8 replies to this topic

[DavidN]

Afternoon folks, I've Just been wondering lately.  Given the plethora of electrical bits and pieces on the MPI, at what point would the car be be declared " written off" due the unavailability of spares. My nightmare scenario being that the immaculate 8K miles surf blue Sportspack fails it's MOT on emissions. Lets say it required a new ECU or some other electrical sensor and goes from it's cushy spot in my garage to the pot holed yard of the testers garage doomed to be waiting for the unobtainable,quickly followed by a dramatic drop in value. I would have no appetite to do the "change half the engine" trick so should the Rover be sold before Armageddon? Just wondering.....?.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

ECUs can be often be repaired.

 

I don't think you need to panic about the sensors just yet.  In theory parts from other vehicles could be adapted to fit and work but I don't know who has that expertise.

 

If it got really bad you could ditch the standard engine management and fit an aftermarket system but that may come under the "change half the engine" category.

[ukcooper]

well lets see ,if the ecu /injection system gose down just get on of s/c

looms xan be made

lambas freely avaible 

Edited by ukcooper, 04 June 2019 - 06:05 PM.

[Fast Ivan]

i don't think its going to get top the point where a drop in value will be on the horizon, as mentioned - there are lots of alternatives on the market.

Your biggest problem will be your reliance on someone else to fix your car, injection specialists are hard to find and in my opinion you need to become that expert or have very deep pockets and a lot of patiance going from garage to garage when the problems can't be fixed

[Icey]

ECUs can be often be repaired.

 

I don't think you need to panic about the sensors just yet.  In theory parts from other vehicles could be adapted to fit and work but I don't know who has that expertise.

 

If it got really bad you could ditch the standard engine management and fit an aftermarket system but that may come under the "change half the engine" category.

 

This is the truth of it. Many sensors are generic as they are produced by a small number of manufacturers (e.g. Bosch, Denso etc..) and operate in similar ways. If you can't find a direct parts number match the basic function (operating ranges, voltages etc..) can likely be replicated using an alternative (although fitment might be more of a challenge).

 

And if all else fails you can buy a complete aftermarket engine management system. Is it a plug-and-play job? Probably not but you can buy them from well known manufactures (e.g. Omex, Emerald, Haltech etc..) who can offer support or you can go down the community route (Megasquirt).

 

If you're really that worried, buy some spares and keep them in a warm, dry spot until you need them.

Alternatively, as, you know, it's a ticking timebomb and all that, I'll give you £50 for the car now and I'm really doing you a favour taking on the risk

Edited by Icey, 04 June 2019 - 10:09 PM.

[nicklouse]

You are worrying over nothing.

[DavidN]

Thanks for your helpful replies and in giving this some perspective.As background, I'm getting on a bit and thinking of downsizing etc.etc. Mind you I've had always had a mini about so I can't see that changing any time soon.

"Alternatively, as, you know, it's a ticking time bomb and all that, I'll give you £50 for the car now and I'm really doing you a favour taking on the risk ;D"

Thanks for your offer Trader - but I think you are being overgenerous and I don't want to take advantage. In 1973 I got £50:00 for my '66 minivan in part exchange and that had the optional welding and plastic padding kit. That van was only 7 years old. The Sportspack's nearly 20 years old ........

 

[Icey]

"Alternatively, as, you know, it's a ticking time bomb and all that, I'll give you £50 for the car now and I'm really doing you a favour taking on the risk ;D"

Thanks for your offer Trader - but I think you are being overgenerous and I don't want to take advantage. In 1973 I got £50:00 for my '66 minivan in part exchange and that had the optional welding and plastic padding kit. That van was only 7 years old. The Sportspack's nearly 20 years old ........

 

I'm not a trader of Minis. This is actually my wife's account and she makes and sells automotive arts-n-crafts stuff so had to have the title added when advertising on here

 

Anyway, serious business, if you want to throw in a cuppa and a slice of cake when we come to collect the death trap, that'll more than make up for the increased risk (it is a few days older now!).

[DavidN]

 

"Alternatively, as, you know, it's a ticking time bomb and all that, I'll give you £50 for the car now and I'm really doing you a favour taking on the risk ;D"

Thanks for your offer Trader - but I think you are being overgenerous and I don't want to take advantage. In 1973 I got £50:00 for my '66 minivan in part exchange and that had the optional welding and plastic padding kit. That van was only 7 years old. The Sportspack's nearly 20 years old ........

I'm not a trader of Minis. This is actually my wife's account and she makes and sells automotive arts-n-crafts stuff so had to have the title added when advertising on here

Anyway, serious business, if you want to throw in a cuppa and a slice of cake when we come to collect the death trap, that'll more than make up for the increased risk (it is a few days older now!).

 

My apologies - of course you're Icey and not "Trader". Must have sounded a bit harsh. Pass my glasses.......