IMO do not install the longer tensioner until you get the chain slack measured. The longer tensioner will do more harm than good if the chain is not stretched at all.

The oil level sounds fine to me.

I use the paper towel dip stick reading technique and it works fine for me. Pull the stick up and let everything sit for a bit. Push it in and remove it. Place the stick on a paper towel and bring it down and see where the oil transfers to the paper towel... perfect read of the oil level.

 

Thanks, really appreciate.

I will keep the regular oil checks until the next inspection than the dealer will be tasked to check the chain slack. Also tune my ears for the rattle.

Only reason why I bought the car - as a side note, this is the ONLY JCW Clubman in the country - because during previous 57.000 km it got three oil changes. I want to keep it on the 10.000 km intervall to prevent ignition carbon cleaning... Also decided to use only premium fuel (98+ octain).

Sometimes I feel I am sitting on a timebomb....

 

I'm not sure if this was mentioned in the thread already but MINI/BMW is starting a campaign/recall to extend the warranty of the timing chain. I don't know many of the details but I do know that a new timing chain cassette will be used and some dealers are starting to do the work now.

I suggest contacting you dealership to schedule an appointment. If they say they don't know about this, or something along those lines, then reach out to another dealer.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-chains.html

 

I've heard this as well.

I've also been told that the new "service campaign" document is SI M11 04 13.

Does anyone have any more information on this? I can't find the document online anywhere.

Thanks.

 

I just received a letter today from Mini USA, stating that my Mini S may be affected by a faulty chain tensioner, and they are covering R&R on it. Basically, they will check to make sure it's in spec, if not they'll replace it, free of charge. I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow and see if a loaner is part of the program.

I'll scan the letter at work (removing my vin) and post it up for everyone to see what is actually stated. Not sure if anyone else has gotten one of these.

BTW, I have a 2007 Mini S.

 

Let's all compare part numbers also to truly see if there is newer parts.

 

So aparently my timing chain was replaced by a previous owner, but the new version of the tensioner was not used. I called my SA today. He said that it's a 2 hour inspection to measure the timing chain. If they determine it's stretched, they'll replace it. He said they'll replace the tensioner anyway.

He did say they won't give me a loaner for the first inspection and will only give me a loaner if they end up needing to replace the chain. When I told him my mileage, he hesitated and then said there is a good possibility that they would do the replacement.

I'll chime back in after the inspection.

 

Service campaign number is verified on this page: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-chains-6.html

Also I went to the dealer to get my tensioner checked and the previous owner had the timing chain replaced with the new tensioner. As a result I was not eligible for the new service action regarding the timing chain. I don't have the part number of the new tensioner on me though, I don't have access to the service records right now.