TECH: ENGINE REMOVAL

There are certain jobs you can do on a Mini engine while it’s still in the engine bay. But there’s a long list of tasks that require it out on the bench where you have all round access. Likewise, if you’re having trouble with the gearbox or final drive, the engine is definitely coming out.

“We're not going to pretend that this is a five minute job...”

We’re not going to pretend that this is a five minute job for the average home mechanic, or pretend that it doesn’t involve some heavy lifting – it does. But if you follow this guide, and have some fit and healthy helpers to hand, it’s not a difficult job.

There are two methods of removing a Mini engine – up through the engine bay, or by dropping the whole unit complete with subframe out of the bottom. Both methods have their advantages and