I was told by the dealer my cam timing chain had to be replaced. It was making noise when it was cold but it didnt make any noise after it warmed up. The tensioner was messed up too. Anyway the car ran great before I had it fixed. After it was fixed the car gets about 2 mpg less and seems to have a little less power. I was told the chain had jumped one cog. Is it possible the timing was improved for the better? Obviously you cant have it moving a lot.

2008 MCS

 

[quote. I was told the chain had jumped one cog. Is it possible the timing was improved for the better? Obviously you cant have it moving a lot.

2008 MCS[/quote]

Google camshaft timing adjusters.
Playing with cam timing can effect power and torque.
Also your car probably got a complete vehicle programming and encoding which includes re-programming the DME.

 

I just had my timing chain and tensioner replaced under warranty on my '07 R56 this week at 44k miles. The engine was noisy and sounded like a blender at start up. It still had a noticable buzz at around 2k rpms. I also noticed less gas mileage and power as the previous poster.

The service advisor hinted that MINI knows there is a problem with the tensioner that causes the timing chain to stretch and kick it out of time. If anyone has something like this and the car is still under warranty get it fixed and by all means post it on here. I think even out of warranty you might have a good shot of getting MINI to replace it...just like the good ole hp fuel pump issue.