This is my first thread so please bear with me. I purchased a 2002 mini from my mom about 2 months ago. I was driving the other day and my car broke down. I was informed today by my mechanic that the engine needs to be replaced. As much as it pains me to admit this, the cause of the engine failure was due to lack of oil. I was under the impression that the car's oil had been recently changed but this does not eliminate my responsibility to check the oil in my own car. I have come to terms with the situation and now must solve the problem at hand. I have decided to buy a replacement engine and have my mechanic install it. My mechanic works for my employer, is very skilled, and I trust him.

Here is where you may be able to help:

1. Where should I buy my replacement engine? Currently I feel my best option is ebay.

2. How difficult would it be to replace my non-supercharged engine with a supercharged engine? I am hoping that at least some good can come out of this situation by making my mini better than it was.

Additional info about the car:

2002 mini cooper
70,000 miles
5 speed manual transmission
Non-supercharged

I appreciate any advice, thanks for your help.

Patrick

 

If you buy an engine off of Ebay make sure you get a warrenty
Deal with a good company, LKQ, etc.
You should get the stock R50 engine.
R53's would require extensive mods to ecu, etc.
The stock R50 transmission would not stand up to a R53