2007S Hatchback, 81k

The engine quit on me with what seems to be the evil timing chain problem, 6 months after I paid it off. Got a quote from the dealer for a refurbed engine installed with a 2yr warranty for $6k.

Are there any other "gremlins in the mist" with this generation of S that I should be aware of before I pull the trigger? Should I just spend the $6k on a new Hyundai with a way better warranty?

Thanks for help.
Jeremy

 

Why the dealer? Have you checked with any independent shops that do MINI repair work?
$6K is a butt-load of cash; do you have the specific details of what's included?
Because I would expect $6K to be a brand new long-block engine; not refurbished.

- Erik

 

Replace the engine. A refurbished engine (short block) can cost from ~3k to ~6k. The labor will be hefty but not horrid. They will only replace the short block and reuse everything they can from your current car.

 

I sold my 05 MCS with 40k miles for $15K, and bought an 06 Kia Rio5 with 9k miles for $6.5K. I regret it.

 

Open that bish up and find out what needs to be fixed and fix and drop it back in.

 

I fixed mine with the help of my brother in two days and ~3k$. No damage to pistons(thank goodness), but 6 valves were bent. We got the head rebuilt and put everything back together. Sucks working on the car cause we have big hands and the lack of space was limited but the work is pretty straight forward. Now it runs fine, Although I do hear a slight rattle from the chain on cold start up which is making me worried again.

I wouldn't do it again....if I had the cash, I'd get the whole engine rebuilt with beefier parts, but the damn chain is still a handicap, cause you'll just never know.

 

What happened specifically? Did the timing chain break loose and the engine's pistons collided with the valves?

 

Why did the timing chain crash.
There should have been tale tell signs of something going
on such as loud thrashing sounds or rocks bouncing around
in the engine. What kind of service did you perform on the
car and how often?
Was oil check regualarily? That's one of the biggest reasons
the timing chain can crash other than the plastic material the
crap is made of.

Only a couple of site posts from OP which leads me to think
he wasn't up on all the specifics involved with owning a Mini.