Hi guys,

Searched around the forum and didn't see a thread like this one.

My 2009 MC is at 46k+ miles...been fairly trouble free...they replaced the water pump about 10k miles ago, and a wheel speed sensor just went out last week...other than that, no issues.

So...

Before I let the odometer cross over 50k miles, is there anything I should ask the dealer to look at very carefully? Items that tend to go out shortly after 50k miles?

1) I am a little nervous about the water pump...if the original only lasted 35k miles, the next one might already be showing a bit of a leak.

2) Also, I might be imagining this, but my (auto) HVAC system seems to be responding strangely/slowly to temp adjustments...is that a known issue? And does it depend on the outside temp sensor? Maybe that is going on the fritz?

Anyway, any input appreciated.

Thanks...

 

Have them measure and record timing chain slack. It takes no more than half an hour. If it measures under 68mm, have them fit the "long" tensioner. If it is over that, try to get them to give you a whole new "system" of guides, chain and tensioner, under warranty.

DOC

 

Doc,

Could you elaborate a bit? Is the chain, etc something a lot of folks have had problems with? Is it something MINI is admitting to as being a problem?

Are there any symptoms? Noises?

What can I expect for a repair bill if they don't agree to make the mod or fix it, and about when?

Thanks so much.

 

Have a walnut blast or whatever is available to the dealer done to the intake ports. Direct injection engines are filthy, and if you do not vent pcv to atmosphere or have any type of oil catch setup your valves will be disgustingly caked with carbon.

 

Thanks...

But OK....is that a warranty issue? I am speaking specifically about warranty stuff that I could get taken care of before the 50K mile warranty runs out.

 

I wouldn't go in asking for this directly, as doing so will sound like your fishing for unnecessary warranty work. You have to show up with a complaint, and that complaint has to be confirmed by the technician. Now if you have a good relationship with your SA (you take your vehicle in regularly and have a good service history with your dealer) then you might be able to slide in the "intermittently" scenario and have the above work performed. But to just walk in and ask them to measure timing chain slack and if it exceeds the above value (which by the way is still not enough deflection for them to warrant replacement of the complete timing chain assembly/kit per BMWNA/MINIUSA) that they should replace your timing chain assembly is .

Unless there is a specific complaint, or physical damage or visible signs of failure of the timing chain system in your engine your just dropping your vehicle off to find out they will be doing nothing more then returning you your vehicle untouched with maybe some other recommendations for repair or replacement. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with so many warranty claims on timing chain assemblies bmwna/miniusa is actually inspecting the returned "supposed" failed kits for 2nd hand inspection (for RND as well as to ensure tech's are properly performing repairs and inspections) to ensure their isn't warranty fraud being performed. The job pays well and bmwna/miniusa know that, as well as they know techs are able to do it a fraction of the paid time.