I've been reading a lot of threads about timing chain/guide replacement. I plan to buy a kit for my 2007 justamini non turbo hatch. I haven't read a lot about finding the correct OEM parts. I found this kit on both ebay and amazon for about $120.

Timing Chain Kit Febi Bilstein 48387 / 48387

It includes 3 rails, crank gear, tensioner and chain. No gaskets. My plan is to pop the VC and replace the top guide and the tensioner at least, and decide if I need to do the full meal deal at that time.

If Febi Bilstein is not the OE manufacture, who is?

If I want to buy a complete kit with gaskets and everything, who do you recommend?

 

Just go on Pelican Parts and look it up. All brands under that site has a slight bit of description whether or not they are the OE Manufacturers. Anyhow, Febi is not a bad brand. I've used their stuff on many mini's so far with no problems. So far the brands I won't buy from are URO and Bremmem. Bremmem's thermostat housing failed under just 1 year of using, causing a much bigger repair bill than just the thermostat housing.

Dayco, Febi, Elring are all good brands. Victor-Reinz is a bit on the edge, still under observation. I'm referring these brands for generally Mini aftermarket parts, not just for the timing chain kit.

 

I ordered the Febi Bilstein kit from an ebay seller for $122 shipped. I opened up the VC and the top tensioner looked pretty good. However, the one in the kit was longer, having fingers that extend over the top of the cam sprockets. I also replaced the tensioner, which felt noticeably stiffer than the one I took out. However, I assume more of it's function is based on hydraulics than the spring tension. I had replaced the VC gasket less than a year ago so I let it ride. After reassembly I think the engine is not rattling like it was before, but I'm not 100% sure I've tested it under the same conditions. Mine was making the most noise idling at operating temp (100ish Celsius according to my aftermarket gage). Anyway, that's my story for now.

The job took about an hour total and was pretty self explanatory.