The R56 has been been incredibly successful for MINI in terms of sales and growing the brand. But one issue has stuck around with the R56 since 2007. From 2007 to 2010 the chain tensor (a $15 part) has been failing and wreaking havoc for MINI owners.
Sources are telling us that BMW is prepping a campaign to replace these in affected cars. But they still have not decided what to do with people that have already paid to have the fix out of warranty. To make matters more interesting there are also reports that a California law firm is preparing a class-action lawsuit about the issue.
Of course it’s all a bit of a shame considering the chain tensioner is a $15 part. Additionally it’s compounded by the fact that a lot of the N14s consume oil, and the OBC advises ridiculously long oil intervals. So you get some people who don’t know, and don’t check their oil, chain looses tension, jumps and valves crash into the cylinders. And even if you don’t burn up the engine on low oil you may still wreck the valve train.
What about you? Have any R56 owners dealt with replacing chain tensioners on their own dime? If what support would you like to see from MINI?

 

Jump on the band wagon
http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsu...ction-lawsuit#

 

My sources tell me that there is going to be a campaign to preempt the suit.

 

I guess we shall see what happens soon.

 

I replaced mine out of warranty at a shop about 2 years ago at the tune of $900 which is a lot cheaper then other people paid. Granted I had them change the chain, tensioner, and guides(one of the guides was broken at the top).

 

I think I've heard rumors and claims about campaigns/recalls/etc. about the timing chain tensioner almost as often as I hear/read of people having failing timing chains/tensioners. Ditto for class action lawsuits. To their credit, there is one suit filed in NJ, so at least it was not just vapor. Not that it appears to have any chance of succeeding, but they did file.

 

R56? Isn't that the same motor available in all Minis, even the R60/61?

 

Yes it is, but things have been improved in the new models.

 

Which years were affected? What models and which month/year was it fixed?

 

2007-2009. 2010 and newer MINI's had the better revised units.

 

Thank you. I'm glad to say then that I have a 2010, and I really hope MINI makes it right for all the rest affected.

 

Let's all hope Mini does the right thing.

 

2010 here also and I haven't had issues and I'm at 53k miles. (Knock on wood).

 

Original MotoringFile article: http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/05/...ain-tensioner/

 

Wow thanks I could not remember where I got it from.

 

Two months ago I heard a very loud rattling sound, it sounded like the chain was hitting the valve cover. Since then my MCS has toned down the noise a lot. You can still hear the loose chain on the cam sprockets after the engine reaches operating temperature. My MCS is parked and covered until there's a recall or if it is fixed!

Should I take it in now or wait for Mini to initiate the recall for those effected?

 

I'd take it in, but that's me...

Since it isn't a safety issue, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a recall.

 

Bingo. But take it to a dealer, and have the SA make a note that you've heard rumors of a recall campaign.

Even if a campaign is announced, MINI may or may not reimburse folks who had work done by independent (not factory authorized) shops.

 

When you say, "but things have been improved in the new models", do you mean that there was an updated tensioner and timing chain or was there a complete design change?

 

Updated, same design.

 

Irvine Mini just told me that my upper timing chain guides are broken, quoted me $3500 dollars to repair!! ********, they are ripping me off with that price! I have contacted Mini USA about it all and they wanted receipts for the cost of every oil change in which I provided, they know that I have been doing oil changes on my own every 5000 miles.

I provided every receipt to them, now I wait 3-5 business days whether they cover all repair costs (goodwill) or we come to an arrangement. I personally won't pay more than $200, I haven't told them that I have a 6-Year/100,000 mile warranty that has a $200 dollar deductible. If they charge me more then I'll just hand them my warranty card and I will pay the deductible and have it repaired.

 

Holy crap that's insane

 

That is why I didnt' go with Irvine Mini. I've heard too many stories, so went about 10mi north to Crevier.

 

How much did Crevier charge?

 

I told AJ (SA) that I was not some dumb idiot, I asked him where did he come up with the figure of $3500 and he put me on hold for over a hour! So tomorrow I'm going down there and am going to ask the same question politely in front of my brother and his wife, then I'll get my answer! I'll have him break things down for me, how many hours to complete the job and at what hourly rate and parts. We shall see what he says then, I'll let him know that all of the forums are waiting for his answer.