I've made a list of all of the parts needed to do the timing chain work (the TSB is missing a few parts, IMO) as well as head gasket if you go that far. I'm about to jump into this next week after the special tools arrive. I can supply you with that list if you're going to go the DIY route.

I might do a How-To writeup when I'm done, but we'll see how I feel after the labor. It doesn't look like it'll be too much work and I can probably get a lot of other things done while I'm at it (doing timing chain, head gasket, and valve/intake manifold cleaning).

The regular tools that you'll need on a Mini that you didn't need on an Evo are a 14mm deep 12pt spark plug socket, 16mm, 18mm, Torx and possibly e-Torx sets. You'll also want a torque angle protractor.

Approximate parts cost to do the timing chain is $300. Add another $300 to do the head gasket (not including inspection or machining) and another $50 each if you want to drop the oil pan or replace the valve cover gasket.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=244114

 

Glad it was relatively simple. The tensioner is, well, tensioned with oil pressure; so if the oil level drops, so does the oil pressure, and the tensioner allows the timing chain to get slack. Rattle, rattle, rattle...

In more serious cases, the tensioner itself is the culprit; it fails to tension properly, and the chain gets slack, stretches, breaks -- generally bad stuff happens. Or the tensioner bolt backs out, and all the oil comes out of the engine -- again, generally bad stuff happens...

Generally good advice with these turbocharged MINI's.

That's one of the $64,000 questions around the forum. Most folks would say "none," but MINI would probably tell you that the oil consumption you're seeing is normal... I've heard some opine that all BMW engines develop an oil consumption issue as they age; but so far, I've not seen it (knock wood)...

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=244114

 

kind of like what we will be paying for gas via epa fuel guidlines and cars that croke on flex fuels

 

**** usually cars get better as the models get newer, like many know i have over 200K on my 02 mini and it still drives strong and no oil burning.

it seems to have been a very simple car, and less tech in the engine but it also seems more reliable than the newer 07 to 10 motors.

maybe downgrade to a later model, parts are cheaper two from what i hear.

ive spent 800 on mine to change the clutch at 180K miles but otherwise i havent had any failure on any mechanical part on the car, same timing chain as well.


good luck on your fix! from what i remember they updated the part your fixing i think it shouldent fail again.