Was wondering if this sounds like the timing chain noise experienced when it is on the road to ruin. It's an 07 with 40K miles on it. I bought it about a month and a half ago... engine is slightly noisy, but can't tell if it's the injectors or the chain... seeing they are so close. I plan on install a catch can and the pcv valve block off to help with the oil consumption problem. From all I've read, the chain problem seems to come when oil gets too low? I attached a video if you click on below.

 

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My chain failed due to "low oil" per my SA. Not sure what to believe.

 

It does sound like a loose timing chain.
You can start by replacing just the tensioner. If the chain is not stretched too badly, that can fix it. Usually, you need to replace the chain as well.

Not to discourage you from pursuing a catch can, but it will do nothing for your oil consumption.

The chain issues comes from the factory defect in the chain tensioner, which fails with age. Then the chain starts slapper around, stretches, eventually will skip a tooth in the sprocket. Nothing good follows from there.

If you run the engine dry of oil so that there is no pressure left to prime the tensioner, that would obviously reduce its ability to tension. But by that point you will have FAR bigger engine problems.

Most of the N14 tensioner issues have nothing to do with the oil, and everything to do with the tensioner defect. Which was getting replaced (together with the chain!) under warranty, but not outside of it.

That would be one reason I would never recommend a used N14 car to a friend.

a

 

You really need to get into the habit of checking your oil frequently on these cars. My 2008 MINI Cooper S Hatchback burned a lot of oil, and I mean a lot and the problem only got worse as the car's mileage increased. I bought the car new and unloaded it at 75,000 miles because of all the problems. I still question if waiting until 15,000 miles to do the first oil change was a good idea, but that was the recommended service. Stock-up on SYN 5W-30 because you're going to need it.

 

I didn't hear a chain rattle, but I did hear perhaps a slight knocking sound. Mini has come out with a recall on 07-2009 Mini Cooper S's, if your chain is stretched you won't pay a dime. Call Mini USA and have the chain measured, these chains have been known to come off the cam sprocket ruining an engine! Do you have $10,000 dollars laying around for a new one?

 

CORRECTION - there is no recall, never has been!
MINI was replacing stretched chains under warranty (upon measuring to confirm that they are stretched), but once the warranty runs out you are SOL.

If you do need to perform the service, the out of pocket costs are around $1.5K, mostly labor. It is a very straight forward DIY job if you are up for it.

If in doubt about recalls, go here to validate:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues

More on the timing chain SNAFU here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-chains.html


a

 

I know you may not want to hear this, but you should seriously consider trading it in. Another option is to take it to CarMax. Wash your hands of the problem, like the previous owner did. It may save you money in the long run...with low miles you should get a good price. I love MINI, but the N14 has a lot of problems...you will have a lot of check engine lights in the future.

 

Forgive my choice of words, there is a campaign for timing chain components replacement for 2007-2010 Mini Cooper S models. I even received documents from Mini USA to bring my MCS into a dealer for free, at no charge to me my timing chain components were replaced. This is not to be confused with a goodwill repair. Mini USA is covering timing chain components out of warranty.


WayMotorWorks confirm this, I don't understand why you aren't aware of this but it's been going on for several months now.

I completely agree with this however, assume whoever is trying to offload a used N14 Mini Cooper S is selling their problems onto someone else. Do not blame the messenger, blame Mini USA for the many defects. I would however buy an N18 Mini Cooper S.

 

Does this problem creep up again after getting the tensioner,guides and chain replaced or is it a one time deal?

 

MNEWRTN,
It also sounds like he has the "Excessive Oil Consumption" problem. If this is true, his problems have just started. I feel for him because I lived through this on my 2008 MINI Cooper S Hatchback...

 

 

I agree with Systemlord 100 percent...blame Mini USA! Seven days ago I did an "offload." I miss my car a lot, but not the problems!

 

Thanks for the lead on this.. I am at the verge of scheduling a full t/chain replacement and a couple of odds and ends.

I do have one question though, when you called MINIUSA… aside from the providing them your VIN no. what else was required in order to get an appointment at the dealership for a t/chain measurement? A check off list from MINI to qualify your car for a replacement perhaps?

 

What actually happened is when I purchased my MCS I purchased a 6-year warranty, that warranty company covered the timing chain assembly -$200 deductible. Later when Mini USA came out with the campaign I asked Mini about reimbursement, Mini told me to go to dealer to start the paper work. I was refunded the $200 deductible shortly after I started the paperwork where I had the work done.

What will happen is Mini will ask you for your VIN, when the dealer contacts the Mini, the provided VIN number will get things moving forward. It's a fairly easy process. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

Well actually the other week I called Mini here in town (Orlando) and they looked up per my vin and told me that my timing chain and tensioner have been replaced once already (I only have 40K). My thing is this... is there a updated chain that DOESN'T stretch? You would think they would update the part to prevent this from happening over and over again.
I can change the chain out myself, I am an A&P mechanic... however.. I don't want to have a car that in the next 4-5 years I have to keep changing timing chains on.
Anyone swap the N14 with the 18?
I really like the car and don't want to sell it...

 

Thank you for the lead. Will call MINI today today to get started. I am out of warranty though but want to exhaust all options before taking the car to Helix.

 

What ended up happening is you didn't get the updated parts because they did exist yet when yours was timing chain was replaced, the updated part is the tensioner, there's nothing defective about the chain. Mini installed another defective tensioner design which is why you're having problems again. It's the tensioners that were defective, there were updated four times. Forget about an N18 engine, your cars not wired for it.

 

I actually called again yesterday and service was able to tell me it had a new chain and tensioner put in back February of this year. They also said the previous owner maintained it - also had water pump done and a turbo oil line with a heat shield. I guess I just need to watch the oil. It does seem to drop a little on the stick even after a week. I guess there is no way to really slow the consumption down?

 

Unfortunately, it's a recurring problem.
If you own an N14 car (like I still do - long story), keep an eye out on the rattle or replace the tensioner proactively as part of periodic maintenance. Waiting for the tensioner to fail and stretch the chain will only increase the repair bill.

a

 

Crazy... Does MINI warranty their repair work? Mine was done a few weeks ago under my remaining warranty. Haven't had any issues since.

Sent from my Note 3 using NAMotoring

 

Exactly what they said to me! no oil light came on like it did when my turbo oil line was leaking. I was due for an oil change 5k later. Failed compression check which found some bent valves. My guy is uninstalling my old motor so I can get a new one put in. I spoke to Brandon at Sewell dealership, they hv some engines rebuilt from Germany with 2yr warranty .about $3400, new wp,thermostat,seals. Only place offering deals for NAM members. This route is cheaper for me than getting a new or used car, plus I love minis Got all my info and Brandon's contact from this forum look up "chain campaign".

 

I was driving my 2009 mini cooper S. Slowing down for red light then put my foot on gas and nothing happened. I looked down and all my lights were on. The car just shut down. I had a hard time getting it into park. Tried to restart my nothing happened. Towed to independent shop. Compression test failed. They called mini and said it sounded like the timing chain and we should get it over there for them to fix as it is covered. I just turn 60,000 miles.

At 3,736 August 09, misfire faults caused light to came on. They cleared memory and said the car was fine

At 20,003, January, 2011 miles dealer noticed leak at routine maintenance. "Timing Chain tensioner improperly torqued from factory set crank into timing lock. Reference SIM 11 02 07 for labor. Removed tensioner and replaced seal ring tightend to spec"

at 24,944, June 2011 we brought in in as engine seems noisy. unable to verify concern. checked oil level. said everything was fine

At 35,155, June, 2012 engine light on and heard rattling at start up. Replaced timing Chain, gasket ring, slide rail, guide rail, put oil in

At 50,301, December, 2013 Valve cover leaking. Replaced Cylinder head cover. Heat resistant plate under warranty. $447.09 Nothing stated about low oil or we should continue to check since we are at higher miles

At 53,016, April 2014 overheated in drive through. Replaced thermostat housing. Declined mini service as it was too expensive. Got it down cheaper at independent. No mention that oil was low or that it needed to be changed. I purchased maintenance package.

I get a call from mini that the vacuum pump failed due to low oil and the timing chain broke and ruined the engine. Nothing is covered. Approx $10,000 to fix.

NO PRIOR WARNING and I was getting ready to enter the highway.

I was advised by the independent to hire a lawyer.

Mini also told me there is no low oil light. I was shocked when he said this.

He said timing chain failure would not cause vacuum pump to fail. I was not there on inspection. He was going to ask mini for some assistance for me. I still owe on the car.

This doesn't make any sense to me. If I would have know what I know now, I would have traded it in when it broke in April.