So I started my car today and it stumbled a bit before firing up. Then it was idling a bit rough. I shut down the car and checked the oil, was somewhat low so I topped it off and started again.

Car fired up easily this time, but I noticed some timing chain rattle, immediately I thought of threads stating that the loose chain would cause issues with how the motor ran.

Now, I am outside of the factory warranty, but do have a 3rd party extended warranty. What is the possibility that I could take my car to WMW since they are local, have them perform the service, but get the warranty company to cover it??

 

Yes, it's possible. Call WMW and ask them if they'll honor your extended warranty.

 

I would suggest always calling the extended warranty company first or have the repair shop call to see before the service is done. This is usually the policy of the extended warranty companies anyway. In your warranty agreement it should say whats covered. I don't think that a loose timing chain would be considered maintenance since it shouldn't ever come loose...

 

Yea I mean, obviously if it fails, I would be pretty confident they would cover it.

I am more curious about them covering something that technically isnt "broken" but clearly is a pending issue.

I will be calling WMW in a bit, figured I would get other's opinion as well.

 

Sorry to revive such a old thread but did you ever find out about this OP? I've started hearing what I suspect is the timing chain rattling during start up (goes away soon after my engine is fully warmed up) and I'm covered under National Road Ready. I'd prefer to fix it all before it destroys my engine... But am unsure whether they'll fix something that isn't technically broken yet.

I'll be calling them tomorrow to double check but am curious as to whether you followed through on your repair.

 

For certain years in the r56 Cooper S N14 there was a tensioner check and chain replacement if necessary. I would call your MINI dealership and they can run the vin to see if it was done. Or if there was anything outstanding first.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...00-mini-s.html


Also check you oil, most people hear it and think its the timing chain stretch when really they are low on oil.

 

My oil is unfortunately (or fortunately) fine, but I had an 07 MCS before that had the timing chain replaced (not covered) and it sounds exactly the same. Just not as bad quite yet. Wasn't the service campaign for MCS models 2007-2010?

 

Yea, people seem to have a hard time reading the dipstick, especially in the 07' ( that have the older dipstick design ) flex spring coil type. Just wanted to make sure your oil was not very low. Yea the campaign was for certain S N14 models 07-10 .

You can have them run the VIN and see if there is an update , your sig shows you an 2011 FJCW now , is that correct ? Other then that you can fell the tensioner on the head and see if you have the dimpled unit which is the one for the update with a new chain.

 

I actually preferred the old dipstick design to the red arrow looking one now. The first time I checked my oil in my JCW I was so confused, I had to look it up here on the forums. I will admit that when I had my '07, I wasn't a very diligent owner. I started out just thinking "MINIs are cute" and didn't keep up on the maintenance very well. Now however, I am extremely paranoid about taking care of my new baby as well as I can so I check the oil pretty frequently. I plan on changing the oil at around every 5k miles since that's what everyone on here seems to recommend? I've heard good things about Royal Purple vs other brands as well?

But yes, I sold my '07 MCS after I had it for about a year and a half, and just bought an '11 JCW about three weeks ago. I did bring in my JCW to the dealership to have them replace the turbo heat shield, he didn't mention anything about my timing chain but I also didn't ask. I'll call back and have them run my VIN again for the timing chain issue.

 

Small bit of information. I love royal purple products, but the oil seemed to get a lot thicker in cold temps (below freezing). My car didnt like it. Could have been other issues, but just a tid bit of what happened to me.

 

Hey, thanks for the tip!