My wife and I bought a used 2008 Clubman S less than 1 year ago. Not long after we bought it, the engine started making an awful racket! Found a local import shop that diagnosed the issue as a broken upper timing chain tensioner. We were told that the timing chain was still within spec, and we got the car back. Within 2 weeks, the same sound was back. This time the shop had to replace all 3 timing chain tensioners and the timing chain, along with other various items. After about 1 week, we got the car back, and it ran great, but now had developed a pretty significant oil leak, which it never had done before. So, back to the shop again to replace some seal. Another week goes by, and we finally get the car back, and sure enough... it doesn't leak oil anymore, but now it idles really rough, which, again, it had never done before. The shop said bring it back so they can adjust the timing, only, there was nothing wrong with the timing. But they could not diagnose exactly what was wrong. So, the shop took the car to the local Mini dealer for the recall work regarding the turbo cooler, and assistance with diagnosing the problem. The dealer's service tech said it needed a new "vanose" (not sure of the spelling). So, the shop ordered a new one and installed it, and guess what, that didnt' fix the issue either. So what does the shop do? They pull the head off the motor, and they honestly could not believe the amount of carbon build up in the valves, both intake and exhaust. So now the head is off to the machine shop to get thoroughly cleaned, and hopefully when they put the car back together it will run like it's supposed to. So here's where the honest feedback is needed. Has anyone else on this forum experienced any of these same issues, and is it worth keeping the Mini after it's fixed, as long as all the proper precautions are taken?

 

Sounds like your shop does not have much exp. with Mini's.

 

Timing chain tensioner is a common issue with the 2nd gen's as is leaking thermostats (although not as common).
The carbon build up is hard to tell, orig. owner could have lugged the car
too much or not used premium gas (really need to use the highest octane available with the S models). Run some Chevron techron through the gas every 3K miles.

I've had to replace the timing chain tensioner etc. in mine as well as the thermostat and since then it's been great. Runs super and no problems.

A Mini is not like a Honda, it's more fine tuned (not sure if that's the proper phrase) but a Mini does take a little more TLC.

To keep or not is your decision. I'm keeping mine because I know I don't
mind doing a little work on it once in awhile. Plus, it's a blast to drive.

 

You did not say what the mileage was. Just wondering. I will bet when you finally do get your Clubman back it will be fine. Please keep the forum posted, there is a wealth of knowledge here and it can come in handy with all the BS out there. As with all families there are a few problem children. LOL welcome the the MINI family.

 

The "vanose" is VANOS, which is BMW's variable valve timing system. (It's some sort of German acronym, VAriable NOckenwelle something-or-another.)

Sorry to hear the car isn't behaving.

 

When we bought the car in June of '11, it had 51,000 miles on it. It now has 60,000 miles on it. We absolutely love the car, but honestly are concerned about continuing to dump money into on repairs.