Since I've asked this questions a couple of times in the "Timing Chain Issues" thread and haven't received any type of response, let me try it in a new thread....

Does anyone know if there's a current fix that definitively solves the timing chain tensioner issues and if so, has this been implemented in the assembly line and as of when (i.e. are 2011s - or will 2012s be - susceptible to this issue)?

 

As of right now, Mini alleges that they've "figured it out," but I personally don't know anyone that has had the job done. I'm currently getting my problem fixed and should have my car back by Friday, but it could be months or years before I find out if the fix was a sure fire thing.

 

There was a service bulletin, SI M11 0207, dated September 2010, entitled, Rattle Noise from Engine. It recommends changing out the timing chain tensioner on cars with a timing chain caused rattle, built before May 4, 2009. In some cases it also says to change the chain and guides.

From what I've read on these forums, there was also a problem with tensioners on some 2010 engines, that weren't torqued at the factory and can back out. It is a small number of the engines with the improperly torqued tensioner. It is as if someone at the factory was not doing his job.

It is real easy to check the torque of the timing chain tensioner, it takes a 27mm socket and it should be torqued to 65 nm.

Another NAM member changed his out himself and posted a nice pictorial,

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html

Dave

 

I had my timing chain; tensioner and gears replaced on my 2007 MCS back in March this year and just like Dave said there was a Rattle Noise coming from the Engine, mostly when engine was cold. I took it to the dealer still under warranty, barely 48500; they proceeded to change out the timing chain, tensioner along with gears. This was definitely the main cause of engine rattles. Now the million dollar question, how long wills this one last?

Keven
[FONT=Calibri] [/FONT]

 

Problem was apparently resolved and the new parts utilized in engine builds beginning late Feb early Mar of 2009. I don't believe there's any "death rattles" in very late 09s and on. DnprDave is right though, seems there's been a select few that had the tensioner bolt back out on them....but VERY few.

I'm driving a 2010 built 09/09....solid as a rock.

 

Same way I have read the available info.--particularly the supposed prior resolution, but then this production line screw up that may have bled over into the 2010 builds with someone/some tool that couldn't perform a no brainer/"any trained monkey could do it" type function.

Likewise I have an early 2010 also built in 9/09 and see or hear no evidence of the issue. Read the service bulletin and concluded it didn't apply to my (later) build date. Have visually looked at tensioner area and see no signs of looseness, oil seepage, etc.

 

2011 builds have a different valve management system, which is said to have eliminated the timing chain (Cold Start or Death Rattle) problem. motoringfile.com has articles describing improvements made for the 2011 Life Cycle Impulse.

Here is one article:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/05/...ines-in-depth/