Hi all.

Just registered today. I'm on a list to order an '05 MCS at South Bay Mini in SoCal and they said it should be here in Oct/Nov.

Are there any links or detailed information about the Mini's engine? I know it is a Chrysler unit (well that's what Road&Track said) but that's about all I know. What other cars have used this engine? Has the supercharged version proved reliable?

thanks for any info!

MiniBruiser
(getting a black-n-blue Mini!)

 

Welcome aboard and congrats on the order!

 

Thanks Kellzir!


Do you have any pics of your car? Nice color combo

I found some info on the engine on Yahoo and Ward's. Joint BMW-Chrysler project designed for the Mini and made in Brazil. Designed by Chrysler engineers. The "cheapest supercharged engine ever made" LOL. I suppose they meant cheapest to produce. Well, Chrysler did a great job with the 2.4l Turbo in the SRT-4, (it's very stout) so I won't worry about the Mini's engine. I'll just drive it and have fun. I'd love to have more info though if anybody knows!

See ya later......

 

I have a few pictures in my Gallery, which you can click on on under the post count. As for the engine, check out this link and try searching more on motoringfile. Hope this helps.
http://motoringfile.com/2005/03/15/p...y_some_engines

 

The engine is made by a company called Tritec, which as a 50/50 joint venture between Daimler and BMW. This engine will be discontinued for the '07 model--which means no more super chargers . Instead, the 07 MCS will be a turbo, while the MC will have a more powerful four.

As far as the Tritec, I have to say it's one of the smoothest fours I've ever driven--and I've had several Hondas!

 

For more information visit the Tritec website at http://www.tritecmotors.com.br/english/tritec/whois.htm

You will find that in 2003 the 1.6 engine received an award as on of the "10 best engines in the world". I hope the new engine from Puegot is of at least equal quality.

 

Interesting... I didn't know the next engine will be from Peugeot. I figured BMW would supply it. I agree the Mini's 1.6 is remarkably smooth. Much smoother than the 1.7 in my '02 Civic EX, which the Mini will replace!

 

Being on the Ward's best engine list doesn't hold mean much. They rank engines based on innovation or unique design, not on reliability. For example, the Mazda rotory engine made the list, but owners will tell you about the chronic oil consumption and other headaches.

Having said that, Chrysler's 4-cyl. engines are pretty stout. They won't be purring like new at 150,000 mi., but they'll take a lot of abuse and still get you home, even if it has lost all compression and is burning oil like a lamp. With Chryslers, you generally have to worry more about the transmissions than the engines. But no such worries with the Getrag.

 

Minibruiser....congrats on the order. That 1.6l is going to be some of the most fun you've had on four wheels.

 

Conrats on the order, the engine is reliable, can't wait for the 07 turbos

 

Check out the Mini Cooper book on Amazon. I bought:

"New Mini by Graham Robson",

"Mini by Patrick C. Paternie" and

"You & Your New Mini: Buying, Enjoying, Maintaining , Modifying by Tim Mundy".

They provided a nice mix of history, technology and pictures to keep me entertained during the long build wait. There is some good background information on the engine.

Cheers.

 

http://motoringfile.com/files/MCS_Powertrain.pdf, will that work?

from our friend at motoringfile.com.

Cheers.

 

Thanks for the Amazon ideas!

It's been over 3 weeks since I put down my deposit... I guess it's time to call the dealer and see how many slots I've moved up to order. :smile:

 

Heh. I can vouch for this. One, 94 minivan, 176k miles, running great - except the trans had to be replaced around 120k. Or, I was *ALMOST* stuck in D.C. because a trans valve body blew in a 99 Caravan. Bad transmissions. Good engines - I know someone who had a Caravan @ 300k. Of course, the trans wasn't that old...

 

The Chrysler/BMW Pentagon engine was developed before the Chrysler-Diamler merger, a merger which skewed the business politics of the whole thing a bit, if you know what I mean. This uncomfortable situation looms large in the switch in '07 to the PSA Peugeot Citroen-BMW developed engine....not problems w/ the Pentagon engine.

Same deal w/ the Getrag trannys...BMW had a long-lasting relationship w/ Getrag and so that's how that other suppliers were nudged out over time. No problem...in the end, everybody seems very happy to have the Getrag box. Hopefully the same will be true w/ the new BMW-Peugeot engines.