Hello all, we have a 2016 base Mini Cooper 2 door (F56) L3-1.5L Turbo that may need a new timing chain. Only 72K on the clock. I’ve asked a couple of places how much it would cost and for labor alone Craftsman said $6,600 and Fairfax Autor Repair said $5,100. Does anyone know of a good Mini or European import mechanic in NoVA who might be less expensive? Thanks very much in advance.

 

Update: we took it to Craftsman in Alexandria who did a more in depth diagnosis and found it was the intake camshaft that needs replacing as it’s stuck. Apparently it’s as expensive if not more as you still have to get down to the timing belt. Craftsman did not have the specialized tools to make this repair, I.e. 11 4 480 so we need to go somewhere else. Anyone experience this before? Any advice on where to take it would be greatly appreciated.

 

https://charm.li/BMW/2011/328xi%20Wa...dments%20Tray/

Thats just a tray to hold the bolts when apart? Not a tool to install or anything.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...2/83300495105/

https://www.minirepairshops.com/

Good site to find local shops. If they can do BMWs they can do MINI.

 

Unfortunately, the timing chain is between the engine and transmission, so the gearbox needs to be removed for timing chain service. Regardless where you take it, I bet it will be mucho expensive.

 

Thanks (ECSTuning) very much for the link to Mini Service shops. That’s so helpful. Yes, not sure what they meant by the tools they are missing. I just know they said they had not invested in them as they hadn’t needed to.

 

Glad to help

I know its hard to find good shops for MINI, i do all my own work and help people all the time on the forums. So finding the right people is hard if i did not know how to do it myself.