this article explains it in detail the article says 2007-2008 turbos but it is on all N-14's. The N-18 resolves some of the issues.

http://www.atlanticmotorcar.com/case...ain-tensioner/

 

It all depends on your dealership. You can compare my experiences with MINI of San Diego vs MINI of Escondido (then called "Brecht").

 

well, the rotella T-6 is 5w-40. mobil 0w-40 is what a lot of us use and that is a pretty good oil too. I have to imagine 0/40, 5/40, 5/30 as long as its a full synthetic and more importantly you change it and check it, more frequently than mini tells you too, you should be good. I just love the way the zinc keeps everything clean. just remember that zinc can screw up catalytic converters, but who gives a ****. i want a clean engine. I would rather by a new cat, than a new engine. Besides its rare now a days for cats to go out before 100,000 miles regardless anyway. It not that much more zinc and it gets diluted quicker anyway with our turbos.

 

I've watched those videos but they seem awfully loud compared to mine. And usually the videos also show unbearable noise while inside the cabin. However, I took a video of the exterior noise and interior noise. The exterior noise seem like it's classic death rattle but not the interior. Regardless, I made an appointment with the dealership. $90 diagnostics plus $300-$400 to tear apart the timing chain to confirm it needs replacing AND $1800 to replace it. There's a chain it might be replaced with some help from MINI but no guarantee. I'm not sure if I should just go to an indie shop since I want them to look at my HPFP anyways and possibly scope for carbon buildup(which is another hour of tech time -.-)



Exterior noise

Interior noise

 

I have a 2008 clubman S with 70k that is having cold starting issues. Other than this the car seems to be running fine once it is warmed up.

It does not happen all the time usually just when the car sits for a few day or more. I read about the HPFP warranty extension. So I decided to bring it into the dealer to have them check it out. The day before I brought it is I had the starting issue again but this time it trigged a check engine light for misfire in all 4 cylinders.

The dealer came back to me with timing chain stretched and the whole assembly need to be replaced and said the fuel pump is fine. They want $2200.00 for that and they think that there may be carbon build up as well in the intake. They cannot diagnose Carbon sure until the timing chain is replaced. Which is another $800.00 dollars to have removed. After talking to the Dealer they reduced the timing chain service down by about $750.00. This sounds like it is common problem that should not be happening.

I contacted MINI USA Customer Service and asked for assistance on the timing chain because I do not think that this should start to fail at 70K miles. They denied help due to lack of Oil change records. We bought the car 10/12 with 65K miles on it. The dealer has record of some oil changes but not all of them.

My concern is that I will spend $3k and the car will still have the same cold start issue. Can the cold start issue be linked to the timing chain? Any input would be appreciated

 

OK - I have continued to read posts and thank you all - or most of your input - I purchased the '08 MINI (pos) from Lexus of Maplewood and would highly recommend noone purchase a used car from this place... They wanted nothing to do with this car even though I purchased it from them w/29K - and only owned it for 3 1/2 months b-4 the motor took a sh*t due to the timing chain testioner failing... They finally called me to see where I was at as they have just found out that I filed a complaint with the BBB on them... anyways - i have contacted MINI USA - and they requested I take it to a service shop - a certified MINI dealer - I have finally gotten the car to BMW Motorwerks in MN - they say the car needs a head - at $9300 - or I can R&R the motor complete at $10,600... WTF... Im still in the process of trying to get someone to cover something... Any suggestions b-4 i either stop payment or blow this POS up? Thankx

 

It just kills me that MINI won't warranty this issue like they did with the HPFP. With so many documented cases on these forums (and other forums), and numerous ones from owners that aren't on the forums, it's a widespread problem, to the point that MINI has and issues a repair kit, as referenced in the link Jcwaggie posted. For them to have a kit available to repair this specific problem signifies that it is acknowledged by MINI to be a widespread problem, enough to warrant arranging this kit.

The other problem that I know of that was widespread enough to warrant MINI to develop specific kits and tools to fix the problem was the Aux water pump, which we all know was issued a recall on. So why not this issue too?

 

It's a shame because mine has been sitting for two months because of this problem. I don't have the money to get this fixed right now and have been forced to daily drive my 86 535i which is horrible on gas but three times as reliable as the MINI at 300k miles. My Clubman only has 66k miles, smh

 

Oh, yeah my aux pump has gone out and my turbo line blew up, but luckily it was in my driveway.

 

I called Alexander MINI and asked about this and they said that MINI is coming out with it in 2 months. SO I guess they are still not doing the Recall as of now

 

I just joined after casually browsing for some time. But i need some advice as I am feeling uneasy after my last vist to my local mini service. I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman. Purchased early 2009, I love this car. It has had its issues but havn't we all. Well the point is i have delt with the carbon buildup and door latch issues no problem. But i have just had the Third Timing Chain replaced. Now this costs alot. and I don't think it is normal to have this problem so often. History of my clubmans timing chain. Oct 2010 23K, Jan 2013 57K and Sep 2013 67K. I don't know if i should trade up or hang on. Any advice? Thanks
The Fool

 

Boy I don't know how you kept the car after two failed timing chain replacements. I would have traded the car in a long time ago. Good luck, and if I were you, go as soon as possible to get rid of it. Three is unbelievable before 100k miles...

 

Well, that depends on what if any fix is coming with the yet to be announced campaign to deal with it.

By that I mean that so far the repairs have been a new tensioner or a longer tensioner, new guide rails same as the originals and new chain also same as the original.

Now if there is no actual fix but instead just a continued replacement of components that failed with components that will also fail at some point, I think you have your answer.

In my opinion, unless they are going to extend the mileage coverage plus pay me back for my costs then it doesn't seem worth it.

 

Thanks, Mini paid for two out of three but I don't know if they will again. So I believe it is time tomove on. The Fool

 

Does the timing chain issue affect 2013 S models as well?

 

I don't believe we are impacted the same way... Or at least it seems most of the issues are on the older n14 engines..

 

is there any up date on what MINI will do if your timing chain breaks?

 

Yeah, offer to sell you another car at full retail.

Oh engine blowup unt Car no problem we sell you new car(in German accent)

 

I have to say I love to drive them but the quality and back up is horrible. If I was going out today to buy a new one I would be forced to always keep the extended warranty on it it's ridiculous. Between CVT TRANSMISSIONS & TIMING CHAINS how many Loyal MINI owners are taking it IN the A**. IMHO MINI & BMW have a real problem when they don't take care about there loyal following.

 

I just went through this with my 08 R56. The cam ended up 90 degrees out and no head or valve damage. I had it towed to the dealership where the Mini mechanic (friend) told me he would try to get BMW to pay for the repairs even though I was out of warranty.
It took a few weeks to get it done but everything was replaced including the water pump circuit board(recall) at NO cost to me.
Needless to say I was HAPPY to get it done but dissapointed that this is a known problem and the only way to find out these problems is on this forum. Luckily I had a good honest mechanic at the dealership and he did the right thing.If it had not been covered I would have paid to fix it and sell it once I got it back. It would have been my LAST Mini.

 

I went to MINI this morning and they quoted me 7900.00 to replace it. However the pulley tension-er was replaced in 2011 so I may have a case with MINI AMERICA. So I am going to have it towed in and plead my case. I popped the top of the motor off and I can see the chain sprocket is not in the correct position and no signs of the chain. Maybe I will get lucky with no piston damage & have MINI cover it?

 

7900?!? You can have a brand new engine installed for that price.

 

I Assume it is re manufactured have you had it done before or paper work I can look at?

 

I haven't had any work done, but I have read a couple people on here that have put new engines in their cars for about $5000. The timing chain job should be around $1800-$2000 depending on who you talk to.

 

5000 would be great but I have done my research and 5000 is not the number.
It's 2000/2400 for labor alone. Timing chain I would agree with that number is close. Thank You for you help I need it !!!!!!