My MINI totally shut down last week while driving. I was told by my (non-dealership) mechanic that "something let loose" in the motor, and I need a new motor. My dealership wants to do a diagnostic test to see if MINI can help me out. Has anyone experienced anything like this in a 2007 S? No warning lights came on and I change my oil every 4k miles. I had heard that the tensioner has been an issue for this year, but could it seize my motor?

 

Most of the early 2nd Gens that I've heard of with blown motors were due to vacuum pump failures. But I'm sure there are plenty out there with other issues.