Just found out that we too had the timing chain tensionor fail on our 2009 MCS today. Lucky for me I was going about 15mph when the oil light came on, it still made a lot of clatter though...

 

Yay for MINI!!!! Nice job!!!!

 

Who has the TSB number handy? Sorry to hear about your problems -- did you foresee it by hearing cold starts sound funny?

 

If he's got oil all over, the tensioner just backed out, it didn't necessarily fail.

Still, get the newer updated one anyway.

 

there was no warning it just lost oil pressure and that was it. the repair took 2 days and the motor does seem quieter now.

 

Yep, classic symptoms. If you ask your tech I'll bet he'll say he found the tensioner backed out. It's good that they replaced all the timing chain components while it was in the shop. You should be good to go from here on out.....

People need to understand this problem is not a failure of the tensioner, it's a failure of assembly, the tensioner was not installed to the right torque and vibrates loose over a period of time.

If you have a 2nd gen car and are at all handy with tools it wouldn't hurt to put a wrench on yours and double check it's still tight. If not, certainly ask your shop to do it the next time you're in for service or an oil chainge.....

 

TSB: SIM 11 02 07 Subject: Rattle Noise from Engine

 

Not the right one, I think he simply had the tensioner back out, not the failed tensioner itself. See my post above yours...

 

I don't have the TSB on the incorrect factory tightening issue. Does anyone have the TIS number?

 

My 2010 did the same monday morn on the way to work
they told me the tensioner backed out and a NEW motor is on order,
the best part i had it in 4 weeks ago with check eng. light coming on and they said noyhing was wrong!!

 

yes some noise again took it in they said it was the gas

 

I haven't had the chance to find the tensioner, but am wondering how easy is it to get a wrench on it, and is the tensioner indexed. By indexed, I mean if you tighten it, will it possibly block the oil passage, or turn a tension roller out of alignment with the cam chain.
I just want to make surthat by tightening it, I will not damage the assembly in any way!