Anyone have the newest part number for the timing chain tensioner. I was looking to have mine replaced with the most recent fix that was put out of the factory with the service bulletin 11-02-07. That part number is (11-31-7-598-956). However, I recently saw a part number on a service invoice that listed (11-31-7-597-895).

Anyone had theirs replaced and kept the paperwork with the part number listed? Any idea info would be helpful as I would hate to have something replaced that was still flawed. I have read numerous times that the newest timing chain tensioner works like a charm so I really want that one, for obvious reasons.

And yes, I have called the parts department and left numerous messages with my service advisor to no avail. No returned calls, emails or requests that I left with the main line to have someone call me. Vvvvvvvery frustrating.

P.S.: I have a 2007 R56 S, for reference.

 

MDL - check out the photo of the paperwork I posted in the "Beware" thread. It lists some of the parts for that SIM repair. I think that I am one of the first to have documented problems with this repair, though, it is entirely possible that mine was installed incorrectly.

Hope this helps,

NYCMINILAW

 

Oh yeah that was the part number I was referring to in my post (11-31-7-597-895).

 

I just had my '09 MCS in for the annual service. I complained about the cold start chatter and referenced SIM 11 02 07. The repair order indicates the chain slack was measured at 66mm, which was less than 68mm in the SIM which woulde have required a more in depth repair, therefore only the chain tensioner required replacement. The part number in the SIM is 11 31 7 598 956. Although my repair order doesn't list the specific part number, the car is quieter and I haven't noticed the chatter since getting it back.

Props to Annapolis MINI for taking care of me and not pushing back when I referenced the SIM.

 

MDL8440,

I just had my chain tensioner replaced on May 4th (on a 2008 MCS). The part number was 11-31-7-597-895.

The invoice I received indicated they performed SI M 11-02-07 APRIL 2010, which seems to indicate to me they may have just recently updated the document. My gap measured 70mm, but they only replaced the tensioner.

HTH!

 

Hello All:

With 39000 miles on a 2007 S - Just had above service performed. Was aware of cold start issue - but, aside from just a few occurences - thought did not apply to my car. That is until just a few days ago - when every start up brought that flat / farting / grateing - you know it aint right - sound.

Chain was measured (or gap ?) and found to be 70 mm -and thus full SIB
service - 110207 was done. Chain- Tensioner- Guide - etc.

What does this say - about quality of the turbo charged motor. Appears this cold start issue is well known to factory - but is being handled at dealerships, only if customer raises the matter. Just some thoughts re this: I feel this car is not a so called 'thoroughbred' as in Porsche, Mercedes or dare one say - BMW - however, it is enjoyable to drive and sort of unique in its way. But - thoroughbred or no, do expect engine to last longer than 60/70k miles with proper maintenance. With my car having only 10,000 miles left on original warranty - if this gnarling jumps up again who is going to pay for it? And - what is this doing to condition of motor?
Barry

 

If you're not hearing it, it's probably not hurting anything. However, it's not the whole engine design that's bad, it's one component part designed by and purchased from an outside vendor that's causing the problem - the failing chain tensioners. If the problem is allowed to continue without being fixed - that's when you have engine damage.

That's what concerns me, those folks who don't know what that sound is, don't hear it or just don't understand what's going on with their engine and don't do anything to get it fixed till it's too late. Those are the poeple who are going to have catastophic engine failures at higher mileages and will be blaming MINI for a "bad engine" when in truth it's only one, easily replaceable part that's the root cause of the whole problem.

 

In my case it was not making any sound when cold. The chatter only started up once the engine had gotten up to normal operating temp after 10-15 minutes of normal driving. I only drove a few days with it doing that (basically over a weekend until I could get in to the MINI dealer). Replacing the tensioner itself must be relatively easy as they did it in only about a 3 hour service while I waited (and that included the time to diagnose).

 

I got my MCS r56 late August 2009 new from the dealer. Since new-year the car has rattled occasionally when cold-starting. Now on vacation 30 miles from home, the rattling became constant and much louder than ever before. I called Norwegian road help "Viking", and got to the nearest BMW/MINI-dealer on the back of a truck. The BMW/MINI-dealer has ordered a new timechain tensioner and will replace it on thursday. Free of charge I hope.

 

I have heard 3rd hand that it is not necessarily a problem with the tensioner but with the timing chain length. Perhaps that is why they measure the chain "gap" and if it is not excessive, the problem can be addressed by a different tensioner. This would also explain why all cars don't have a problem, if the issue is one of quality control associated with timing chain length only the engines fitted with chains longer than spec will have problems. Perhaps this is a possible explanation.

 

I got my MCS back today. It sounds better than ever and everything feels right! The dealership only changed the tensioner, but they promised that it would solve the problem with the terrible rattling "stones in bucket" noise. They also promised that the engine wasn't damaged at all. The tow-truck, the rental Cooper and the work/parts expenses were covered by BMW/Mini.
I'm happy!

 

I spoke too soon..
I drove out of my mothers garage after having polished my precious Mini. I noticed that there was some oil dripping from under the engine. . The BMW/MINI dealer that changed the timing tensioner, damaged a gasket. They where suppose to CHECK the engine for damage NOT damage it. Buhu

 

The 11-31-7-597-895, is the chanin tensioner we install if your vehicle gets the sim performed. the other part number is the chain tensioner for the vehicle that are making it but the timing chain has not meet the spec to be replaced.

 

I too had the death rattle BUT not when cold. It was quiet when cold and only started rattling at 3-3.5k rpm when up to full operating temp.
It sounded more like a heat sheid rattle to me- so at first I didn't suspect the "death rattle"
As it was very reproducible and coming from the valve cover area, tech measured the chain at 68.2mm and thus full SIB.

I have 2 tensioners listed on my repair order:
11-31-7-597-895
11-31-7-534-833

Does anybody have a copy of the 110207 SIB??

The rattle seems to be gone so I'm assuming it was the loose chain rattling at a certain frequency in the guides or on the sprocket.....

 

I have a March 2009 copy of the SIB. Should be able to get it here.

 

Thanks jcauseyfd!

btw: Sounds like our cars were doing the same thing (rattling when warm, rather than the cold start rattle).

I would assume that the tensioner was still springy enough to hold the chain tight when cold, but as things warmed up (chain stretched?) it didn't have enough spring to hold it tight anymore...

 

I typed in the URL at the bottom of your March edition, and up popped the October edition!!!
http://www.minitis.com/tsb/bulletins...p/M110207g.htm

Most of the part #'s have changed since the March SIB...

 

Thanks mystic! Smart move!

 

Great! I just found this thread as I was going to make a post about the rattling sound coming from the engine. Sometimes during cold start but I also hear it really loud after the engine is really warm. I even asked the service writer at the dealer about it yesterday. He told me with a straight face that it is something he has seen before being the timing tensioner but it was anything common!

2007 MINI Cooper R56 53000 on the the odometer! How much is this going to cost? To the OP please forgive the hijack.

 

Louis,

If you are not able to get any goodwill our of your dealer, I was told it is around $1,100 for parts and labor (iirc).

Good luck!

 

Wow! Thanks for the speedy reply. I did get a recording of it being that it is intermittent. It is our only car at present, I was to leave early in the morning to see my family for Thanksgiving. LA. to Riverside now I am afraid to drive it.
Too late to rent a car.

 

The chain tensioner on my 07 MCS was replaced in September with the repair order # showing as 11-31-7-597-895. I noticed the sound/rattle starting to come back. Is this the latest fix/update? I still have warranty on mine until 70K. I'm gonna have to bring it back. ****!

 

Fwiw - I put about 2500 miles on mine with the rattle full time (after warm up) - because I seriously thought it was a heat shield rattling.
I don't think it's a huge issue unless it gets so loose that it slips a tooth affecting timing - but I've not heard of that happening on these boards.

 

I didn't like the sound of the startup rattle but it always disappeared quickly. I think it has rattled for an entire year. My wife drives the car and I rarely even ride in it. Three days ago while she was driving it began to run erratically to the point it would threaten to die at idle speed as she finished a 10 mile trip.
Thanks to this excellent forum I was able to effectively communicate with the service department and I may have it fixed and back by noon today. I think I had a close brush with major problems and may have been saved within my 50K warranty.

 

Donkey has a MINI Doctor's appointment Monday for the cold start rattle (CSR). Cross you fingers that they get it right the 1st time.