'05 Cooper S - Big end gone, £6,200 bill (!)

[Teabag]

To cut a long story very short, my local BMW workshop has just told me that my big end baring has failed, sending metal swarf all around the engine, and it's going to be easier and cheaper to fit a new engine than to fix the existing one.

There are all sorts of issues about liability, original cause and who fits the bill which I'm already grappling with, but worst case scenario is that I have to pay for a new engine myself, which would cost £6,200 at the dealer.

Does anyone have any experience of having a completely new or re-conditioned engine fitted to a Cooper S who can give me any advice on a cheaper solution?

[tedward]

Dont know where you are in the country but these guys will sort you out with a decent used engine.

Mini Spares UK - Parts For Sale

They know their stuff when it comes to minis!

[mab01uk]

Agree with above, also try link below for good used MCS engines in stock and fitting if required:

MiniMatt|BMW|MINI|Modifications|Parts|Spares|Servi ce|Tuning|Repairs|Racing

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

At £6,200 that's not far off the value of the car

Thinking radically, if a used engine doesn't work out, you might be better off breaking for spares...

[old traveller]

Unless they have stripped the engine, there is no way they can know this. Despite being looked after by BMW its a Chrysler engine shared with the Neon 1.6 in essence. A rebuild by a good engineer should not cost that much. Sounds like BMW trying it on again, unless they would care to defend their pricing,an identical Neon short engine is £1358 outright with three casting differences that might be solvable?

[playtimeover]

Hi mab01uk. I also agree. Oh that's nice.. Thanks for posting the links.

[ScottyBoy]

As far as im aware (not 100% sure) but a new engine from MINI is £2700... An a cooper is £2200..

My opinion is get a used engine and get that fitted by an independant garage...

What year is the car?