Can someone clue me in on the correct part numbers for both the timing chain and the timing chain tensioner for an 07 mini cooper s (N14 engine), the updated/improved ones that is? I'm going to attempt to replace at least the tensioner myself, or perhaps everything if it's not too complicated. Also, if anyone has had the repair done recently around Maryland...how much would an independent shop charge for the repair...somewhere around $1000? And lastly, if you are in Maryland, and have the correct tools for doing the chain replacement, could I possibly borrow them from you for a day to complete the repair? Thanks for answering any and/or all of my questions.

 

My 2007 MCS had it's timing chain and all related components replace about a year ago, since that time I've heard of Mini updating the tensioner in the last 6 months. You compare my part numbers as a reference. Hope this helps, I'm not 100% percent certain about whether or not its been updated since.

Tensioner# 11-31-4-609-483 updated in 2012
Timing Chain# 11-31-7-516-088 updated 2012

 

I had my chain measured at my dealer and was told it was out of spec. I didn't want pay the dealer's price and made a few calls. I have an appointment next week at Helix in Philly to have a new timing chain cartridge and tensioner for less than $900.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I've found a good toolkit for ~100 bucks with good reviews, and also the timing kit for not too much more than that also, so I'm debating either doing it myself or getting a shop to do it. I have a decent amount of experience with engines (I'm currently replacing the block in my truck), but if i can find a good local shop that charges a fair price, I will opt for that.

 

Yep ,

Tensioner# 11314609483 updated in 2012
Timing Chain# 11317516088 updated 2012 newest is 11318618317

 

Interesting that the timing chain was updated, so it doesn't look like just the tensioner to be having issues but the timing chain also. I always thought that the timing chain didn't look thick and beefy enough for a timing chain. My 1980 Datsun 200SX I4 2.0 liter had a huge thick timing chain that looked like it was off of a Harley.

 

One other question...I've just bought the updated tensioner and the tool to measure chain slack (that screws into the tensioner hole)...I don't need to have the flywheel locking tool installed to do this correct? I thought it wasnt necessary if I'm only swapping a tensioner and/or measuring slack with the tool?

 

The only reason why you would need the crankshaft locking tool is if you were going to remove the head, you would also need to lock the cams with the camshaft locking tool. I'm going to let someone else answer because I don't want to steer you wrong, but I believe I'm right. Even if the chain moved do to the special measuring tool it's still properly connected at the crankshaft and cam sprockets.

 

One tip...get the Bentley service maneuel....
Do a timing chain wrong...and the valves get bent... And you need a motor...
Makes for a very $$$$ mistake.

 

He isn't replacing the timing chain assembly, he is just inserting a tool that measures chain slack. It's inserted where the tensioner would go and will tell him how much more life is left in his timing chain. Definitely buy the Bentley manual.

 

Yeah I've got the manual already because I replaced my clutch a while back, as well as some other misc maintenance things. I am torn, if it looks like I need to replace everything, I will shop around different shops for prices and decide if I want to do it myself or not. The good news is that I've found the tools for around 100, as compared to 300 for the legit "Mini" kit.

 

Here is the tool and part number 83300493971 for reference to measure the slack. Inserts into the back of the head in the same tensioner location.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/83300493971/ES2676355/



Thanks

 

I actually already own the tool and the newest tensioner. So tomorrow or wednesday, I'm going to install it but measure my slack beforehand. I will probably need everything replaced, but it'd be nice to not need to. If anyone within reasonable driving distance to Carroll County, MD needs the tool to measure timing chain slack, I wouldn't mind running it out to you at some point in the future.

 

How did it go?

 

I can see the tool but no scale to indicate measurements in mm, are you supposed to measure one end of the threads?

 

It went pretty well. I think I might need the whole chain assembly replaced, just in case. I used the tool and the measurement was below the threshold value for replacement but I feel like I still can hear some rattling with the new tensioner. You tighten the tool on until its hand tight, then do the same for the middle bolt until it offers fair resistance to hand tightening. then you remove the tool, careful to keep the center bolt in the same place you tightened it to. then measure from the tip of the middle bolt to the beginning (part pressed against engine) of the nut. my length was 66.5 mm, and 68 is the threshold for replacement, but like i said, i still hear a faint rattle , nowhere near like before but still, you never know.

 

I pulled my tensioner out yesterday and it came apart. I have a new one on order but want to check the chain before I put it in, Is there any chance you could get me the measurement of the main body of the tool. Reason being is that I think I can make one from the old tensioner but I would need to know the overall length.