Has anyone here experienced an N18 that has skipped timing? Can you describe the symptoms? I think that's my situation, but I'm not sure and would love to get an opinion before I junk my car...

I have a 2012 Countryman S All4 6-speed manual with 130K miles. I've owned it since 32K - oil was replaced religiously - always full synthetic.

Current Symptoms: No Start. Shows spark, fuel, but all 4 cylinders are showing no compression; however, the camshaft is turning so it's not a broken chain. I took it to a local shop that isn't as experienced in Mini's... they say it's dead and likely skipped timing and they've done all they can. If they're right, I've made peace with that, but I have questions!
1.) Is there any chance an issue with the VANOS system could be causing this symptom? I would think the timing wouldn't shift enough to cause no compression
2.) If the chain skipped a tooth, would it be enough to bend valves and cause this symptom?
3.) Is there anything else I can try?

Some background:
About 2 months ago, the tip of the dipstick broke off in the engine... I was on a trip, so I took it in to a Mini dealership. The head mechanic I talked to said that can happen if the timing chain guides were worn out. After they got into it, they were able to retrieve the tip and check the timing assembly. They told me the guides and chain looked good. A few days before it died, it went into limp mode and threw a P1339 (Crankshaft Position / Engine Speed Sensor) and went into limp mode. After reading, it seems that this can be caused by a Camshaft position sensor as well, so I replaced those first, drove it on a short drive - the codes came right back. After I parked it, it wouldn't start again. Had it towed to the shop.

What's throwing me off is that it ran until it was stopped AND that the head mechanic at the dealer said the timing chain and guides looked good... what are the chances it would skip timing on start or idle as opposed to under load? And what are the chances it would skip timing after the guides were verified to be good?

Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated, even if it's just to confirm what I already believe/know. TIA!

 

I would think there should be some codes stored in there for whatever is going on. Do you have a modern scan tool that can read Mini DTCs?

 

I *think* I do... I was able to read codes on it. I've attached them, but if there's some mini-specific codes missing, LMK how to get those... Thanks!

 

You can use this site and start working through that list:
https://bmwfault.codes

Do the research and see if there is any overlap, or indication of cam or vanos issues.

 

After more research/searching, it doesn't seem that a VANOS problem would cause no compression in even one cylinder, much less all 4. It's likely the chain skipped and I have bent valves. Thanks for the help anyway, Nik. As much as it pains me, my plan is to let it go. It wouldn't be worth more than $5-6K fixed, and it would take a lot more than that to fix it.

 

If you really suspect a skipped timing chain, there is a relatively simple test you can perform… Get yourself a cheap timing kit, pull the cam cover, follow the timing procedure, and see if you can get the tools installed. If the tool won’t line up correctly, then the chain has skipped. If they all line up, then it’s something else. There are many DIY guides for swapping the chain. Just follow the procedure as it pertains to checking the cam timing. At best, you’re out the cost of the timing tools. At worst, you’ve confirmed your suspicions.

 

Thanks again for the help and suggestions... after looking at it a little bit more, it's almost certain that the chain skipped... I changed my mind and will try to fix it after all... I probably won't do [all?] the work myself, but I'll post anything learned here down the road.