you find.

Are you an experienced mechanic? If not maybe you should let the shop do the job for you?

 

#3 is the cylinder that I am pretty sure is known to fail on the R56.

I would pull the oil pan and the head. See if you chipped a piston or cracked one. Not uncommon.

R53 nut swingers are funny.

 

Though I do agree that it's funny to see people's solution to someones problem simply being "Buy what I bought, because clearly I know better than you"... You have to admit that saying in the same response "Cylinder known to fail.... chipped or cracked piston.... not uncommon" doesn't bode well for the argument that our R56's are better Sound like pretty serious and detrimental "common" issues to me. As a matter of fact, you now have me worrying about my R56.

 

0 compression in 1 cylinder sure sounds like a problem for major concern, but I'm with you in hoping it's not, for the OP's sake. I don't have the money or patience or available downtime for major engine troubles right now, and wouldn't wish it on anyone!

And I'm sure most people are just joking about the whole R53/56 thing, but in my short time here, I've seen it so much, I wonder who seriously is making childish "mine is better than yours because it's mine and not yours" remarks and meaning them... lol

 

Hey Brett.

Off topic but did you get the PCV caps installed?

On topic, I think most cars that shell out a piston would not make it very far. Along with a multitude of screeching and chatter from a a piston slapping around. Hearing the hiss after the car has been shut down would make me hope for a faulty head gasket.

 

Allow me to help without getting into a R56 vs. R53 discussion.

You need to do a leak down test to see where the sealing failure is occurring within cylinder #3. Take that step first before you know what the true failure path is. You can play the guessing game all day long, but always diagnose before you prescribe.