Ok, so I'm starting to get the death rattle and want to get the latest plunger bolt to give me some time. Car is out of the extended warranty period.

The problem is I'm finding tensioner bolts showing up at drastically different prices.

Dealer wants $150
Other place wants $69
Another place only wants $25

Obviously i want to pay less but it's so drastic that it makes me question it.

Any ideas?

 

I think I only paid $50 direct from the dealer so $150 is way off the mark.

 

Yeah they want almost $300 parts and labor to change it out. No way.

But MM and PP have the same part for drastically different prices. Is one better than the other? I'm not trying to start a vendor war but it bears asking.

 

$300 parts and labor isn't surprising given the crazy shop rates these days. It's probably a 40 minute job for someone with experience.

Something you should consider is the possibility that your tensioner may not fix the issue as chain wear may be beyond its abilities. You should measure the chain slack while you are changing the tensioner.

Here is a genuine Mini tensioner for only $22.59.
http://www.outmotoring.com/113176075...tensioner.html

 

Thanks. What's the best way to measure the slack? Engine has 80k on it. Timing chain was changed by a dealer at 36k before I owned the car. Rattle just started.

 

Haha, OutMotoring. I keep forgetting about that place and it's here in town.

 

The tensioner should only be around $25, the part number is 11317607551, it's the same for N12, N14, N16 and N18 engines

 

If you're getting the rattle don't just put a tensioner in it as that is a band aid fix and may work short term, but won't be right as the guides will likely still fail. Go with the entire kit and do it right. We have them in stock
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...-cooper-s.html

 

Dang 145 bucks that's a deal'

 

$145 is a good deal. However, until I can do more research I don't know if I'll be able to tackle the install myself and do it right.

I certainly don't have the $$ to have the dealer or indy shop do it.

The rattle just started and goes away a couple of minutes after start up.

$22 and 30 minutes of my time I would hope would give me a little more time.

 

Woww $145 that is a great deal but i wonder if it is a genuine mini part?

 

That price doesn't include the valve cover gasket, harmonic balancer bolt and two cam bolts that aren't included in the kit. For $200 your getting all of the parts required from here http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-COOPER-...ZWvMzt&vxp=mtr

 

Don't forget the special tools needed too.

 

So is it a 27mm thin walled, 6 point socket is what I need? And what's the torque spec on the longer bolt?