Can't find this in previous posts. Have a 2003 s with 140,000 miles on it and am starting to think about repairs to anticipate. Number one is how long should I get out of the original timing chain and is there any way to know it's condition without tearing it down? If needed, what is a reasonable cost for replacement by a shop? George

 

I'm doing my chain next weekend. There is a couple ways to tell if it is time.
1. Is if you hear a distinct taping sound coming from the engine.
2. While engine is running get close to timming chain side an listen to it.
3. If you remove cover. Then pull on the chain to see if there is any slack in chain.

I'm doing the chain by myself. I have all the tools needed to do it. Not very hard to do. But like I said you need the correct tools.
While I'm in there. I'm going to inspect the camshaft for ware or damage. Then you check the lifter tap for an damage or ware.
Since you have an S model. Especially withe the miles. Now is a good time to replace the pulley on the crank. They are known to fail.
Going to change mine. Even though it is a none S model.

 

thanks...

 

At that mileage, I'd be more concerned about the condition of the PTO gears in the supercharger than I would be with the timing chain. If you haven't done a supercharger service yet, I recommend you prioritize that lest you learn the lesson I just learned about those gears.

 

Oil was gone? I'm servicing my supercharger soon but have yet to research exactly what that means besides changing the oil...

 

Some superchargers tend to leak out or basically use up the oil in the pto side. When this happens it can cause catastrophic damage to the gears in the pto housing the gears that drive waterpump. If of course your mini is supercharged.

 

Yes, oil was gone. Nothing but dirty, metal dust in the PTO housing with the worn gear teeth.

 

YIKES! Point Taken.