Timing belt "just fell off" ('07 Cooper S)

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Oct 30, 2010 | 09:01 AM

#26

Rixter

5th Gear

iTrader: (18)

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 828

Likes: 1

From: North of the 49th

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardener

Just had the timing chain replaced on my 07 CooperS, at 12,513k. I'd noticed a noise at start-up in the mornings, thought it was a loose muffler or exhaust pipe.. The noise was a rattle, sounded like a diesel when started cold. Luckily, the vehicle is still under warranty.
Strange, though, that no indicator came on to let me know of this problem AND, what "service bulletins"? Is there a site where one can go to see these?

There's lots of good info at:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rt-issues.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-chatter.html

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/...issue-exposed/

Oct 31, 2010 | 07:23 AM

#27

holliek2

Neutral

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Litigation

Quote:

Originally Posted by holliek2

Hello,
New to the forum. I have a 2007 Mini Cooper S (on lease). It's had electrical problems in the past, but other than that really no major issues until last weekend. I experienced the now known knock associated w/ the tensioner (saw it on YouTube, same exact noise) so I parked the car, tried to restart it, wouldn't start. Had it towed to the nearest dealership and they said - timing chain jumped, took out the valves. Best thing is, now they are saying that because I didn't get a preventative maintenance level 1 done at 25000 miles (the car was fully serviced at 16000 miles and the indicator hadn't indicated a needed service again until 36000 miles) that they've voided the warranty. I had the full service performed 3 weeks ago (when the car was acting just fine), but they aren't standing behind the fact that 3 weeks ago the car checked out fine- but it's suddenly my negligence because I missed some mysterious preventative maintenance that I knew nothing about (and that the famous service indicator didn't tell me about) (this all comes from Mini USA that I called after the dealer said they were sorry but couldn't get it covered under warranty). The dealer proclaims to have never heard of this level 1 preventative maintenance either.

Hi all,
Here is an update. After going back and forth with Mini USA and having the car towed to another dealership for a second opinion and literally getting 5 different stories from Mini USA (first it was I missed a Level 1 service. Once nobody could find exactly what that is then it was I was over service. Once I told them that when I checked in for service last time I accidentally used the second key fab which gave the dealership incorrect mileage then it was that 2 oil changes ago I was late. Once I proved I wasn't then it was that I should "know as a Mini owner" that I was supposed to bring the car in for service "every 10,000 miles or once a year for service no matter what the indicator says or doesn't say". Once I fully read from cover to cover the Service Manual and Warranty book and sent them their marketing information on the Service Indicator System and their advertising that "the car tells you when to go in" and proving to them that no service indicator came on, then it was something else. Went on and on until finally Mini USA's reply was "Listen. You are negligent. We will not cover it. No more scenarios, do you understand?" Seriously!!!! The repair bill turned out to be $8,900.. and needless to say I abandoned the vehicle at the dealership refusing to pay and am currently involved in a lawsuit against Mini USA.

If anyone is interested, or has additional useful information on the service bulletins, similar problems etc please contact me at hollie.alkema@gmail.com. Thank you!