Hello We have reached the 72000 mark on an '04 Time for her first tuneup shortly. Question though, at what average milage are people finding timing belts are failing or need replacement

 

There's no timing belt. It's got a timing chain. Save the money, spend it elsewhere, do some upgrades, but be thankful you don't have to replace a timing belt as routine maintenance like many other cars.

 

You betcha! But take some of that cash you just saved and replace the serpentine belt. Cheap, easy, and money well spent.

 

or put a new pulley on the sc.

 

Don't think that's an 'S'.

 

If u gots 70k plus, DO replace that serp' belt

did mine last week at 78k and just in time, there was a tear.

 

So does a DIY exist for the serpentine belt replacement?

 

Excuse me (or not) for being off topic, but what is this "pulley" that I keep reading about in various threads? As you can tell, I'm a mechanical noob.

Also, since I'm already off topic: if I were going to consider mods, what should I first consider? MCS with SS, DSC, LSD.

I'd love to replace the runflats, but I don't like the idea of just having a can of flat tire spray (or what ever it is called).

Thanks!
Tony

 

You own a turbo (R56) MINI Cooper S not a supercharged (R53) MINI Cooper S. You don't need to know anymore about superchargers or pulleys.

 

That was wierd! I just saw your link to the How Stuff Works article (THANKS!) and when I clicked to quote you and reply, the text was different! You must have posted a correction/edit.

Anyway, thanks for the url, I did read through it and feel slightly less ignorant!

Tony

 

As for replacing the runflats: A small bottle of Slime and a small 12 volt compressor fits nicely in the back and works great. And the best part: you get rid of the runflats!

 

Back to the timing chain, what is the recommended mileage to replace?

 

60k is a good place. The belt's around $30, the job's around 20 minutes. The tool is the pricey part, tho you may be able to rent one.
At 72k, you're overdue.

 

That's not a good recommendation for a timing chain replacement. Maybe for a serpentine belt, but not for a timing chain.

 

Um, never unless there's a problem with it. If you need a number, then every quarter million miles is probably pretty close.

 

Sorry. Missed the 'chain' part.
The timing chain components seem to be pretty bullet proof on this engine and I wouldn't even bother to think about it. Ryephile's number (250k) is probably as good as anything.

 

But you'll want to R&R the SC @ 100K or sooner (if you have an S) to make sure you still have lube in the water pump gear chamber.