Got my 2007 MCS about 2 months ago and it is great. No problems, rattles or any other issues I have read about. Well, except the sticky sunroof, happens to mine above 90 degrees F.

I have read a lot about the timing chain issues on the R56s and I have a question for those more experienced:

Should I replace the stock tensioner with the improved version even though I have no noise at all? I am the careful type and I am leaning towards doing it based on what I have read so far. I have just under 29000 miles on the car.

Thanks!

 

Welcome!
Sounds like you have a solid one. Preventive maintenance is the way to go with Minis. Did you get yours from Bill Jacobs or somewhere else?

 

I looked at Bill Jacobs and Patrick. I was buying used and Bill Jacobs had a very small selection of used with 6 speeds, exactly 2. Patrick had several more, but none with the right combination of options. I ended up at Carmax and I am really happy with my choice. Great car in really nice shape. The Carmax folks just don't know much about the car, so you have to do your homework. The Bill Jacobs folks didn't really seem too interested in selling me a car if it wasn't a new car.

 

I have had my tensioner changed, but I experienced the chatter. It is my understanding that the new parts do not need to be replaced unless the noise begins. The problem develops and does not immediately jump to catastrophic failure. Now, that said, it always nice to put any worries behind you by replacing it preventively.

Enjoy your 07!

 

See if Jacobs can read the fob to see what work was done on it over the years. (or perhaps you've already done this)

Also, if you haven't seen it already, www.chicagominiclub.com