I have a 2007 S that has aprox 55k miles. 12/15/2010 the timing chain tensioner was replaced under warranty. Supposedly the distance read 66.8mm. The work was covered for two years under minis warranty but a few days ago when I started the car I heard a ratteling sound coming from the left side of the engine and after doing some research I believe it is the timing chain. I called my local dealer and set an appointment to have it checked out they mentioned over the phone that the tensioner is covered but other parts wouldnt be.

I know some minis had the complete swap when they had the cold start noise issues and some dealers just swapped the chain or tensioner. I want to find out if there is a way to get them to replace the chain or a way to find out why the chain wasnt replaced when the tensioner was replaced almost two years ago. Any info would help thanks

 

I'm in a similar situation only I need to sell/trade my car and I want to do the right thing. My 09 MCCS has 53k and the rattling seems to be getting worse. Unfortunately the death rattle didn't start until a couple hundred shy of warranty and I didn't have time to get in so no help from dealer... Now I'm contemplating whether to try the tensioner fix myself or pay a local shop to do the full on chain/tensioner replacement for 1300.

Has anyone that applied the tensioner fix had any issues? How many miles since applying?

Thanks,

J