Damn... truth bomb! I love it. 

Buy a manual.

Rebuild the engine.

All you have to lose is a bit of time, some skin off your knuckles and that eternal nagging sense of self-doubt if you just throw the towel in.

That’s good advice. I pretty torn, because I do love it... but I’m leaning towards selling it and moving on. Mainly, because I would hate To put that much $ into an engine and have the same problem in 10k-15k miles because I bought an engine that someone didn’t regularly change the oil in (which I am finding is the difference between a Mini that has longevity and one that doesn’t...true for any car... but especially for Mini’s being they run hot and tend to burn oil).

Honestly, I’m still hoping for some sort of miracle engine to appear.lol

thanks for your insight!

- Dan

Here is my personal advice:  If you have an emotional attachment to the car, then fix and enjoy the car.  Otherwise, sell and move on.

Although the cost is high to repair, it will probably be less than the cost of a new car and the associated increase in costs such as increase in insurance, registration, etc...  If you are financially solid, then this may not be an issue.

The engines are $3k-$4.5k with between 80k-120k miles on them. I’ve checked in with several mechanics and they all said it’s a 16hr job. It’s just crazy! 

$5k for labor to replace engine?/ going to the BMW/ MINI dealer?? stupic money. check out www.car-parts.com for the engine.. later bc

Fellow Mini enthusiasts,

This is my last resort...

I am the owner of a 2008S Clubman. I adore this car and unfortunately I have a blown piston ring and have lost compression in one of my engine cylinders. It seems like the cheapest option is to replace the engine with another used engine... but even that, after labor is going to be around $5k. Not to mention that I would have no history on the used engine.

I HATE the idea of selling it, but can’t justify spending $5k on putting in a used engine that I know nothing about. So I come to you all to all... thoughts, connections, suggestions, or an engine lying around? I’d love to get her running again!

Let me know your thoughts!

Currently have 113k on the car