Chrysler engine?!

[sketcher]

Hi all,
I just found out that the engine in the Mini Cooper is built by Chrysler (gasp!). So, I did a search here (like a good member! ) and read through a few threads and yes, it is, in fact made by Chrysler (oh crap!).

My knowledge in cars is zippo. I know there's a steering wheel and I can work the stereo I also hear a lot of bad stuff about domestic (well, to North America) cars.

So, my question is -- I may be buying a Cooper in the immediate weeks!--is this a good thing or a not so good thing? To drivers who've had the engines since launch date, how do you like the engines?

From the threads I've read, it seems some like them and others don't. I'm basing my decision on purchasing a Cooper simply for the better engineering since I don't want to have to take my car in to get fixed on a frequent basis (aside from it's beautiful design).

[MiniMan7]

The engines are fine, I wouldn't worry if I were you too much.

[HarryHBMCC]

The engine in my launch edition is fine, lots of power once you wind it up, decent mileage, nice exhaust note, etc. It is probably one of the simplest parts of the car (no VANOS, VTEC, etc., not even an EGR valve). The Tritec Pentagon is made in Brazil and is one of the parts I worry about the least.

Harry

[5280Motoring]

Engines are not a big worry area with Chrysler cars. They've always backed the power train very well in their own cars. It's everything else that's given them a somewhat deserved bad rap, especially in the fit & finish department. My brother, prior to the Daimler-Chrysler merger and him going over to GM, worked for a supplier of interior plastic (re: console and cupholders) for Chrysler. They cut major corners there. The stories I heard....but the engines keep on running.

[KlausR]

It´s not a Daimler-Chrysler thing, it´s a BMW/Chrysler joint-venture initialized before the Daimler Chrysler deal. And although the BMW contribution to the engine layout is quite limited (less for the MCS) I´m sure that BMW guarantees for the functioning and the reliability of the power plant.
Materials and architecture are quite on the safe and conservative side, so common problems of exhausted high-performance engines should not be expected to show up. Nevertheless, everybody who has driven a BMW 4-cylinder and the Tritec knows the limitations of the concept. Neither throttle response nor smoothness nor fuel efficiency are strenghs of the small engine.
It isn´t great, but it isn´t much of a problem anyway.

Klaus

[Paul]

Check this FAQ for details on the Tritec engine:

[f.a.q.] Where can engine, powertrain and supercharger details be found?

Paul

[cooper4us]

This engine rocks, period.

I wish that GM would have also being involved in the design of this engine. One thing GM knows how to do is terrific engines and transmissions.

[Lumspeed]

Engines fine , maybe not as powerfull at low rev's as I would have expected , but very smooth .

Does the biz for the moment .

Oh ! , a bit ' Rattly ' at tickover , when your outside the vehicle .

[vespa]

I just tell people it's a Mercedes engine.

[ncdave]

The engine shouldn't be a source of concern - sounds great and pulls smoothly and beautifully.

I do respectfully disagree, however, with the statement concerning GM engines: They may make great V8's but I had their 3.8L V6 fail after 36K miles and the I4 ("Iron Duke") sounded as if deranged gerbils were loose under the bonnet. I had it replaced twice before the last one ceased. Truth is, had GM been involved with the "4" in the MINI, I truly would have reconsider my purchase.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by ncdave
The engine shouldn't be a source of concern - sounds great and pulls smoothly and beautifully.

I do respectfully disagree, however, with the statement concerning GM engines: They may make great V8's but I had their 3.8L V6 fail after 36K miles and the I4 ("Iron Duke") sounded as if deranged gerbils were loose under the bonnet. I had it replaced twice before the last one ceased. Truth is, had GM been involved with the "4" in the MINI, I truly would have reconsider my purchase.

I'm no fan of GM products, but I understand GM makes wonderful 4 cylinder engines for its European brands such as Vauxhall, Opel, and Saab.

[HonoluluDoug]

The engine is pretty primitive -- iron block, no fancy valves (VANOS, VTEC, etc.), but because of that is just one less thing to worry about. Coupled with the supercharger on the S model, it's a hoot.

It would be nice to have an aluminum block VANOS, though. Maybe by the time my lease expires...? (Don't point me to the French engine threads, I've already found them...!)

[eltel]

Try this link to read about one of the world's top 10 engines (i.e. MINI 1.6 supercharged block)

http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/Mic...=1004&srtype=1

[HonoluluDoug]

eltel, thanks for the link. "...a genuine hoot to drive." Yes, I would say so!

[ncdave]

BruceK - True Enough! But they never bring those engines (or products) here.