Have an 08 Mini Cooper S with 20k miles on it, she just ran out of warranty and of course 2 months after I'm getting the cold start rattle now.

Do you think its worth trying to go back to the dealer to get at least parts taken care of? Does anyone with similar mileage/year have similar stories?

Im just trying to decide whether it makes sense to go to dealer or find good Indie repair in Fairfield County Area.

Thanks a lot

 

Definitely ask the dealer first. Do you have a good history with them? If the dealer says "No", contact MINI USA. It's a known issue, and there is always a bit of a grey area with warranty coverages... especially on known issues.

All the best!

 

With that low mileage of course go to the dealer and like pmsummer says, contact Mini USA if they say no.

 

You may just have carbon build up on the intake valves and a simple SeaFoam procedure could remedy your problem. Often the carbon deposit build up makes the car sound like a diesel on start up. Especially if you have had the timing chain and tensioner recall performed. Even if you have had it done, depending on how long ago, that would be a separate warranty from the original one.

The first time I went in for the timing chain complaint, the dealer said it was valve noise. I then did the Seafoam treatment, the valve noise became less such that you could then actually hear the timing chain death rattle. I took it back and the dealer did the timing chain and tensioner replacement.

I recommend doing it twice in a row waiting 15 minutes between treatments, that is the way BMW recommends doing it. Afterward go for a drive shifting at high RPM to blow out the carbon. Then change your oil

 

Yes, worse thing they'll say is "no, it's not covered" and it'll be an out of warranty expense.

My 2009 with 10K miles was in for full replacement of timing chain components (chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets, etc) at no cost.

- Erik

 

Are 2011 and now 2012 models having any of these problems with Timing Chains or has that been addressed?

 

The N18's (2010+) have been addressed with such as shown with several owners commenting on such.
The JCW N14's from 2010+ have been also taken care of based on ownership response.

- Erik

 

Well my service adviser told me that they won't have that problem due to the fact that our engines are quite different, but don't take my word for it because you never know.