We are contemplating the purchase of a new 2011 MCS but have read numerous posts on the internet about timing chain issues in particular. Is this still an issue on current models?
Thanks for any constructive input. As I am totally new to the site, I hope I am not asking a query that has been answered many times before!

 

Said by Mini to have been taken care of a year or so ago.

 

No real indication they changed the core motor internals. Variable timing on both intake and exhaust, but that doesn't mean a fundamentally new design for tensioner, guide (which is plastic), etc. 2009 fix seems to be either documentation about how to measure, and/or a modified tensioner to allow for more chain play (as in tolerance sloppiness and wear in plain English). That's not real comforting to me. Can look at real OEM diagram and part numbers I guess if you want to delve into the details.

In 2010 apparently someone on the line couldn't be bothered to tighten the tensioner bolts correctly. But no info on which cars are involved, what they did to fix it, why it won't happen again, etc. Not comforting either if you just basically wait and see which cars fail for a while. You can guess they may have caught it, revised processes and the like but don't want to own up to it due to further PR damage and substantial cost to re check cars in field. But, unless they say so, that's a risky assumption, and not real comforting if the same happens again with the basic "trust us, we took care of it" approach.

 

My 2011MCSa works perfectly. Quiet engine with no weird noises on startup. My 2009MCa makes more noise on startup. The 2011 is a much improved Mini.

S.

 

apparently the HPFP is still acting up, my 2007 had the same problem this 2011 is having and it was the HPFP

since they didnt fix the HPFP issue from earlier cars, i wouldnt exclude the timing chain either

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-2011-mcs.html