I'm the 2nd owner of a 2007 MCS that I purchased with approximately 31K miles on it. Since I had some warranty left I had the dealer go over everything including the usual timing chain noise. They fixed that. Then the turbo oil line leak started so I had that fixed. All has been "well" until now. At 52k miles I start feeling some clutch slippage AND the timing chain noise. Take it back to the dealer only this find out that (1) the clutch has been "shredding" and has no life left, (2) the water pump is leaking, and (3) the timing chain assembly is loose again. Estimated bill - $5400.
Should I have them fix it or trade it in as is?
And the big question is if I'm a sucker and trade for a new or newer MCS what do I need to lookout for? Has Mini corrected some of the stupid issues that have plagued my 2007?

 

I believe they "claimed" they fixed the premature clutch wear issues on the 2013 model. The timing chain issues have been (somewhat) resolved with the introduction of the n18 IIRC. There is an oil wicking issues on the turbo feed line on the n18 I believe. However, it seems that the 2007-08 MCS was plauged with the seemingly more issues than the newer 2nd gen MINIs. Personally, I say get an R53.

 

Hmmmm, I didn't know about turbo feed line wicking issue. Since it's Sunday night and I can't call Chad from Detroit Tuned I'll ask y'all, will their Turbo Oil Line solve the problem?

Thank you.

 

Get an estimate from an independent MINI shop.

Dave

 

I may be wrong but I stumbled across a thread on here about it. I'll check and see if I can find it again.

EDIT: I was wrong. Not the feed line. Its through a wiring harness apparently. This was the thread I saw. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-check-it.html

 

Good grief. The fact that they repaired the timing chain and it's making noise again in such short time is pretty bad. I would p1ss and moan to no end about that.

Where do you live? I agree that an independent MINI shop is your best bet for an out of warranty MINI. Clutch replacements are major work on a FWD car but the price you're getting is really silly.

 

Thanks, my friend! Might do it anyway.

 

I was told a couple of months ago by my MA that clutch replacement would come to about 3k. True, he was trying to sell me on the extended maintenance plan but I've not known him to be dishonest.

 

I'm in central SC and we don't have a dealer. I've always used Mini of Charleston (SC) and been pleased with their work (except the $$).

My biggest beef is the timing chain issue. That was "corrected" at 33k miles per the service bulletin. My SA says the chain stretched more and got back out of tolerance and damaged the chain guides. This time they will be replacing the entire assembly (which is a completely different part). Supposedly the new part is made of a different material that won't have the same issue.

The water pump parts are also new part #'s made of metal instead of plastic like the original. Yet another design flaw.

Although I am way out of warranty I'm going to plead my case to Mini of NA. Probably won't get anywhere as I'm told that is the same group as BMW of NA which is like talking to a brick wall.

I'm not sure how I got so lucky as to have all 4 of the major issues with the MCS' including the timing chain twice. Or at least the 4 issues until something else goes wrong.

 

Most warrantee repairs done by a dealer are warranted for life.

 

I was told different. I had the leaking valve cover fix, water pump fix, and the high pressure fuel pump fix. I inquired about the warranty of the items that they fixed as my original warranty would be expiring in a couple days. They told me but I have forgotten what they said. There was a time/mileage limit though. I can't see any car manufacturer offering a lifetime warranty on anything they fix.

 

It was not a manufacturer is was the dealer. I figured it would of been all mini dealers but maybe it is just select ones.

 

All oem Mini parts have a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.