Hi
I am close to buying a '10 Clubman "S". I am happy with the price, condition, etc. but there is one issue I am somewhat concerned with. The previous owner had the timing chain replaced about two months ago (under warranty). He/she then traded it in at a VW dealer, and I am negotiating with them. They are telling me that the Mini dealer who did the work said "...they had some problems with older timing chains..." which is why it was changed. The car has only 26K miles on it. I have to think it is unusual for a car of this age to need a new timing chain. Is this perhaps indicative of other potential problems with the engine? Any follow-up questions I should ask of the dealer?
Thanks -- bill

 

Yeah that doesn't mean that it was a lemon or anything. Timing chain issues aka the "death rattle" are extremely common on this engine. The car still is under warranty it sounds so you should be fine.
The dealer was right- it is not unusual. some cars get the death rattle in 10k miles it sounds.

 

According to an engineer at MINI, in an interview with MotoringFile, the timing chain/tensioner problem was caused by a parts supplier. Presumably, replacement timing chains and tensioners were from a different supplier or remedies at the original parts supplier.

You might ask what parts were replaced. Was it more than the chain?

 

I've heard of timing chain TENSIONER issues, not just the chain itself, though.

 

Thanks all. I've asked the dealer for more details on specifically what was done. Also read up on this issue on other threads - it does appear to be somewhat common. Most who've had it fixed seem to be fine thereafter, although there are a few who have the problem return. My main concern is whether or not this condition, before it was repaired, might have caused other damage or wear which will show itself later. But haven't read any posts about such a problem so maybe I am just worrying too much. I tend to keep my cars for awhile and will be looking to get at least 5 years out of this one so I am trying to get comfortable.

 

I'd say it's actually a plus this job was done, and very unlikely other parts that weren't replaced had any damage or wear.

Having said that, personally I wouldn't own a Mini w/o any kind of warranty and would be ready to pay small premium for a CPO'd car from a dealer, or for 3rd party warranty.

 

I would not think twice about that issue...it doesn't concern me at all. The issue was noticed early on and fixed before the motor destroyed itself (jumping timing). I would find other things on the car that bothered me first.

 

My 07 MCS was changed out at 62K and so far all is good. They changed out everything, not just the chain, Guide, sprocket, pulley, tensioner bolt, etc. plus they went ahead and changed out my valve cover gasket because they say it'll leak eventually. My car was out of warranty and they still did the job and submitted all but $500 to Mini.
I love my dealership. Mini of Pensacola.

 

It is a design flaw that has affected some '07-'10 and have recently heard some '11's as well.Best advice is to monitor your oil frequently and change it more often then mini states.Use non other than premium fuel.It is a fun little car just.You should be ok for awhile as mileage is low and year is within 4 yr 50,000 mi mini warranty:

 

Thanks all for your comments. Unfortunately I dragged my feet a little too long and the car was sold to someone else. Oh well...I probably enjoy the hunt most of all anyway so at least I can keep at that. I certainly like the looking part more than the paying part that's for sure.

 

It being sold just means there is an even better one matched for you out there somewhere! Just keep looking, you'll find it eventually!

 

Mine's for sale, though not an S! What part of the country are you in?

 

I have an 08,and it has a little over 39,000 miles,no problems with any of the above.Q

 

I went to the dealer today to inquire about the timing chain issue on my 2008 Clubman and he told me its more of an issue on the "s" and not the justa. Don't know if thats true or not but mine has just over 49k and runs great with no timing chain replaced.

 

my timing chain broke and damaged my entire engine at 26,000. Drove a little too long after and they replaced my entire engine. Cars been great ever since. Seems like a faulty timing chain. Haven't had any other problems otherwise. Only make sure to check your oil regularly because the S does burn oil fast. They recommended a quart every 2 or 3 gas fillips. I don't do it that often. Maybe every 4 to 6 fillips.

 

72k On our 08 justa and it's been flawless.

 

30,500 miles in my 2010 Clubman S. I had the timing chain tensioner replaced at 25,000 under warranty. Other than that the car has been a dream.

 

My 08 Cooper is at 62000 and no issues at all.

 

The timing belt tensioner was an S issue only.
Let's all check on the thread of miles on your MINI, and how it's holding up.
Mine 43K, almost no issues. 2008.