Hey everyone! I'm brand new to this site and a first time Mini owner. I love my MCS and I'm wanting it to last for long time. So, had anyone heard of Metal Timing Chain Guides? I'd pay a lot extra to use them over plastic. Thanks everyone for your help in advance.

 

Im not sure they make metal guides. Maybe someone else can chime in with that info. But what usually cases them to fail is the tensioner failing. the lose chain then slaps around and wears them and breaks them off. I can understand your theory thinking metal guides would be better or something stronger anyways. Good luck.

 

Just get the updated parts from the dealer, you should be covered in the campaign. Ours was just done at 95k. Then do 5k oil changes and you should be good.

 

I took my car in to see about the recall and I guess mine doesn't qualify for it. As for the oil change interval, heck yeah man. I'm using Mini oil and aiming for 4k just like every vehicle I've owned. I want it to last!

 

Sometimes you need to really push to be covered under the campaign recall. Get MINIUSA involved that type of thing. Explain to them your issues. Also some dealers don't seem to be up on the latest recall per say. What year MINI do you have? What issues do you currently have?

 

Okay I'll try some more research. I have a 2007 MCS with 58k on it. So far I don't have issues with it. It has a little tick at cold start but nothing major.

 

Its good to keep your eye on it. Are you the original owner?

 

No I'm the 2nd. I picked it up at 55k. But the owner before me was meticulous about her upkeep. The protective stickers were still on the "Mini Cooper S" door jams.

 

Sounds like you got a nice MINI. What you can do is go to a dealer and have a service print out done on your car. This will tell you what all has been done to your car. See if the timing chain was replaced or the tensioner has been replaced with the newer type. Plus its good to see what has been all done to your MINI. Usually when the timing chain is getting bad you hear more of a growl. Im not sure about a ticking sound. But also you are probably getting close to needing a carbon cleaning. But honestly sounds like your car is running just fine. If you really worried about your timing chain you can have it checked to see how much play is in it. But of course there is a cost to have that done at the dealership. Or as some call it the stealership! Good luck and post some pics of your MINI if you haven't already done so! Enjoy