I had my tensioner replaced on my 07 MCS in May of 2011. I was having my oil change at Detroit Tuned (Mini repair place)and they told me my tensioner bolt was loose and leaking. Now I have to go back to the dealer to get it looked at and they have to verify that it is loose. At least I'm within my 2 year warranty. I wonder if they will just replace the bolt or the whole tensioner.

 

I had my 09 JCW in for work on the timing chain tensioner a couple years ago. I'm now out of warranty (52k miles) and the cold start chatter has started up again. Reading this thread has me dreading calling the dealer. Though since it was already in for service once for the timing chain, shouldn't it be covered under the original warranty?

 

Your repair carries a 2 year warranty if the dealer replaced your tct

 

Bah, the repair was done back in 2009.

 

'12 MCS with 26000KM on it... Brought the car in for CEL and P0301 code, with some history of rough starts, hesitation etc. The engine was clattery on start, right from day 1, but I thought it was normal as the car was bought new...

Other parts replaced to fix the P0301, but the dealership said they found an oil leak at the tensioner, and replaced it - there was no word on if it was the longer version on the receipt, but I note the car is much quieter on start - even at -14C!
E

 

You do realize throwing a tensioner at the original problem only extended the life of your original timing chain minimally. doesn't surprise me your rattle/loud noise has returned. Hate to be the deliverer of bad news, but I'm almost willing to bet your 09 MCS N14 will need to have its timing chain replaced. Putting a band aid on a wound that needs serious stitching only slows down the bleeding and allows to you continue to fight in the war. Eventually though without proper attention to the wound, your engine will succumb to its wound.

 

Dealer replaced my entire timing chain tensioner again! Luckily I was under the 2 year repair warranty. So, that is two timing chains in a year and a half. Probably about 15000 miles the last one lasted.

Now I need to get my turbo feed line replaced and a valve gasket replaced.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm fearing. I'm taking it to the dealer soon and, assuming my diagnosis is right (it is), I/they will be getting in touch with MINIUSA on this.

 

good luck to all of you guys. i've been looking into a base these days, but it seems even the bases don't escape from some of these problems.

 

Well, a happy update. Dealer verified the problem had returned and MINIUSA offered to cover the fix.

 

Mines def. got a diesel rattle to it now. Noticed it more after cleaning the valves. Measured the chain deflection and got 66.4mm. So just under the 68mm spec'd in the SIM for the full chain/guide replacement. So probably will go with the 482 tensioner and see how it does. Hopefully long enough to get me through the summer and into an E30.

I bought mine used Feb. '12 with 43k miles. Up to just over 73k now. When I got it it said it had the chain fix done. I didn't get a print out though. So thinking of calling up and getting a detailed work history to see when it was done and if it would qualify for a warranty fix since those were supposed to carry a 2yr warranty from what I read.

However, if they get the same measurement I do and won't do the whole chain and guides I'd just as well do the tensioner myself since its about $15 from most places and takes minimal time (already pulled it out once to measure and put old one back in)

And to be honest if it came down to it wouldn't mind doing the whole assembly myself since its "relatively" cheap for the parts. Other than having to get the cam tools and then having them left over after selling the car. I'm more worried about the auto trans at this point.

 

can we add a poll to this thread for what model Mini they have with this issue? ie base, mcs, jcw

 

Mine failed yesterday at night. Had a big oil leak 500 meter near my home and a lot of smoke coming from the engine bay. Stopped the car, checked the hood and oil everywhere. Shut down the car and with the help of my brother, we moved the car to my garaje. Towed it today to the dealer and now I'm waiting for news, I hope it's only the chain and just need to change all that parts, the car was running fine

It's a JCW 2011, with 41,000 KM or 25,476 Miles. Always checked the oil every weekend and filled accordly. Last service was at 24,000 miles.

 

for those with failures, are you guys single owners? if so, how are you breaking in the car? could it be anything like the timing chain needs to go through a few heat cycles to get strengthened? def a proponent for a light break in i would think

 

Can you get an idea where its coming from? With all that oil on the front I'd suspect a turbo oil line or something. Or major cracked valve cover. Any funny noises?

If the chain failed it wouldn't be running most likely as timing would be way off and most likely no oil leaks.

 

I think it's the chain because I had exactly the same problem like Ladybug-S: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-oil-leak.html. He/she later replied that the problem was the chain.

Most of the oil came from the dipstik, like there was too much pressure and pop out, because it was out of its place and a big spoot in the hood. The turbo oil lines looked good, but oil was everywhere, very hard to check the posible leak
No funny noises, car was running fine after the oil leak, moved it probably 200 meters or less before the shut down.

 

Makes sense why it would lose that much oil as its a large hole. However it faces the firewall. Not sure what would cause the differential pressure to force the dipstick up like that though.

 

Yes, it's very strange. I just hope it's only the chain and the engine is fine.

 

Have the PCV valve checked. If I'm not mistaken that can cause pressure problems which would potentially cause the dipstick to be forced out.

My '07 just recently had a stuck PCV and the timing chain guide break off into the engine.

These engines are just not good. It will be a miracle to see the R56s on the road in 10 years.

 

+1 09.

Have had it worked on twice... In 6mos

 

+1 08 MCS 70k miles

 

Just to update, like you said, it was the PCV, thanks! Had to buy a new cover, car is running fine now. I'll flash Alta Stage 3 tomorrow and check that the car is running strong again.

By the way, according to the dealer, timming chain is fine (for now ).

 

I'm on my third chain!first at 37.000, had a set of cam gears and chain put on last week and 70 mile in to the new one valves hit piston . The shop says that valves on #one are stuck open now . They want $2500-$3000 to fix it!!

 

which model?

 

07 mcs turbo