Posting this in the R56 sub-forum as the R55 sub-forum doesn't get as much traffic and the N18 is applicable to both vehicles.

Got my second oil analysis back from Blackstone. Previous analysis, as well as this one, indicated higher than normal levels of iron and copper. The first analysis was on Mobil1 0w40 Euro formula while the second analysis was with Valvoline 5w40 Euro formula. The Valvoline is LL01 certified. Not much difference in analysis results so it's likely not oil related.

For background, I drove the car for a period of time with a failing timing chain tensioner. It took me a little while to diagnose that issue and replace the tensioner. The tensioner that I removed fell apart as I was removing it.

Any insight as to what might be the cause of the elevated wear metals and what might be in store for me on this engine? Open to any recommendations.

 

I'm surprised Blackstone didn't answer your question in their comments section of the report. In my experience with them, if I had high levels of certain metal, they would state something about what part in the engine is wearing. Email Blackstone and ask them; they are usually good about answering your questions about sample results.

In one report on my truck (Cummins diesel engine) I had high iron and that level dropped on the next sample; Blackstone attributed high iron to "steel" parts I.E. cylinder liners, rotating shafts, and steel valve train components.

In another instance, I installed an ATK reman engine in a 2003 Mazda Tributed (a Ford V6 engine) and I sampled the oil at the 500 mile mark (with an oil change). Wear metals were high in the engine, so I changed the oil every 1000 miles until I washed out all the wear metals. Oil is cheap compared to MINI engine parts, so I'd suggest a very short oil change interval (say 1000 miles) or less until you see the levels drop. The only way to get the contaminants out of the oil is with oil exchanges as some parts are probably smaller than the micron rating of the filter element. Again, email Blackstone and ask them about the iron and the copper. In the MINI, I believe there is iron in the cylinder sleeves, camshafts, crankshafts, timing chain, timing chain sprockets (VANOS sprockets), and valves. Based on your background, an educated guess would say you have wear metals from the timing chain sprocket and timing chain wear from those components running with a failed tensioner.

Did you change the timing chain and VANOS sprockets after the tensioner failed?

 

I contacted Blackstone and asked if they have any additional insight on the potential source of the elevated wear metals. I hope to hear from them soon.

 

Response was about what I expected. See below:

Iron comes from steel parts in the engine, of which there are
many.... shafts, cylinders, gears, timing chains... all can be made
of steel. Copper comes from any brass/bronze parts like bushings
and/or bearings. Sometimes see copper after work is done or from new
oil coolers.