Please Help - Could it be an engine mount bush fault update

[IH1]

Hi

So I take my car in to a BMW specialist to repair my faulty parking sensors.....this was done by pushing in one of the plugs which had come out. They were working fine, thought my problems were over....................how I was wrong!!!

Before I took my car, the main guy spoke to me for an hour about horror stories he has had while he worked at dealers (fobbing off customers etc etc). I finally get to drive my car and find at regular times I can hear a very loud humming noise from the back of the car. First I thought it was my stereo as it sounded like the hum of a stereo but it wasn't that. Then I realised it happened when the air con was turned on. I took the car back in today and he drove it and said without the air con on he can feel vibrations very slightly coming through the pedals and with the air con on its vibrating the whole bodywork.

After much stress throughout the day wondering whether it is a major problem, I go back to my car. Apparently after speaking to a guy at Stephen James (one of his contacts) he says one of the bushes supporting the engine mount has broke and so when the air con goes on, because it makes the engine decrease in power it causes major vibration throughout the bodywork.

Seeing as my car in an 03 MCS, 53,000 miles and I drove to Glastonbury (nasty ramps and fields), is this feasible? This fault has never happened to the car before so I guess its wear and tear. Basically he had it to repair my parking sensors and then just by coincidence I get major vibrations throughout my car after I leave there. I want to think he's right and he has said the part will only cost £28 or £42 depending on which bush it is plus one hours work, but any advice on this would be great!

Thanks

Inga


UPDATE - car went back today and it isn't the engine mount. This has already been replaced so it isn't this. Apparently they are now going to strip my car and see if they can find the problem. They say it could be anything - broken bracke, something toucking the fan. I looked under the car and where I'd been to Glastonbury there was loads of mud underneath.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what this could be as I'm a little worried what it is.

When not using the air con and driving smoothly, it drives fine.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Inga

[camini]

Over the years there have been a number of reports of faulty/failing engine mounts and this at any mileage. Good for you they diagnosed it and that it's a cheap fix.
Good luck

[IH1]

Would it be a wear and tear thing? After 4 years and over 50k, I'm guessing it is.

[S33BBY]

I don't think it's this is one of those things that happens due to wear and tear; I think you've just been unlucky! Either the parts have become faulty for some reason, or something else has caused it. Though shelling out money isn't nice, it should work out about £150, so it could be a lot worse!

[Wurzel]

The engine mounts in the mini are a weak point, I had one go at 13000 miles.The mini emergency service guys even carry them on board as they fail so often.

I'm surprised you have managed the miles you've done without one failing.

I'm assuming your car would have the same mounts as my 55 plate MCS, if so the mounts you can see in the engine bay leak oil when they fail.

[S33BBY]

I didn't realise it was a common issue. I certainly don't recall reading a lot of posts about it, but maybe I did.

[Wurzel]

The link below has a picture of one leaking and a bit of info.



http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...king-here.html

[DaFlake]

Engine mounts in most cars do wear. The difference is that we MINI owners actually feel it when they go. The Mrs. had a Buick Regal that had the dog bone mounts go and we never noticed until it was pointed out. I ended up replacing them myself.

If you have an S, I recommend a engine damper to help curb the stress on the engine mounts.

[Bhozar]

Its a common problem. Which is why I had Lohen put Proflex bushings in all my engine and gearbox mounts. Ended up costing me £200-ish pounds as it was 3 hours labour.

[jrs]

Engine mounts gave way, damper oil around engine bay (2006 jcw). Booked it in at the local bmw dealer, came back as good as new ! however, 6 days later they had gone again. The car is now back at the dealer waiting a modified/updated engine mount. Anyone else similar problems ?

[DaFlake]

It is a standard problem. All you have to do is search the forum.