timing chain, timing tensioner Recall effect 500,000 Mini's
 

I heard today that mini is issuing a recall for the timing tensioner problem that the mini's have. One of my family members was getting spark plugs changed, and they told them there is a recall for the timing tensioner issue and they will fix that at the same time. I will be calling my dealer to setup an appointment to have mine fixed before it goes out.

will see..... 5oo,ooo that,s a lot of money

The only issuer of Auto Safety Recalls is the NHTSA, check out their website...www.nhtsa.gov for more info. I did not find any MINI Recalls related to Timing Chain/Tensioner, I think you need to go back to your source and get more facts!!

If they recall the timing chain I want the money to reimburse me for the fact that I did this at an indpendent shop.

If the aux water pump was limited for the turboed cars up until within the last year which they had supposedly fixed the timing chain issue... wouldn't the tensioner and chain issue cover the same amount of cars? <90k?

I want more info and confirmation from other sources. Is this an "every mini" issue or just something the 2nd Gens have to worry about?

They did my family members for free, so is it by dealer by dealer basis ???

Which years?
S or non S?

How about instead of trolling the forum with this random thread you post something to back it up.

I had my chain, tensioner and guide rails changed under warranty, but there is no recall.

Just took mine in for a loud rattle - turned out to be the tensioner and the cam. they replaced all under bulletin at no charge. (see Clubman forum for bulletin and story). I had 40,500 miles and no charge. They also replaced a booster pump N/C.
After the replacement there is absolutely NO rattle or noise, its like a new car! When I filled out the service survey, I mentioned the problem, and suggested they should fix any one complaining of rattle - as this is CLEARLY not typical!

Don't know if you ever got an answer but it involves the S and there is NO recall. If you are out of warranty the dealership may fix it for free or only charge you a part of the fix (good will), or they may be offer to help out at all. Depends on the dealership.

Years 07-2010 I believe.
Maybe a few 2011's.

..and maybe 2012 JCWs.
But I agree with others, this is a warranty fix item if it is broken, but no recall confirmed.

It is a warranty if the dealership is willing to listen to you. Mine would even humor me. They just kept telling me no. So I stopped asking until I finally had it fixed 20k later.

^^That sucks. When the dealership fixed mine I didn't even ask them if they'd help out (was out of warranty), they just did it. Now, they did charge me $500 but I was ok with that since I figured on paying about $1500.

Well I supported a local shop that did it for $900, I am ok with that.

Just took the MINI in for the aux H20 pump recall. They also did the timing chain tensioner seal "service action" - said ours was the first - it just popped up. I was surprised as I always read it was older models.

Very happy with NW MINI Tacoma service today - they also did the 2 year service 900 miles ahead of time, brake fluid change, air filter, micro filter, oil change etc. Replaced a non op chrome boot latch even though it was added after purchase. Had a 2011 S loaner for the day to boot...... They couldn't wait to pull the car into service at 8:15 AM..... Service advisor had the paperwork in hand as we walked in the door to pick up at 5:00 PM.... Oh and sat in a sweet Coupe while I waited for our MINI to be pulled around.

Total cost. Zero dollars. *PRICELESS*.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

What's this timing chain tensioner recall????? There are known issues with the timing chain guides, adjusting bolt, chain, etc but there is no recall.

Receipt reads:

PERFORM 11 02 12
CAMPAIGNS 50WP94M
1 11-31-4-609-483 CHAIN TENSIONER: 113050
13853 PERFORMED SERVCE ACTION. REPLACED TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND SEAL. (11 02 12)
(N/C)

:wink:

I believe that just designates the fix is under warranty.
They do need to come with up a permanent fix and create a good will recall. It's not a safety issue so a government pushed recall won't happen.
Had mine done back in Dec.
Hopefully, I won't have the problem again.
FYI - check that oil frequently because one of the main causes of the problem is low oil.

That appears to be an entirely new part number for the timing chain tensioner. I wonder if someone could find some information on when it should be used (eg what year/models, what conditions) instead of the old 895 or 551 parts?

I would be interested too... there are several part numbers... one of which was discontinued late 2011 (11317597895).

For N14 JCW:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=11&fg=25&hl=6

For N18 MCS:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=11&fg=25&hl=5

Apparently it is a legitimate campaign to replace the tensioners but not being publicized and technically not a recall. It has been in place in Europe for months. I reached out to 2 local SAs and they were surprised that I knew about the campaign. Supposedly if your VIN falls within the identified range they will replace the tensioners at the same time they do the water pump recall on the S.

I checked w/ my SA and that campaign number is not active in Canada.

No open campaigns currently for my JCW :thumbsup:

there is a "recall" on it but it only affects 2 months worth or vehicles, so no it is not 500,000 cars. I wouldn't recommend running to your dealer and telling them to replace it.