I have a 2008 Mini Cooper hatch back R56.


I heard what I found on line a loud rattle and took it to the shop.


My mechanic...not a Mini dealer... said the tensioner is bad, but the timing chain assembly looks good.


My car has 135,000 miles although only 7 years old.


My mechanic is replacing the valve gasket and cover, but is there anything else I should have him change now. The stories I have heard about the death rattle and engine damage make me concern.


Also, I know there is law suit pending, but has anyone heard of Mini dealers replacing this assembly for free? I know there is TS Bulletin, but no recall.


Any help would be very much appreciated

 

Depends on whether or not your timing chain has stretched or not, if the chain slack measures 68 mm you need to replace the chain as well. I would do both. Call Mini USA and they might foot the bill.

 

Just today I had my tensioner changed and the chain checked. They didn't replace the chain as it was still in spec. There was another recall for a turbo oil line shield. I went to Ann Arbor Mini in Michigan and in about 1.5 hours, all repairs made, car washed and 0.00 was my bill. There has been some chat about rather there is a recall or not...at least with this dealership, there is. Hope this helps anyone wondering.

 

Mini refers to them as campaigns or service bulletins, Mini started taking some responsibility after all the multiple lawsuits were filed. Did your Mini dealer tell you how much the timing chain had stretched? I have heard of members that had just the tensioner replaced and down the road (even 3000) it starts acting up again, for your sake I hope it doesn't.