I had the chain tensioner replaced under warranty on my 2009 factory JCW at 7000 miles this month and the part used was 11-31-7-607-551. I understand that this is the part to use when the chain measurement is 68mm or less.

 

+1 2008 Mcs

 

This happened to my 2009 mini clubman s in February of 2011 approximately one month after an ordinary service call. Had approximately 30K miles at time of tensioner failure (which lead to a massive oil leak as well). Look up my earlier threads. Found out the problem is a common one and they are being replaced slowly throughout the system. This should be a recall and can be dangerous for the driver.

My last problem occurred on 5/11 when my engine just quit-stopped without warning. Towed in to dealer. I was told it was "jumped timing", which left the exhaust valves locked in open position and warped. Engine is currently being torn apart and inspected for more damage with images being sent to BMW/ Mini for review. I asked whether this problem might be related to the earlier issue of the tensioner and timing belt. Their reply was "probably not". I am waiting on their decision (hopefully today or tomorrow) to replace or try to repair engine. I live >2 hrs from nearest dealer in Ohio and they will not deliver a loaner so I have to pay for a rental.

2009 Mini-Clubman S with 33K miles, Nav, All packages, sport suspension, alarm, parking, roof rails, EXTENDED WARRANTY AT PURCHASE

 

Took my Clubman in Monday for a yellow engine light assuming it was carbon deposits (again), prepared for walnut shell service but turns out it was timing chain/tensioner. They are replacing and also providing software upgrade to help with torque steer. No charge. Sterling MINI in Virginia. Good service. Advisor knows these cars!

 

+1

 

I think this happened to me last week! My car just stopped and I had to have it towed. Spoke to MINI dealership this morning and they want me to tow it there to do a diagnostic. Please keep me posted on your progress.

 

I think this may be the tip of the iceberg. Did you have your tensioner replaced recently.

 

+1 just found out today ay the dealership

 

CHECK COMMENTS UNDER MY NAME. I JUST HAD THIS HAPPEN UNDER WARRANTY

 

I have to think that your engines are making some ugly noises BEFORE they completely implode...are you guys not listening? As soon as mine started making the 'death rattle' noise I took it in and everything is fine now...I guess I'm missing something.

 

Mine did and I took it in within that same week. Turned out to be the chain tensioner which was fixed. Several months later it was the water pump, then a week after that it was the fuel pump. MINI was certified/preowned so all were still covered under warranty. I'm just starting to enjoy the car now

 

No death rattle was involved with my mini. Just stopped. It had been services 7 days before it collapsed. Not every thing makes noises before they stop. It would have been good if it had (as I accelerated through a curve at the intersection --just a poof)

 

In my case I heard the chain drag during cold start up and took it in for service. The first dealer said they could not reproduce the noise so they could not do anything. Next day I took it to another dealer that also tried to talk me out of any repair. At the second dealer we agreeded to them keeping the Mini untill they could reproduce the noise. I got a call the next day and they did not say if they did or did not reproduced the noise but said they would be replacing the chain tensioner. My Mini is a 2009 factory JCW with 7000 miles and under warranty. So did I get lucky I found a dealer who would do something about the faulty chain tensioner or maybe " I'm missing something"

 

I believe you did miss something. What was it you said about your car? It is a 2009 JCW with "only" 7000 miles. This should not happen at 7000 or 33,000 miles. It is a defective part that cannot hold up to the demands/stresses that the care puts it through. Before my last breakdown last week, my tensioner and timing chain were replaced by the "redesigned" versions.

Just got the word back from MINI that my car will require a new engine and according to the service manager it has the new redesigns for those parts (he was not aware that the the redesigns had already been put into my car when it originally failed).

Just glad to know that the car will get a fresh start.

Dr. Daniels
2009 Mini-Clubman S with ALL packages, Nav, sport suspension, roof rails, automatic transmission, JCW strut

 

So if I understand you correctly what I am missing is that your replaced chain tensioner of the latest design in you old engine AND my replaced chain tensioner of the latest design AND your new engine with a chain tensioner of the latest design are all the same and in my case was failing in the first 7000 miles.

BTW when I asked is there someting I'm missing I was quoting another member and was trying to suggest that many owner have tried to get needed repairs and are being turned away with lame excuses from the dealers ( noise not reproduced by dealer). IMO the dealers very well know this is an issue with many if not all of these engines.

 

This thread gets more and more interesting...the inconsistancy of the dealers is scary. When I took mine in and described the noise, my dealer (Niello Mini) said they just needed to measure the chain and if it was out of spec they would do the whole job. According to my paperwork, that is exactly what they did.

 

+1 2008 MCS

I had my timing chain rattle fixed last year 4-9-10. During Xmas time due to cold wether it started doing it again but after the car warmed up no issues.
I have recently returned from "Run For The Hills 2" with the High Plains Motoring Society.
Now my rattle happens at every start even in the warmer weather.
Anyone have an idea of how much it costs to fix after warranty has expired?

 

According to the paperwork, about 1k was charged to warranty.

 

I've had some noise at start up in the mornings. I can't tell you when it started as it seems not as extreme in the beginning as it goes away after a few minutes of driving. I commute 45 min each way to and from work everyday on the highway so it can't be heard at the higher speeds although I have noticed for some time the car is not as responsive. Well, about four days ago the "death rattle" started in the mornings more noticeably. But by the time it warmed up (driving out of the neighborhood) the sound went away...but I really can't be sure if it was still there drowned out by other engine noise. Not so yesterday as I was driving to the dealership for my scheduled maintenance. I thought the engine was going to fall out on the way. I read about the timing chain tensioner at about 2am the night before on all the posts and am just sick. I have mentioned the noise on previous scheduled maintenance "unofficially", but of course it's warmed up by then and they can't "duplicate" the noise.

Got the call back yesterday afternoon that indeed the timing chain tensioner needs replacement and all the other various parts (including the ones now broken off in the bottom of the oil pan) will cost $2200.00 to replace....and they want ME to pay for the oil change as well. The car has 69K miles and it's completely CRAPPED OUT and I have followed every scheduled maintenance and have no after factory parts what-so-ever. So disappointed because this isn't the first problem I've had. The O2 sensor went out previously because of carbon build-up and the dealer wanted $700.00 for the fuel injector cleaning fix because it wasn't covered under warranty. I fought it and they did it for free.

 

$2200.00 for mine.

 

Mini/ BMW knows that there is a defect with the timing chain and tensioner that led to this problem. Have your dealer contact Mini directly because u should not have to pay for this? I would protest this. Unfortunately you may have no choice but to pay for the repair to use your car.

My next call would be with a lawyer to discuss this issue. Consider trading car in as soon as it is fixed. Extended warranties will be necessary for these cars as long as the possibility of this problem exist.

Please refer to my earlier posts.

As I stated in an earlier post, my engine is being replaced due to damage caused by "jump timing" after 33k miles and a tensioner/timing belt repair in February 2011. Now have to make a decision as to whether I can keep the car but I am glad I have an extended warranty for 100k.

Dr. Daniels

 

I got lucky....my car was just out of warranty 55K miles and I had it in for Cold Start when it was under warranty and they only did a fluid flush then. They contacted Mini for my Timin Chain issue and Mini is actually going to cover the entire cost! I was surprised, but super happy. The cost was going to be $2150 (or right around there).

I'm still considering selling my 07 MCS and just getting a new 2011 Justa, since it appears the "S" models have that issue.

 

+1 '08 Mcs

 

I called my dealership to inquire about the cost to fix the rattle.
I told them that they fixed it last year when the car was under warranty. They said they have a 2yr warranty on work/parts. So it appears I can just go back and they'll take care of it. Whew! I hope.

 

So is anything happening anywhere about this issue? I’m getting nowhere fast with my dealer and BMW regarding my timing chain failure (and engine replacement!). Should I find a lawyer?