One of the most common parts to deteriorate on the MINI are the engine mounts. The rubber that is contained within the mounts becomes old and brittle, and doesn't perform a good job of isolating the drivetrain from the rest of the chassis. This eventually can cause a whole host of problems and cause wear to other critical components. In the later MINIs (2004 on), they use a liquid filled engine mount on the passenger side that can leak and eventually collapse.

The R56 drivetrain (engine and transmission) is supported by a system of mounts. The engine rests on two engine mounts, one on the right and one at the bottom center near the engine oil pan. At the left side, the transmission rests on a mount, which is bolted to a support bracket.

When an engine mount begins to fail, you will feel more vibrations from the engine. The engine may sag in the engine bay or the engine may have excessive movement under torque if a mount is broken. When working under your vehicle, you may notice fluid leaking out of your engine mount(s). This means the mount has failed and should be replaced.

Want more of this useful information above? Check out our DIY Tech Articles on our website under MINI > Tech Info (tab at the top).


CLICK HERE to purchase for your R50/R52/R53

CLICK HERE to purchase for your R55/R56/R57

CLICK HERE to purchase for your R58/R59

CLICK HERE to purchase for your R60

CLICK HERE to purchase for your R61

There are upgraded polyurethane mount supports and polyurethane mounts available. Installing these mounts will stiffen the engine with a little increase in vibration. The photo below shows a factory lower engine mount with polyurethane supports installed on an R56. This keeps the vibration dampening of the OE mount while adding a stiffer support to the engine.

Want to upgrade your OE engine mount inserts? We have a great assortment of Powerflex options below!

(R50/R52/R53) HERE
(R55/R56/R57) HERE