[Deschodt]

Had 3, new enough to not be too annoying. Super fun to drive, great design inside and out, amazing handling.. But as they start to age, they can be a nightmare. The 4th (kid's choice, R56) is kicking my a$$. It is by a mile the worst car ever designed as far as maintenance... I had to separate a new belt tensioner to replace the noisy bit only because... I just could not unbolt the original in its entirety without pulling the engine out. In case you think it's my pudgy hands, the dealer wanted $4000 + for a new clutch install ;-( And I just went thru the emission cycle BS, a failing chain tensioner requiring triple jointed arms, oil in a plug well, and it still sounds like a rusty barn door on the accessory belt area - but I no longer care. Told the kid that it was smogged for 2 more years, after that we let it burn, 100%. At least you specified R53, those were probably the best of the lot (did they ever fix the Airbag/seat sensor deal?) there were some turd-engines after that. For me it's never again but R53s do leave a smile on my face...

Oh, actually, I replaced a lower engine mount in like 2 minutes, that is the only mini job I enjoyed, like, ever. Did not fix the issue, still jumps out of 6th gear. Oh well, he uses 5th now.