So, a final update on this before I put this Journal to bed for a while.
I had a meeting with Walter at BMW SMG Tygervalley yesterday to discuss my options. I also spoke to Johannes, the foreman at SMG Canal Walk, as well as Gavin and several technicians that have worked on these motors.
The plan moving forward looks like this:
1. The vehicle will go into storage, in storage I will pull the motor.
2. BMW SMG Canal Walk will come out and inspect the motor to give me a final verdict.
3. A used Single or Twin Turbo Motor will be purchased, I am told it needs to be a 2009 N47 if I decide to go single turbo as the block and head will be the same as my current motor, everything else just gets swapped over.
4. SMG Tygervalley has agreed that I can bring them the used motor, on a stand. They will replace all belts, tensioners, pulleys, timing chain, HPFP and ancillaries with OEM parts, thus, giving the replacement motor a 2 year warranty, it breaks, BMW pays.
5. The motor will be re-fitted, it will remain untouched otherwise in order to maintain the warranty. We are still confirming if it must be refitted by BMW RE the parts warranty.
My timeline is around 3-4 months.
BMW SMG Tygervalley inspected my new MINI yesterday and gave it 10/10. The used car dealer replaced all 4 shocks with Bilstein, new top mounts, new ARB rubbers and serviced it for me, besides the driveshafts that have a bit of a vibration (new shafts being fitted today) MINI SMG cannot fault the car, so I am hoping it will be reliable while the BMW is off the road.
I do realise, asking the unreliable step child of the BMW family to be reliable is a joke, but hey, what option do I have.
I would like to take the time to say a MASSIVE thank you to BMW SMG Canal Walk and Century City. Especially to Johannes on the BMW side and Dylan on the MINI side. These two gentleman are absolutely unbelievable and despite my cars only seeing them for servicing have gone out of their way to help me diagnose, to drive the cars and to make sure my cars are always looked after.
Say what you want about the dealer network, but there are gems out there.
Mike