Thinking of buying this...advice please!!

Thinking of buying this...advice please!!

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FrankCayman

Original Poster:

2,121 posts

214 months

Thursday 11th February 2016
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Thinking of buying this as a 'station' car to take the miles off my Cayman (now the new ones are going to be 4 cyl turbo, I want to hang on to my 6cyl as long as possible!!!).

Who would you suggest to replace the engine and roughly how much would it cost?

Cheers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Cooper-S-2007-Astro...

FrankCayman

Original Poster:

2,121 posts

214 months

Friday 12th February 2016
quotequote all
NCKGRY said:
I have just looked into engine rebuilds due to failure of my timing chain on my JCW - a very common fault on the turbo engines. The upside of this is there are lots of rebuilders repairing N14 engines and a I have seen quotes for a refurbished engine fitted from around £2.5k to over £6k if you get an engine from BMW.

Because of the timing chain failures - which potentially write off the engine - avoid 'used' engines and very carefully check what has been done to the refurbished units and get a decent warranty on the rebuild (none of this 3 month rubbish!). Alternatively find a non-turbo Cooper or an earlier or later model without the poorly designed N14 engine!

BTW - totally agree with you on Porsche! Am hoping to nurse my flat six Boxster into old age rather then go the flat 4 turbo route - although I must confess I haven't driven one!
Many thanks for your comprehensive response....food for thought....and glad somebody else feels the same re the 4 pot Porsches...though like you...not driven one yet!!!

Anyway, many thanks again

Frank

FrankCayman

Original Poster:

2,121 posts

214 months

Friday 12th February 2016
quotequote all
Brompty said:
I have to ask - why this one in particular? Its broken already.

Get an R53 engine - described as bullet proof by some. The R56 has many well documented problems and I think a replacement engine will just be the start of your journey with this car (the advert states, 'It has recently had a new turbo and clutch and the head gasket was replaced last year.' And the windscreen is cracked. The colour is nice though...). Walk away.

If you just want a car for the station, get a One or Cooper. If you want fun get a Cooper S. Any of these options will be better than this one and will cost far less in the short, medium and long term.
Indeed Brompty, I am starting to come around to that way of thinking. I guess I was seduced by the look of this car.....but I do concur....replacing a unreliable engine with a new unreliable engine is rather...um...unreliable!

Appreciate your thoughts

Yours, Frank

FrankCayman

Original Poster:

2,121 posts

214 months

Wednesday 17th February 2016
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Well, it went for £2,450.00, so clearly somebody thought it was worth a punt!

Me? I will just add a few more miles on the 981 until something pops up.......

Your comments are all appreciated.....many thanks, gents!