I heard especially "s" models have problem with timing chain. I think even justas can have problem with timing chain as well. since winter starts (live in southern california), I hear rattle noises after warmed up and drive car for several miles and put on shift "d" and stops on red light. when I put in neutral mode or parking mode, rattle sound is dissapeared. It could be the timing chain problem right?
anybody who got justa suffers same problem or fixed it, please let me know with your mileage and what year.
thanks

 

Check if any of the exhaust shields are loose. They would vibrate and make a noise while moving or in D, not usually in N or P.

Good Luck

 

Yes, Sound like the exhaust shield on the front or back might be rattling because when in park you are not putting load on the engine.

It looks like this for the Cooper Base engine:



Back exhaust manifold gasket with shield:


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/18407563111/


There are screws that hold the shield together, make sure you are not missing them or if they are loose.

Thanks and good luck.

 

Never heard of any tensioner/chain issues (which will occur on EVERY "S" model) on an R56 Classic Cooper (base model), which is why I sold my "S" and bought a base model.

 

from what I've gathered most of the problems are with the S models - could be wrong though

 

bump.. i was thinking regardless, may not be a bad idea to replace the tensioner? or could it?

 

I have a 08 "S" with less than 23K and have the same noise issue (sounds like loud diesel engine). I read online that it's most likely a tensioner issue. Do anyone have any place they recommend in southern cal area to have it fixed. Also know how much it'll cost to have it fixed? I'm out of warranty and I prefer not to go to the dealership, since they'll ask an arm and a leg to fix it.

 

i went to mini cooper experts in glendora,ca for thermostat replacement yesterday. they are very reasonable price and very nice. Ben is the best guy ive ever dealt with. you might not regret. Ben knows mini cooper for real. you can check on yelp how great they are treating customers.
Here is the phone number 626-963-6333 Ben

 

bump - any non-s ever have any prevalent issues?

 

Same parts, just takes longer on a Justa. Read my posts for proactive approach.

DOC

 

i repeat. never, ever heard of a single whisper of an issue with non-S Gen 2s.

 

There are a number of posts here regarding Justa timing chain failures. They are buried in huge threads. Not easy to find using the search function. As the miles accumulate, you will be hearing about many more (unfortunately). Remember, I am a Justa owner

DOC