King CR4538CA CA-Series Rod Bearing Set MINI Cooper S JCW R53 R52 W11B16A STD

Vehicle Fitment

• 2002-2006 MINI Cooper S Hardtop R53 (W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged I4, FWD)
• 2003-2006 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop R53 (W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged I4, FWD)
• 2003-2006 MINI Works GP / MC40 R53 (W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged I4, FWD)
• 2005-2008 MINI Cooper S Convertible R52 (W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged I4, FWD)
• 2005-2008 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible R52 (W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged I4, FWD)

Fitment Notes

• Fits MINI W11B16A supercharged (Eaton M45) 1.6L Tritec engine only - does not fit the naturally aspirated W10B16A Cooper / One (see CR4537CA for that application)
• Standard (STD) size - fits stock crankshaft diameter with no machining required
• OEM cross reference: 11241492122
• W11B16A features reinforced pistons and connecting rods from the factory to handle supercharger boost; verify engine code before ordering
• Engine bore: 77.0mm, stroke: 85.8mm, displacement: 1,598cc, compression ratio: 8.3:1

Features

• CA-Series tri-metal copper-based construction - King's classic OE-replacement material designed for medium-load supercharged applications
• High fatigue strength and superior temperature threshold versus standard bimetal designs, suited for the sustained heat loads of a supercharged engine
• Improved crankshaft finish compatibility reduces microscopic ferrite peaks on improperly ground or polished journal surfaces
• Improved oil clearance over worn OE shells reduces wear and extends engine life while minimizing noise, vibration, and excess oil flow
• Bull's Eye Tolerance manufacturing ensures tight wall thickness consistency shell to shell
• Direct OE replacement - no modification required, installs with factory hardware

Specifications

• Part Number: CR4538CA
• Bearing Type: Connecting Rod Bearing Set
• Series: CA-Series (Tri-Metal Copper-Based)
• Material: Tri-metal copper-lead alloy over steel backing
• Size: STD (Standard - stock crankshaft diameter)
• Engine: MINI W11B16A, 1.6L Supercharged (Eaton M45) 16V I4
• Bore x Stroke: 77.0mm x 85.8mm
• Displacement: 1,598cc
• Compression Ratio: 8.3:1
• Bearing Length: 17.20mm
• Max Wall Thickness: 1.488mm
• OEM Cross Reference: 11241492122
• Dowel Pin Hole: No
• Machining Required: No

Included Components

• 4x Connecting Rod Bearing Sets / 8x Total Bearing Shells (CR4538CA)

Product Description

The King CR4538CA is a CA-Series tri-metal copper-based connecting rod bearing set engineered as a direct OE replacement for the MINI W11B16A supercharged 1.6L Tritec engine, as found in the first-generation MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works, Works GP, and MC40 variants across the R53 hardtop and R52 convertible platforms. Produced by the BMW-Chrysler Tritec joint venture and used from 2002 to 2008, the W11B16A features an Eaton M45 supercharger and reinforced internals from the factory - making proper bearing replacement essential during any engine rebuild. King's CA-Series tri-metal construction provides high fatigue strength and a superior temperature threshold versus conventional bimetal OE-style bearings, ensuring reliable performance under the sustained heat and load of supercharged operation.

The CR4538CA is a standard-size (STD) set requiring no crankshaft machining and cross-references directly to OEM part number 11241492122. King's Bull's Eye Tolerance manufacturing process ensures tight shell-to-shell wall thickness consistency, minimizing selective fitting and simplifying assembly. It is critical to note this bearing is specific to the W11B16A supercharged engine - it does not fit the naturally aspirated W10B16A found in the standard Cooper and One (R50/R52); builders working on those applications should use the CR4537CA instead.