^^^Yes, if you are letting your oil get low, that can surely bring
on the timing chain issue since it's pressure fed.
I check my oil at least once a week and more often if I run it a
little hard. Then again, I've never been low on oil but my tensioner
still screwed up.
OK now though.

 

There is a bulletin - probably doesn't want the cost! Call MINI Corporate - seems to be a disconnect between the bulletin statement and your local service department. This EXACTLY what my invoice states:
Replaced timing chanin check out, hear loud noise while engine was running, looked up Bulletin M11 02 07. Removed valve cover and found that the top timing chain guide was broken. Installed special tool to measure chain tension. Chain measured 71MM. Installed special tools to lock engine in place. Found that the CAMS were out of time. Replaced all related parts of the Bulletin and programmed car with CAS.

 

It was barely low, maybe 1/2 a quart and I typically check it weekly to bi-weekly and have never seen it more than 1/2 quart low between oil changes. Actually, this was the first time it was ever low.

 

I'll try and give them a call. However, the service manager indicated that he's seen several timing chain issues in the past.

 

I found the actual bulletin: http://distributionthp.free.fr/resso...ini_092010.pdf

Sadly, it doesn't say repairs are covered under anything other than the warranty. IOW, there's a service bulletin out there to alert the service departments of this issue, and it tells them how to fix it but doesn't say it's free for the owner. :(

 

I've been reading through this thread and my problem isn't the same as most people on here. Here's what happens to me:

1) Start-up, the car sounds completely normal
2) I've never had a loss of power at any time
3) The rattling noise STARTS after the car is warmed up and doesn't go away unless I rev the engine

Does this sound like what anyone else with timing chain issues has experienced?

 

Flywheel chatter? Does it go away when you step on the clutch?

 

Mine's an auto so not sure what a worn clutch would sound like.
But, when my tensioner gave it was only at start up. Hopefully,
that's not your issue. ???Has your timing tensioner ever been re-
placed that you are aware of? Did you buy the car new? If used,
the dealer can pull the records.
good luck.

 

Worn clutch? I hope I don't have to add that to the repair bill!!

I bought it brand new and I've never had the timing tensioner replaced.

If this is the timing chain and I have to fork over $1600+ to get it fixed, I'll be looking for a new car. As much as I love this car, I can't live with the fear of having this happen again in a few years. Especially considering that I had to replace all 4 rotors, pads, and sensors recently (close to a $1000 fix). I don't have an endless stream of cash to pour into a car that I'm still paying for!

 

^^^I hear ya. Luckily, I ran into a little extra cash so
mine is paid for. If I have to occasionally put out a little
money for repairs it's no big deal unless the same thing
happens repeatedly. Hope not.
Let us know what you find out.

 

No, it doesn't. If it's warm and idling, it's clattering.

 

Can you record a video of the engine while it's making the
noise. That may help us. If you do be sure to pan over the
curved piece to the passenger side of the motor as well as
over the valve cover.

 

I can but it sounds just like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v585bmqzy0

 

Ok, if that is what it sounds like, it IS the timing chain tensioner.
You really need to get it handled. If the chain jumps track or a
sprocket tooth (or 2) break off it can kill your motor.

 

When my tensioner went bad, the sound only manifested itself after my MINI had warmed up. Really warmed up, like 20 minutes of driving. I could induce the rattle at will by getting the RPMs within a certain range. There are a few others out there that have had it occur in the same manner.

 

Yeah, I've got it "scheduled" but I'm in a bind. The dealer can't get it in until the end of APRIL because of all the recall work they are doing!! Not sure what I'm going to do in the meantime, it's my daily driver.

 

Sounds exactly like what is happening to me!!!

 

Has anyone tried to trade in their car with this issue back to a Mini dealer?

 

No other dealerships around? I can't believe they won't squeeze you in sooner with that issue.
Drive it easy and keep an eye on the oil.

 

Unfortunately no. I live in St. Louis, there's only one. The next closest one is in Kansas City.

I'm going to call them again in the morning and beg them to take it.

 

+1 on my wife's 2007 R56. She just reached 50k miles last week. Was quoted $1500 to fix. MINIUSA is going to cover half of that. Does that sound fair?

 

I took my car in for the recall for the turbo cooling pump and my dealer checked my timing chain Etc.

They replaced all of the tensioner & timing chain components as well as doing the recall.

They drained and replaced my brake fluid, Replaced the cabin filter and put the very latest program into my computer.

They did all of this in one full day. The car is all up to date now and running perfect. It was running great before they did all of this work even though the replacement stuff was needed.I'm lucky to have A great dealer that cares about their customers. (ORLANDO MINI) in Florida.

 

You must be out of warranty. I was also on my 07 when mine went back in Dec. My car was at about 62K. Quoted $1700 total but my part was $500 so your quote of 1/2 of $1500 is not bad. At least they are submitting part of the fix to Mini. Better than none at all.
Some dealerships don't help out at all. I've been happy with Mini of Pensacola.

 

After failing to get my dealer's service department to schedule my MINI as a priority, I've traded it in. The earliest available date they had was the end of April. Every time I started the car, I was in fear of the timing chain breaking. Since this was my daily driver, I couldn't afford to let it sit that long while I rented a car to drive back and forth to work.

The MINI is a fun and fantastic car. It was the most fun and exciting car I've ever owned. I've got mixed feelings about the trade-in but I know I did the right thing. There's no way any car should need a new timing chain at 43,000 miles. What's more, the failure of MINI to take ownership of this design flaw and fix it for free (or at least give a discount) at all dealerships, is very sad.

My new car is a black 2012 Honda CR-Z. Sure, it's no where near as "fast" or responsive as a MINI but at least I now have a car that's under warranty again. Plus, after the trade-in my monthly payments went DOWN...on a 36 month loan. And BTW, the Honda dealer knew all about the timing chain issues with this car. It's certainly not a secret in the industry. Even with the problem, I got a good deal on the trade-in.

I hope everyone who has this problem gets it resolved in a satisfactory manner. This board has been a wealth of great information for me over the past 4 years. I'm going to miss my MINI and all of you great people!

I'll still wave when I see a MINI on the road.

 

Your entire experience over the chain sucks. Really sorry that the dealership didn't step up to the plate. You are correct, all the dealerships should treat this issue the same just not a randum few. Thank God I've got a good dealership.
Anyway, good luck to ya and I'm sure you'll enjoy your new car which is
most likely alot more reliable for you.