My 2007 is going to need it and the thought of dropping $2k at a dealership doesnt exactly excite me, so I'm willing to dive in and do it myself.
I saw the cam tools on amazon, but has anyone had luck renting them from a local auto parts store?
I'm going to get the bentley manual. Can some confirm that the timing chain procedures are in the bentley manual?

For those that have done it, any advice you would like to share?

Thanks

 

I have asked a number of DIY questions about doing things and very little to no response. I do not believe most MINI owners do much on their cars other than wash and wax. I would love to know what it takes to do the chain thing. I have built many SBC engines and can't believe that MINI engine can be that much tuffer to work on

 

The problem is the amount of MINI owners are few compared to the masses. I am hoping to get the Bentley manual this X-mas and can report if it does. If it doesn't it's not worth the money IMHO.

 

Yes the timing chain change is in the Bently manual. I have looked at it and it does seem a little intimidating. You do need the specialized tools. As and when mine needs it I will attempt it myself , for now I just changed the tensioner ( easy temp. fix ). I only got the rattle very occasionly .

 

Yes, the Bentley manual does have timing chain replacement instructions!

 

Most of these are still under warranty... and many more are owned by deeper pockets who just "take it to the shop".

 

There is a post somewhere on this BBS that showed someone DIY on the chain. Pictures and everything. Keep searching, and you should find it.

 

I would agree with Kenny. After looking at it in the manual, it does seem to be on the intimidating side.

I paid for mine when it was done last summer due to time constraints and lack of confidence in my DIY abilities. Paying for that has forced me to be more DIY now and if for some reason mine failed again, I'd probably attempt a DIY.

 

You will have to have the bentley manual and the tool kit. And more so time, this is not a quick job.

We also have the chain kit with all the parts you need.

 

Thanks Way for the links and helpful info. I'm fortunate that i can borrow one of my parent's cars while i work on it. If the repair takes a few days (because i always end up doing more, "while I'm already this deep, may as well fix/replace......) my car can sit while i get parts/tools needed.
The shop manual is on the xmas list.

 

I guess the OP could spend 2 minutes doing a search like I did on here instead of creating a thread. I found https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html and a mention to finding a "how to" on youtube. Searches can be amazing things...

 

RobertJ, read the details. That post is for changing the tensioner bolt, not the chain. I've already done a lengthy search of this forum and others too. Search is great, but unless you look at the details, its as worthless as your comment.