Originally Posted by cooper07s

So glad you feel you could blast me on this forum! Makes me feel very comfortable sharing my opinion...no more respect than the dealership. I purchased the car with 42K miles in 2012. My VIN has/had no recall on it for this issue, just the lovely water pump. As for research, in 2012 the timing belt was not a "chronic" issue blasted on the web. Regardless, the manufacturer should stand by it's product, I believe that was my point.

Originally Posted by walk0080

Dealership checked the car several weeks ago and said "engine noise is normal". The car was sitting for only a few hours and was likely still warm.

Intermittently I hear timing chain noise when the engine is cold (i.e. 8 hrs unused in minimally heated garage). Very noticeable noise but I park in underground garages which really reflects/amplifies the noise so I can hear it easily (and I usually have a window open when driving through the garage). Part of the problem I find is the MINI engines are really noisy engines to begin with when running perfectly!

Anyways, after a minute or less of light driving the noise is gone. Have tried to record the noise but when I have time/remember to record, engine is fine.

In any case I have another last ditch dealership visit next week. I have arranged to leave the car overnight so they can check in the morning when the engine is cold. Since the warranty is up in a week or so (4 years old! Relatively low 60,000km so far), I want to be very sure the chain is still within spec.

I don't fully trust this dealership... rear sway bar bushings were replaced after second complaint... same for the front bushings this year. So maybe two complaints about timing chain will result in a warranty repair?

Originally Posted by walk0080

Car is back from last minute warranty work... apparently dealership listened to timing chain and it was "ok" again. They then proceeded to take on a test drive to listen for "rattles from engine bay" and found the tach was rattling so that is on back-order. So I ask them to specifically to check the timing chain and I end up with a new tach gauge. hmmm.

Oil change was also done. The stock MINI oil dip stick is so crummy (for the life of me I can't read it well - tried many NAM forum walkthroughs), I have no idea if oil level is now higher than previous. In any case, the car is running like a top today. I think it's time for a CravenSpeed dip stick.

The "warranty manager" was handling my case today due to short staff and she indicated they have only replaced two timing chains. She also tried to re-assure me that if the noise returns after warranty, record it and they should have me covered - I already have two service visits for the complaint... and several parts are on back-order to be installed post-warranty anyways. That discussion was all verbal so I took it with a grain of salt.

Originally Posted by RJKimbell

The only issuer of Auto Safety Recalls is the NHTSA, check out their website...www.nhtsa.gov for more info. I did not find any MINI Recalls related to Timing Chain/Tensioner, I think you need to go back to your source and get more facts!!