Yet another thread.

2007 Mini Cooper S Auto. 25k miles. Out of warranty. I have had car in about 3 times for cold chatter since new. Most recently in May 2011 when I had the dealer keep the car for 2 weeks to try and replicate the sound I reported. They had regional service rep look at the car at least twice. No repairs performed. Only repair ever performed on this issue was a "bleed" procedure early on. The sound is not the DI (the ticking). At my request they wouldn't even pull the timing cover to measure the slack and the tensioner.

Anyway, the rattle noise is getting worse. I live in LA so it is never too cold. The noise is coming from the timing chain area, sounds like a random rattle and it's been getting louder and sounds really nasty like something is rattling around under the timing chain cover and just generally not right. I have never had the "death rattle" sound from some of the recordings I've heard (that is the rocks, really really bad rattle sound).

I have 2 questions since this is my wife's car, she likes it, it's in otherwise mint condition, it's paid for, and I really don't feel like buying her another car right now. Nor do I feel like paying for a new engine when the clearly stretching and failing timing chain finally fails.

--What is the typical cost for the full repair? For just the tensioner?
--Does anyone know which dealer in SoCal is going to be the most flexible at trying to get Mini to cover this?

Car was bought at Crevier, and they've been OK but sort of useless with this problem.

I'm going to ask my BMW mechanic who I completely trust what he'd charge to do this, problem is I am not sure he has all the specific tools needed for this work nor ability to reprogram the car.

 

I have a 2009 Cooper S with about 32,000 miles on it. I went in for the final complimentary service and complained about a very mild rattle from the engine bay. I mentioned the TSB for this problem. Granted my vehicle is under warranty, but the folks at Mini of SD found the timing chain stretched and fixed the problem quickly with zero hassle.

Maybe try them.....they should really throw you a bone and do it on the house since it's known issue.

 

Yes, I would like to know how much people are spending too.

 

Shouldn't this be covered even if you are out of warranty if it's a technical service bulletin (TSB)?

 

when a dealership ignores/refuses to listen, i'll take mine to another dealership. give them your opinion on the survey they send out and hopefully they'll change their ways.

 

Having mine done next week, I'll keep you posted.

 

Reviving an old thread with an update: I was finally able to reproduce the issue, it's been COLD here in LA. Dropped car off at my regular dealer and they reproduced the issue this morning after sitting outside for 2 days. Tensioner needed only, chain is well in spec. $250 to fix it. Car is out of warranty.

I'm going to take up the issue with Mini, but I'm going to pay this out of pocket for now.

I am only slightly ticked off this has been ongoing for quite some time. At least its finally being resolved. I hope.

 

How far out of warranty were you? I'm at 85k and in CO have that rattle real bad when the weather is below 40F.

If only $250-ish that gives me hope. I've read other threads of people mentioning $2500!

 

$250 was tensioner only and checked chain spec.

$2500 would be for the full repair (chain, etc)

If you break the guide and slip the chain expect a very expensive repair.

I'd get it looked at vs. chance it if you're keeping the car. Also make sure oil is always topped up.