Timing chain issues
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Westfield, MA
Bad Dealer
I foolishly thought that maybe New Country Mini would give me a fair price for the car they sold me. They offered me $6,000 dollars less than the true market value ( KBB, Edmunds, Black Book), but worse than that it was 3,000 less than the worse offer I got from other car dealers. I really loved my Mini, but the dealer and the way they treat customers along with an inept service department, make it impossible to own. I would hate to think what I would be dealing with after my warranty ran out.
+1
The timing chain tensioner broke on my 2009 Mini Cooper S back in April 2011 which also caused the timing chain/belt to break. They (New Country Mini) had it for about a week and told me it was fixed. When I went to pick the car up, it was very hard starting, idling very hard, had no power ( it was like trying to take off in 4th gear) AND the engine light was on. I only made it 1/4 miles from the dealer before turning around and giving it back to them. The car obviously was never road tested after repair.
New Country Mini then kept the car for an additional 3 weeks and claimed the problem/problems were fixed. My guess is that the mechanic had the timing chain off by a tooth or two. In any case, it should not take a month to fix a timing chain issue.
Sadly enough my 2009 Mini is back at New Country Mini (went in on July 14, 2011), with the engine light on and idling rough. Since my Mini was returned in May I had not driven it much due to being away from home, plus the fact I ride a 2009 Goldwing most of the time in the summer.
New Country Mini has had the car for over a week now, and claim they have opened a PUMA case and are waiting for a response from Mini.
I am now going on six weeks that my 2009 Mini Cooper S has been out of service. I paid cash for my Mini and right now its looking like the 30K bought me nothing but a huge headache. I hope not. I really love my mini!
Update July 29, 2011: As a result of the PUMA case the engine was torn down completely. The engine was found to have two bent valves on one cylinder.I assume they mean either the valve stems or push rods. The engine is now being reassembled with new valves.
Update Aug 1, 2011: I was told my Mini was ready to be picked up. They replaced only the bent valve rod. They removed and inspected the pistons. The pistons were found to have uneven wear, but were not replace with new ones. When I tried to drive my Mini away from the dealership, I found that the car had no power (again it was like taking off in 4th gear) and the engine light came on almost immediately. I turned around and returned the car to the dealer was it is now being fixed. AGAIN! At this point my car has been out of service for 20 consecutive days and counting. the prior repair visit which is related to this visit, was for over 30 consecutive days. Simply put , in the last four months my 2009 Mini Cooper, which is still under warranty has been in the repair shop for over 50 days, all for the same problem.
Update Aug 8, 2011: (final & sadly last update) New Country Mini called and said my car was ready and had been extensively road test. I took possesion of the car and twas told that a vacuum line was bent and a gasket on the exhaust manifold was cracked and replaced. When I went to pick it up it had no gas in it. I mean the computer read dashes for miles left and the fuel bar had zero lights. The service concierge went with me of a quick test ride. First I had to buy gas or we would not make it back to the dealer. The car ran okay, but on the highway ocassionaly it would hesitate when you stepped on the gas. Regardless of that I took my car because I fealt confident that without a fault light going on they would not fix it.
This is the last update on this problem as I intend to unload this lemon as soon as possible. The CT Lemon laws can not be used because the car is over 2 years old and has over 24k miles on it. Regardless of the fact that it is still under warranty and only 2 1/2 years old with a little over 40k miles, the lemon law does not apply. The CT Division of Consumer Affairs New Car Lemon Law supervisor even suggested I trade the car in.
The timing chain tensioner broke on my 2009 Mini Cooper S back in April 2011 which also caused the timing chain/belt to break. They (New Country Mini) had it for about a week and told me it was fixed. When I went to pick the car up, it was very hard starting, idling very hard, had no power ( it was like trying to take off in 4th gear) AND the engine light was on. I only made it 1/4 miles from the dealer before turning around and giving it back to them. The car obviously was never road tested after repair.
New Country Mini then kept the car for an additional 3 weeks and claimed the problem/problems were fixed. My guess is that the mechanic had the timing chain off by a tooth or two. In any case, it should not take a month to fix a timing chain issue.
Sadly enough my 2009 Mini is back at New Country Mini (went in on July 14, 2011), with the engine light on and idling rough. Since my Mini was returned in May I had not driven it much due to being away from home, plus the fact I ride a 2009 Goldwing most of the time in the summer.
New Country Mini has had the car for over a week now, and claim they have opened a PUMA case and are waiting for a response from Mini.
I am now going on six weeks that my 2009 Mini Cooper S has been out of service. I paid cash for my Mini and right now its looking like the 30K bought me nothing but a huge headache. I hope not. I really love my mini!
Update July 29, 2011: As a result of the PUMA case the engine was torn down completely. The engine was found to have two bent valves on one cylinder.I assume they mean either the valve stems or push rods. The engine is now being reassembled with new valves.
Update Aug 1, 2011: I was told my Mini was ready to be picked up. They replaced only the bent valve rod. They removed and inspected the pistons. The pistons were found to have uneven wear, but were not replace with new ones. When I tried to drive my Mini away from the dealership, I found that the car had no power (again it was like taking off in 4th gear) and the engine light came on almost immediately. I turned around and returned the car to the dealer was it is now being fixed. AGAIN! At this point my car has been out of service for 20 consecutive days and counting. the prior repair visit which is related to this visit, was for over 30 consecutive days. Simply put , in the last four months my 2009 Mini Cooper, which is still under warranty has been in the repair shop for over 50 days, all for the same problem.
Update Aug 8, 2011: (final & sadly last update) New Country Mini called and said my car was ready and had been extensively road test. I took possesion of the car and twas told that a vacuum line was bent and a gasket on the exhaust manifold was cracked and replaced. When I went to pick it up it had no gas in it. I mean the computer read dashes for miles left and the fuel bar had zero lights. The service concierge went with me of a quick test ride. First I had to buy gas or we would not make it back to the dealer. The car ran okay, but on the highway ocassionaly it would hesitate when you stepped on the gas. Regardless of that I took my car because I fealt confident that without a fault light going on they would not fix it.
This is the last update on this problem as I intend to unload this lemon as soon as possible. The CT Lemon laws can not be used because the car is over 2 years old and has over 24k miles on it. Regardless of the fact that it is still under warranty and only 2 1/2 years old with a little over 40k miles, the lemon law does not apply. The CT Division of Consumer Affairs New Car Lemon Law supervisor even suggested I trade the car in.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
Got my 2009 MCS timing chain and tensioner fixed yesterday by Towne Mini/BMW in Buffalo, NY. I told them it sounded like a diesel on cold start and the engine knocking was ridiculous. All fixed with no questions asked. Runs like new again, full power!
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va
Well, i just got off the phone with the MINI USA rep about hy my 2008 Cooper S is not being covered by the warranty stated at the dealer after I bought it. Since the previous owner did not change the oil properly, he was 2500 miles out, they have decided that my MINI no longer has warranty to cover the TSB issued by MINI as a known defect. The service manager even stated that this issue could happen whether the oil was changed properly or not. Looks like I will be going back to the dealer with my trailer to pick mine up to do myself.
anyone know how hard this job will be?
Evidently MINI does not care about customer service at all. They will get taking care of known issues when there is an out.
HEEP
anyone know how hard this job will be?
Evidently MINI does not care about customer service at all. They will get taking care of known issues when there is an out.
HEEP
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
The dealer i bought from agreed to pay for half of it. I still hold mini responsible for knowing that they have a known issue and finding an out to not take care of the customer. It is a TSB. They know it is an issue, and this issue can happen weather you change your oil every 15K / whenever the car thinks it need it, or yearly as the service requirements state. this is form the service manager that I talked to and said I had warranty before I took the car to them. This was not a mini dealer that I bought it from.
HEEP
HEEP
Is the timing chain generally "audible" even when the car is working 100% perfectly?
The TSB was performed on my car right before I bought it a few weeks ago. I can still here the chain noise, but only when the hood is up, and only when I really listen for it.
I have read that the timing chain can be a bit "chatty" even when everything is working perfectly.
The TSB was performed on my car right before I bought it a few weeks ago. I can still here the chain noise, but only when the hood is up, and only when I really listen for it.
I have read that the timing chain can be a bit "chatty" even when everything is working perfectly.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
+1 2007 mc/s
Had the timing chain tensioner bolt fixed under warranty in November '10 with about 42K miles. Now at 52K miles it's going in to the shop tomorrow (out of warranty) with the same symptoms as last time (loud diesel sound, no power, bad rattle between 2400 and 3100 rpms). Keep in mind that I'm getting the cold start issue in the dead of Virginia summer when it's 73 degrees in the morning.
If it's just the bolt, they said they would fix it under warranty, if it's more than that they couldn't comment until they got it in and looked at it.
This may be the last couple of weeks that I drive a mini. Even if they fix it, I don't know if I trust it not to compound itself at a later date into a full blown timing chain problem that could cost me thousands.
If it's just the bolt, they said they would fix it under warranty, if it's more than that they couldn't comment until they got it in and looked at it.
This may be the last couple of weeks that I drive a mini. Even if they fix it, I don't know if I trust it not to compound itself at a later date into a full blown timing chain problem that could cost me thousands.
Another one bites the dusta..
A full timing chain/tensioner job was done in December 10'(which was the second time replacing tensioner BUT first time doing the full job) it is now August 21, 2011. 14,XXX miles later it started getting very loud again, complained about it during my servicing visit and I got a pat on the butt right out the dealer door saying we can't find your problem or hear anything. Well I came back today for an state inspection with an HD video 10 minutes long of it.
Well needless to say they finally did the tensioner and gasket during my inspection. Tensioner "833" was used in Dec 10' fix today 11-31-7-607-551 and 11-31-7-507-432 was replaced. Yay, but I think that was ONLY because of my other bigger i$$ue they didn't want to deal with but they did this to keep me "happy" or maybe me saying "hey if you don't mind me bringing the car back with a rod thru the block then ok."
**
Tensioner 11-31-7-607-551 was used because chain was stretch but not beyond 68mm.
Also chain was measured in at 67.7mm that's JUST .3mm away from being a total job done that would use the 895 tensioner and like 10 other new parts. I'd give it another 5 months until it snaps or I'm in for yet my 4th job(2nd full).
Someone please explain why do we have these issues after 4 years?
Well needless to say they finally did the tensioner and gasket during my inspection. Tensioner "833" was used in Dec 10' fix today 11-31-7-607-551 and 11-31-7-507-432 was replaced. Yay, but I think that was ONLY because of my other bigger i$$ue they didn't want to deal with but they did this to keep me "happy" or maybe me saying "hey if you don't mind me bringing the car back with a rod thru the block then ok."
**
Tensioner 11-31-7-607-551 was used because chain was stretch but not beyond 68mm.
Also chain was measured in at 67.7mm that's JUST .3mm away from being a total job done that would use the 895 tensioner and like 10 other new parts. I'd give it another 5 months until it snaps or I'm in for yet my 4th job(2nd full).
Someone please explain why do we have these issues after 4 years?
Last edited by ThatMiNiGuy; Aug 22, 2011 at 09:46 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
My question is why does a company that requires you to take such good care of these vehicles just half way fix the problem on this. It was explained to me that you have to change your oil every 15K, plus every year. So if 15K comes in the 11th month, you still are required to go get another one in the 12th month, so that they do not void the warranty.
HEEP
HEEP
I'm trying to figure out why the first chain and tensioner lasted 50,xxx but then after you replace all of the original components with new "revisioned" oem parts you only get 5-10-15k out of them? Installer error, cheap replacement, defective system design in the engine? What's causing them to prematurely fail faster after first initial replacement????
They should seriously consider at least a 50k mile warrantie to parts and labor everytime they replace them, not a 2 year, because this part should go at least 100k without maintenance. If it breaks and takes your motor out, that should be covered too whether car is under factory warranty or not, because of this POS system is why the motor went in the first place.
They should seriously consider at least a 50k mile warrantie to parts and labor everytime they replace them, not a 2 year, because this part should go at least 100k without maintenance. If it breaks and takes your motor out, that should be covered too whether car is under factory warranty or not, because of this POS system is why the motor went in the first place.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, Oregon
Happy to say our issue with the timing chain out of spec. @ 60k miles has been resolved. The dealer Laszlo Coman at Euro2Motors, MiniUSA and Mini of Portland(Or) , thanks Jarid; combined to cover the cost of repairs. . Someone has to do it. Heartfelt thanks to all who helped.
I just want to say after replacing the tensioner 2 weeks ago the sound is back. They did not do the full job, chain and all associated hardware, because it was in spec at 67.7mm out of 68mm. Rules are rules.
On another note the transmission is taking a dump, getting more loose and louder. I said to myself I'm not going to go back there until catastrophic failure(also suggested by shop foreman). So it's a race between the transmission and the engine, when the chain goes out, it's going to be ugly. LOL
On another note the transmission is taking a dump, getting more loose and louder. I said to myself I'm not going to go back there until catastrophic failure(also suggested by shop foreman). So it's a race between the transmission and the engine, when the chain goes out, it's going to be ugly. LOL
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
+1 2008 Mini Cooper S
My timing chain and tensioner crapped out at 51,000 miles, just out of warranty. Mini of St. Louis wanted $2500 to repair/replace. After much arguing, I got them down to $1500. My Mini has been a lemon. It's in the shop about every 3 months. I love the handling and performance, but as a guy who as owned 7 different car makes, I would never buy another one. Just too darn many repairs.
+1 2007 MCS 37k miles
Last week, TWO WEEKS after the warranty ran out, the tensioner broke, the timing chain backed out, and the engine was toasted. Valves are bent and a rebuild is required. MINI has agreed to pay for the parts, but I am stuck with $2500 in labor.
I have been an advocate of the MINI for a long time, but enough is enough. I surrender.
Last week, TWO WEEKS after the warranty ran out, the tensioner broke, the timing chain backed out, and the engine was toasted. Valves are bent and a rebuild is required. MINI has agreed to pay for the parts, but I am stuck with $2500 in labor.
I have been an advocate of the MINI for a long time, but enough is enough. I surrender.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Diamond Bar, CA
+1 2008 Clubby S
It's already gone in 2 times... still has the loud "clicky" sound every once in a while when accelerating.... oddly enough it mostly happens on an incline.
-edit- they keep trying to tell me it's cuz of low oil. No dice. I check it all the time.
It's already gone in 2 times... still has the loud "clicky" sound every once in a while when accelerating.... oddly enough it mostly happens on an incline.
-edit- they keep trying to tell me it's cuz of low oil. No dice. I check it all the time.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
@ColdFyre: Hey, I've been having this 'clicky' issue since the very first day I got my R56 LCi One in Dec'10. :( I'm also having the 'death rattle'. Apparently, it was thought to be a faulty gearbox & chain tensioner. These 2 were duly replaced somewhere in June but the problems still came back. Am so lost what to do now.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Every MINI owner love motoring around with their beloved MINI's and I believe they also have their fair share of problems.
Been having Mario since Dec'10, and I've had some issues with my MINI R56 LCI One. Googled & read up a lot on the symptoms that Mario's exhibiting and I discovered that Mario's not alone.
Based on my deductions, it seems that my MINI is suffering from the following:
1. "Super Knock" (which is deemed to be damn serious a problem from what I'd gathered.)
2. Having a 'clicky' syndrome which happened every now & then, at times causing nerve-wrecking jerks when it happens. Noise can be heard on the inside & outside of my MINI.
3. Aircon compressor (or rather the whole system) would jerk Mario very badly with a loud "Thud!" whenever it kicks in. Same thing applies whenever I turn on and off my aircon.
4. Jerky transmission, with a lot of hesitation between speeds of 20km/h to 40km/h.
5. "Death rattle"
What my local MINI agent (Eurokars Habitat, Singapore) has already done is replaced my chain tensioner (twice), gearbox, gearbox mounts, aircon compressor and also a few reprogramming sessions but BUT to no avail, the above-mentioned issues STILL happen!
Am frustrated, as apparently, the MH tech guys just don't know what and how to solve them. Will be checking in Mario on Monday morning again, this time to replace my water pump (which somehow is related to point 3 above). SIGH.
I've already resorted to other means of getting help by asking MINI on their Facebook wall regarding what I've just mentioned and they've requested for me to send further details to them. Hopefully they'd be able to help.
Will update this thread once there's any.
Ending this post on a frustrated note.
Been having Mario since Dec'10, and I've had some issues with my MINI R56 LCI One. Googled & read up a lot on the symptoms that Mario's exhibiting and I discovered that Mario's not alone.
Based on my deductions, it seems that my MINI is suffering from the following:
1. "Super Knock" (which is deemed to be damn serious a problem from what I'd gathered.)
2. Having a 'clicky' syndrome which happened every now & then, at times causing nerve-wrecking jerks when it happens. Noise can be heard on the inside & outside of my MINI.
3. Aircon compressor (or rather the whole system) would jerk Mario very badly with a loud "Thud!" whenever it kicks in. Same thing applies whenever I turn on and off my aircon.
4. Jerky transmission, with a lot of hesitation between speeds of 20km/h to 40km/h.
5. "Death rattle"
What my local MINI agent (Eurokars Habitat, Singapore) has already done is replaced my chain tensioner (twice), gearbox, gearbox mounts, aircon compressor and also a few reprogramming sessions but BUT to no avail, the above-mentioned issues STILL happen!
Am frustrated, as apparently, the MH tech guys just don't know what and how to solve them. Will be checking in Mario on Monday morning again, this time to replace my water pump (which somehow is related to point 3 above). SIGH.
I've already resorted to other means of getting help by asking MINI on their Facebook wall regarding what I've just mentioned and they've requested for me to send further details to them. Hopefully they'd be able to help.
Will update this thread once there's any.
Ending this post on a frustrated note.
So I dropped my car off to be looked at today.
When I bought it 6wks ago, I would consider the engine "quiet", now there is def. a chain rattle.
I was informed that since the TSB was performed previously, I would be responsible for labor only if the issue has occurred again, but that my aftermarket warranty should cover it.
I looked at the TSB, 78 FRU for the full service, 8 FRU = 1 hr labor
78/8 = 9.75 x $100/hr (estimated) = $975
Lets hope that Easycare is willing to pick up that bill.
When I bought it 6wks ago, I would consider the engine "quiet", now there is def. a chain rattle.
I was informed that since the TSB was performed previously, I would be responsible for labor only if the issue has occurred again, but that my aftermarket warranty should cover it.
I looked at the TSB, 78 FRU for the full service, 8 FRU = 1 hr labor
78/8 = 9.75 x $100/hr (estimated) = $975
Lets hope that Easycare is willing to pick up that bill.
So I dropped my car off to be looked at today.
When I bought it 6wks ago, I would consider the engine "quiet", now there is def. a chain rattle.
I was informed that since the TSB was performed previously, I would be responsible for labor only if the issue has occurred again, but that my aftermarket warranty should cover it.
I looked at the TSB, 78 FRU for the full service, 8 FRU = 1 hr labor
78/8 = 9.75 x $100/hr (estimated) = $975
Lets hope that Easycare is willing to pick up that bill.
When I bought it 6wks ago, I would consider the engine "quiet", now there is def. a chain rattle.
I was informed that since the TSB was performed previously, I would be responsible for labor only if the issue has occurred again, but that my aftermarket warranty should cover it.
I looked at the TSB, 78 FRU for the full service, 8 FRU = 1 hr labor
78/8 = 9.75 x $100/hr (estimated) = $975
Lets hope that Easycare is willing to pick up that bill.