the "old" new mini had an engine that was made in brazil in the form of a chrysler 4 pot engine. they do this to keep costs down as it will cost less to buy from outsde than produce new engines.

I remember reading about that. It's why they were underpowered, thirsty and unreliable. Good move BMW....

The new mini's all seem to be PSA sourced engines AFAIK. The 1.6 Turbo from the 207 GT/ GTi also goes into the Mini CooperS. The diesel is just following the same trend.

Is Mr Director of BMW dabbling Mrs Director of PSA or something?

To be fair they aren't the only ones. You'll find that current PSA engines are used by several manufacturers including...

Peugeot (obviously!)

Citroen (obviously!)

Ford

Mazda

Volvo

Jag

Suzuki

BMW

Does this mean PSA engines are simply that good all other manufacturers are using them?

I'm waiting for the day Honda start stealing them too.......

In all honesty it's probably down to the fact that they're cheap, tick all the relevant boxes and will fit a wide range of chassis types. Ideal really.

Does this mean PSA engines are simply that good all other manufacturers are using them?

TBH I think thats not far from the truth. PSA have always had criticism on build quality / dealer service blah blah ... but the engines (and maybe handling) are usually the reason why the cars have still sold well. I may be wrong / ignorant but i've never really heard much criticism of their engines.

the chrysler 4 pot engine..

Thought so.

Not really even a baby BMW the mini

at the end of the day it will still be fitted with a Peugeot engine , i thought BMW diesel engines were some of the best so why someone elses in the MINI

Cos BMW diesels are all designed for longitudinal fitting in a rear wheel drive platform not transversely in a front wheel drive platform

The 1.6 PSA engine is very good

until it goes wrong , then its a PITA to work on , i know as i have to fix them in the Focus and C-Max :(