MINI has issued campaign/recall to replace timing chains!
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: W. Los Angeles, CA
Update:
I dropped my car off this morning at Brian Harris BMW in Baton Rouge, LA. My impression was very good.
I told them I have cold start up noise and loud noise when driving on cold start up, but not loud banging from the cover as is seen in some youtube videos.
They will replace the tensioner if outdated, remove the valve cover, measure the slack in the chain, and replace all components if necessary. They will also inspect the valves for related damage. I'm assuming they are not going to breakdown the engine any further. I'm also up for the turbo hear shield thing.
I'm at 70K and it's time for an oil change. They quoted me $130 and I declined. I asked about carbon buildup and they recommend every 30K (no surprise there) but stated that the higher ethanol and water in southern gas can increase the buildup. They told me I would feel return of pep (again no surprise). I would have declined as I was planning to do it myself and I've heard the dealership charges close to $1K, but they recently lowered their price to $550. Since I haven't bought the tools yet, I agreed. The would not agree to take before/after photos but will write on the form if it was light or heavy. The SA recommended an OCC w/ breather on the intake PVC only but they of course do not offer that. I asked about water/meth to prevent buildup and he said he hasn't seen anyone with that modified of a car. I guess because they don't use the dealer. Duh! He also gave me a list of recommended gas stations and said stick to Cheveron & Exxon, but stay away from Exxon and Mobil is top tier, but only recently so their tanks still have crap at the bottom so wait a few years. He also recommended two other gas stations: Quik Trip & Sonco as being the best, but alas they are not in my region.
I asked for a discount on the oil change since I'm doing the carbon cleaning and they quoted me around $70 and $25 for tire rotation. I usually do this myself, but to save an evening jacking up the car and waiting till my next 6K oil change/rotation made me say yes.
They gave me an automatic paceman S w/ 2500 miles on it as a loaner. I'd have liked a manual, but oh well. I miss MY car but LOVE the pop & burble!!! Why doesn't my 09 have it? Grrr!
They promised to call me in the afternoon to let me know if the chain will be replaced.
I will update when I get the clubby back. Hope this helps!
I dropped my car off this morning at Brian Harris BMW in Baton Rouge, LA. My impression was very good.
I told them I have cold start up noise and loud noise when driving on cold start up, but not loud banging from the cover as is seen in some youtube videos.
They will replace the tensioner if outdated, remove the valve cover, measure the slack in the chain, and replace all components if necessary. They will also inspect the valves for related damage. I'm assuming they are not going to breakdown the engine any further. I'm also up for the turbo hear shield thing.
I'm at 70K and it's time for an oil change. They quoted me $130 and I declined. I asked about carbon buildup and they recommend every 30K (no surprise there) but stated that the higher ethanol and water in southern gas can increase the buildup. They told me I would feel return of pep (again no surprise). I would have declined as I was planning to do it myself and I've heard the dealership charges close to $1K, but they recently lowered their price to $550. Since I haven't bought the tools yet, I agreed. The would not agree to take before/after photos but will write on the form if it was light or heavy. The SA recommended an OCC w/ breather on the intake PVC only but they of course do not offer that. I asked about water/meth to prevent buildup and he said he hasn't seen anyone with that modified of a car. I guess because they don't use the dealer. Duh! He also gave me a list of recommended gas stations and said stick to Cheveron & Exxon, but stay away from Exxon and Mobil is top tier, but only recently so their tanks still have crap at the bottom so wait a few years. He also recommended two other gas stations: Quik Trip & Sonco as being the best, but alas they are not in my region.
I asked for a discount on the oil change since I'm doing the carbon cleaning and they quoted me around $70 and $25 for tire rotation. I usually do this myself, but to save an evening jacking up the car and waiting till my next 6K oil change/rotation made me say yes.
They gave me an automatic paceman S w/ 2500 miles on it as a loaner. I'd have liked a manual, but oh well. I miss MY car but LOVE the pop & burble!!! Why doesn't my 09 have it? Grrr!
They promised to call me in the afternoon to let me know if the chain will be replaced.
I will update when I get the clubby back. Hope this helps!
They gave me an Orange clubman as a loaner. Wish they have me a Pacer
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Ahh just messing with you.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Update:
I dropped my car off this morning at Brian Harris BMW in Baton Rouge, LA. My impression was very good.
I told them I have cold start up noise and loud noise when driving on cold start up, but not loud banging from the cover as is seen in some youtube videos.
They will replace the tensioner if outdated, remove the valve cover, measure the slack in the chain, and replace all components if necessary. They will also inspect the valves for related damage. I'm assuming they are not going to breakdown the engine any further. I'm also up for the turbo hear shield thing.
I'm at 70K and it's time for an oil change. They quoted me $130 and I declined. I asked about carbon buildup and they recommend every 30K (no surprise there) but stated that the higher ethanol and water in southern gas can increase the buildup. They told me I would feel return of pep (again no surprise). I would have declined as I was planning to do it myself and I've heard the dealership charges close to $1K, but they recently lowered their price to $550. Since I haven't bought the tools yet, I agreed. The would not agree to take before/after photos but will write on the form if it was light or heavy. The SA recommended an OCC w/ breather on the intake PVC only but they of course do not offer that. I asked about water/meth to prevent buildup and he said he hasn't seen anyone with that modified of a car. I guess because they don't use the dealer. Duh! He also gave me a list of recommended gas stations and said stick to Cheveron & Exxon, but stay away from Exxon and Mobil is top tier, but only recently so their tanks still have crap at the bottom so wait a few years. He also recommended two other gas stations: Quik Trip & Sonco as being the best, but alas they are not in my region.
I asked for a discount on the oil change since I'm doing the carbon cleaning and they quoted me around $70 and $25 for tire rotation. I usually do this myself, but to save an evening jacking up the car and waiting till my next 6K oil change/rotation made me say yes.
They gave me an automatic paceman S w/ 2500 miles on it as a loaner. I'd have liked a manual, but oh well. I miss MY car but LOVE the pop & burble!!! Why doesn't my 09 have it? Grrr!
They promised to call me in the afternoon to let me know if the chain will be replaced.
I will update when I get the clubby back. Hope this helps!
I dropped my car off this morning at Brian Harris BMW in Baton Rouge, LA. My impression was very good.
I told them I have cold start up noise and loud noise when driving on cold start up, but not loud banging from the cover as is seen in some youtube videos.
They will replace the tensioner if outdated, remove the valve cover, measure the slack in the chain, and replace all components if necessary. They will also inspect the valves for related damage. I'm assuming they are not going to breakdown the engine any further. I'm also up for the turbo hear shield thing.
I'm at 70K and it's time for an oil change. They quoted me $130 and I declined. I asked about carbon buildup and they recommend every 30K (no surprise there) but stated that the higher ethanol and water in southern gas can increase the buildup. They told me I would feel return of pep (again no surprise). I would have declined as I was planning to do it myself and I've heard the dealership charges close to $1K, but they recently lowered their price to $550. Since I haven't bought the tools yet, I agreed. The would not agree to take before/after photos but will write on the form if it was light or heavy. The SA recommended an OCC w/ breather on the intake PVC only but they of course do not offer that. I asked about water/meth to prevent buildup and he said he hasn't seen anyone with that modified of a car. I guess because they don't use the dealer. Duh! He also gave me a list of recommended gas stations and said stick to Cheveron & Exxon, but stay away from Exxon and Mobil is top tier, but only recently so their tanks still have crap at the bottom so wait a few years. He also recommended two other gas stations: Quik Trip & Sonco as being the best, but alas they are not in my region.
I asked for a discount on the oil change since I'm doing the carbon cleaning and they quoted me around $70 and $25 for tire rotation. I usually do this myself, but to save an evening jacking up the car and waiting till my next 6K oil change/rotation made me say yes.
They gave me an automatic paceman S w/ 2500 miles on it as a loaner. I'd have liked a manual, but oh well. I miss MY car but LOVE the pop & burble!!! Why doesn't my 09 have it? Grrr!
They promised to call me in the afternoon to let me know if the chain will be replaced.
I will update when I get the clubby back. Hope this helps!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 57
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Yes. There are owners that do it themselves, several DIY threads on this forum. From what I've read, it's not a question of if, but when.
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: W. Los Angeles, CA
So I got my car back about 3 hours ago(dropped it off at 7am this morning) and they replaced the chain tensioner and added the heatshield for the oil line for the turbo. They didn't say anything about my intake. So everything went well
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: YORK, PA
Today, I am in possession of a letter from MINI USA that says:
Dear .............
Re: WMWMF....................... ....
Our records indicate that you are the owner of the above-referenced MINI.
As part of ongoing quality analysis at MINI USA, it was determined that your vehicle may have been fitted with a faulty chain tensioner which may lead to an insufficiently tightened timing chain. To ensure that your vehicle is operating as designed, the chain tensioner and timing chain must be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
To have this service performed, please contact your authorized MINI dealer at your earliest convince to arrange an appointment. The repair will be done at no cost to you and will take approximately one day to complete; however additional time may be required depending upon the MINI dealer's schedule.
Should you have any questions, the MINI Customer Relations and Service Department is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., ET. You can reach us at 1.866.ASK.MINI (275-6464).
We apologize for any inconvenience should your MINI be affected.
Sincerely,
MINI USA
Customer Relations Department
Noticed some of you got your letter almost a month ago, not complaining just wondering if MUSA decided to spread the mailing out to ease the load on parts.....
As you can see from my sig, we have an '07 MCS, have on occasion heard the dreaded YM rattle, had it checked by a local shop with factory trained MINI Techs and was told it was OK, the chain tension was within spec, but that I do have the original tensioner. With the pending release of this recall I decided to wait and tempt fate!
I do my own oil changes every 5K miles, and use Castrol Full Synthetic 0-40. It does seem to help, at least according to my butt dyno/not-so super hearing.....
Will be calling the dealer on Monday, would call them tomorrow, but our MINI Group has a Meet and Greet driving some of the back roads in central PA.
Hopefully my experience will more closely follow the good experiences others have posted here.
Dear .............
Re: WMWMF....................... ....
Our records indicate that you are the owner of the above-referenced MINI.
As part of ongoing quality analysis at MINI USA, it was determined that your vehicle may have been fitted with a faulty chain tensioner which may lead to an insufficiently tightened timing chain. To ensure that your vehicle is operating as designed, the chain tensioner and timing chain must be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
To have this service performed, please contact your authorized MINI dealer at your earliest convince to arrange an appointment. The repair will be done at no cost to you and will take approximately one day to complete; however additional time may be required depending upon the MINI dealer's schedule.
Should you have any questions, the MINI Customer Relations and Service Department is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., ET. You can reach us at 1.866.ASK.MINI (275-6464).
We apologize for any inconvenience should your MINI be affected.
Sincerely,
MINI USA
Customer Relations Department
Noticed some of you got your letter almost a month ago, not complaining just wondering if MUSA decided to spread the mailing out to ease the load on parts.....
As you can see from my sig, we have an '07 MCS, have on occasion heard the dreaded YM rattle, had it checked by a local shop with factory trained MINI Techs and was told it was OK, the chain tension was within spec, but that I do have the original tensioner. With the pending release of this recall I decided to wait and tempt fate!
I do my own oil changes every 5K miles, and use Castrol Full Synthetic 0-40. It does seem to help, at least according to my butt dyno/not-so super hearing.....Will be calling the dealer on Monday, would call them tomorrow, but our MINI Group has a Meet and Greet driving some of the back roads in central PA.
Hopefully my experience will more closely follow the good experiences others have posted here.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans, LA
Update:
Firstly, there was a typo in my earlier post. The SA recommends Chevrolet and Texaco gas. Sonco & Quick Trip are best in his opinion but are not in our region. Exxon and Mobil just made the top tier list, so their tanks need a year or two to allow clearing of the crud at the bottom of the tanks.
On to the good stuff: Full timing chain assembly was changed. They still need to do the carbon cleaning I opted for and it may be ready for pickup today. I requested an oil change while there and from what others have mentioned, the timing chain assembly replacement should include that, so I'm expecting no charge for the oil change. I'll keep you update!
Firstly, there was a typo in my earlier post. The SA recommends Chevrolet and Texaco gas. Sonco & Quick Trip are best in his opinion but are not in our region. Exxon and Mobil just made the top tier list, so their tanks need a year or two to allow clearing of the crud at the bottom of the tanks.
On to the good stuff: Full timing chain assembly was changed. They still need to do the carbon cleaning I opted for and it may be ready for pickup today. I requested an oil change while there and from what others have mentioned, the timing chain assembly replacement should include that, so I'm expecting no charge for the oil change. I'll keep you update!
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
Update:
Firstly, there was a typo in my earlier post. The SA recommends Chevrolet and Texaco gas. Sonco & Quick Trip are best in his opinion but are not in our region. Exxon and Mobil just made the top tier list, so their tanks need a year or two to allow clearing of the crud at the bottom of the tanks.
On to the good stuff: Full timing chain assembly was changed. They still need to do the carbon cleaning I opted for and it may be ready for pickup today. I requested an oil change while there and from what others have mentioned, the timing chain assembly replacement should include that, so I'm expecting no charge for the oil change. I'll keep you update!
Firstly, there was a typo in my earlier post. The SA recommends Chevrolet and Texaco gas. Sonco & Quick Trip are best in his opinion but are not in our region. Exxon and Mobil just made the top tier list, so their tanks need a year or two to allow clearing of the crud at the bottom of the tanks.
On to the good stuff: Full timing chain assembly was changed. They still need to do the carbon cleaning I opted for and it may be ready for pickup today. I requested an oil change while there and from what others have mentioned, the timing chain assembly replacement should include that, so I'm expecting no charge for the oil change. I'll keep you update!
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Great to know, Injected. We should assume an oil change. I'm not equipped to do the general oil changes.
BTW Are generic oil changes pretty basic on these MCS? My son and I have done our other cars. What's the tricky stuffs? What's the best oil for the mid west plains winters? Waaaay cold and dry.
thanks!
Thanks
BTW Are generic oil changes pretty basic on these MCS? My son and I have done our other cars. What's the tricky stuffs? What's the best oil for the mid west plains winters? Waaaay cold and dry.
thanks!
Thanks
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans, LA
That's what I'm wondering. I expected to pay for an oil change because I requested it, but since they are replacing the entire timing change assembly, an oil change is part of the process (according to other posters). I'm curious if they'll bill me or not. If they do, should I push the issue? This seems like a clear cut yes or no, so if they bill me I'll pay it and call them to clarify. No use causing a stink in the dealership. Confrontation... ugh...
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans, LA
Update: Dealership called. As they were putting the car back together the mechanic noticed the water pump is leaking and they recommend a new one. $600 and another four days in the shop because they need to order one. I get to use my carmax extended warranty and the dealership assures me they get paid the same and I'll get a brand new pump from MINI directly. That $600 is suddenly a deductible!
That explains the slow disappearing coolant I've been topping off the last month... It was such a slow and sporadic leak that I wasn't quite convinced it was within tolerance... a quart of coolant in 10K miles isn't a lot...
That explains the slow disappearing coolant I've been topping off the last month... It was such a slow and sporadic leak that I wasn't quite convinced it was within tolerance... a quart of coolant in 10K miles isn't a lot...
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
It's not automatically part of it. The timing set comes out the top of the motor. Nothing on bottom needs to be removed or messed with to simply change the timing set. If they find the guides cracked or missing pieces, they drop the pan to ensure all pieces are cleared out. At that point, an oil change shouldn't cost much if anything since dropping the pan to clean the pieces out is part of it.
If your guides are in tact, I doubt they drop the pan at all, hence the oil change not being included or free.
If your guides are in tact, I doubt they drop the pan at all, hence the oil change not being included or free.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
Great to know, Injected. We should assume an oil change. I'm not equipped to do the general oil changes.
BTW Are generic oil changes pretty basic on these MCS? My son and I have done our other cars. What's the tricky stuffs? What's the best oil for the mid west plains winters? Waaaay cold and dry.
thanks!
Thanks
BTW Are generic oil changes pretty basic on these MCS? My son and I have done our other cars. What's the tricky stuffs? What's the best oil for the mid west plains winters? Waaaay cold and dry.
thanks!
Thanks
As for doing the oil change, it's a breeze. I've been working on cars both professionally and on my own time since before I could drive and I've done FAR FAR harder oil changes. If someone says the R56 MCS is a hard oil change, they need to start taking it to a shop lol.
Oil filter housing is just under the turbo. Simply unbolt the 8MM bolt holding the coolant expansion tank in place, move the tank out of your way and you're good to go. You need the proper socket and an extension to easily loosen the filter housing cap(I believe it's a 24mm).
Most oil filters you buy come with new rubber O-ring for the filter housing cap. Just like the gasket on a conventional style filter, it's a good idea to put a small amount of oil around that gasket once installed to get it just a bit wet and make sure it seals nice.
The drain plug points straight down and is super easy to get to so draining is very mess free.
Any more tech questions search here or PM so I(or anyone else lol) don't keep cluttering this thread. Also, shoot me a message anyway because you're semi-local and if you ever need help working on your car, get in touch!
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans, LA
It's not automatically part of it. The timing set comes out the top of the motor. Nothing on bottom needs to be removed or messed with to simply change the timing set. If they find the guides cracked or missing pieces, they drop the pan to ensure all pieces are cleared out. At that point, an oil change shouldn't cost much if anything since dropping the pan to clean the pieces out is part of it. If your guides are in tact, I doubt they drop the pan at all, hence the oil change not being included or free.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
I'd even ask(obviously in a nice and curious way, not a suspicious way lol), to see the timing set that came out, just so you see any damage it caused. Cracking of the guides is actually fairly common when the chain get's left to the point of the rattling. So you can be sure that if they don't pull the pan, and the plastic guides are damaged, someone dropped the ball..... I sound so cynical and negative about dealerships, but when mine simply said "it has the updated part, no work needed" after I specifically said I replaced the tensioner myself 2 weeks ago, and I wanted the chain measured.... when I called and asked about that, he puts me on hold and said "I talked to the tech who did the work and he said he did measure it and your chain was at 63mm which is less than any chain we've measured for this recall, so you're all set".....that sounds like BS to me, why wasn't it on the original work reciept, or at least told to me??? I might call MINI and ask them about it.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
I'd even ask(obviously in a nice and curious way, not a suspicious way lol), to see the timing set that came out, just so you see any damage it caused. Cracking of the guides is actually fairly common when the chain get's left to the point of the rattling. So you can be sure that if they don't pull the pan, and the plastic guides are damaged, someone dropped the ball..... I sound so cynical and negative about dealerships, but when mine simply said "it has the updated part, no work needed" after I specifically said I replaced the tensioner myself 2 weeks ago, and I wanted the chain measured.... when I called and asked about that, he puts me on hold and said "I talked to the tech who did the work and he said he did measure it and your chain was at 63mm which is less than any chain we've measured for this recall, so you're all set".....that sounds like BS to me, why wasn't it on the original work reciept, or at least told to me??? I might call MINI and ask them about it.
So I went in to the service department and told them there's something wrong with my blinker, SA asked the tech that performed the carbon cleaning and out of nowhere he stated, "oh yeah I forgot to mention something about that light, it was on when I first noticed it. BS!
Yeah after I mention it he conveniently speaks up, SA told me that that was crap because they're supposed to put it in writing on the work order so when customer comes to pick up the car, they can bring it to my attention or even call me to let know so they can diagnose it. It wasn't like that when I brought it in because it would have killed my battery preventing me from driving it to the dealer for carbon cleaning!
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
Just picked mine up after 1 day at the dealer.. sounds better than it did when i bought it. they did they whole deal..and oil change because the guide was broken and there were pieces in the pan.
i paid 125 for a diagnostic for the CEL being on.. they cleared the faults but when they started it 272a came back on. so now i'm trying to troubleshoot that before i bring it back to them at 111 dollars an hour.
all in all good experience.
i paid 125 for a diagnostic for the CEL being on.. they cleared the faults but when they started it 272a came back on. so now i'm trying to troubleshoot that before i bring it back to them at 111 dollars an hour.
all in all good experience.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
You paid for diagnostic and all they did was clear the code and return the car with the same code? DIAGNOSING a problem is not telling you what code is on, it's telling you WHY the code is on. I can't believe you paid $125 for someone to hook a scan tool to your car and tell you a code. You can buy a tool for less than that to do the same thing, or go to AutoZone and have that done for free......
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
right.. I agree with you and unfortunately was not in a position to leave the car there any longer. the SA told me that there was nothing apparently wrong with the systmem and they'd have to start digging into the car. I gladly paid 125 dollars for an engine that will start on a cold morning quietly.. a fresh oil change, a wash, and narrowing down the CEL at best. the codes it gave me were 2418 and 1447.. not the fault code that mini gave me.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 781
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
So did they just say "here are your codes, have a nice day"?? For $125 diagnostic fee I expect to get a full description of the code, what systems cause/are affected by it, and some possible direction on what parts need to be fixed or replaced. A diagnostic is a lead up to work, so they charge a diagnostic fee to find out exactly what is wrong, then follow it with an estimate that breaks down everything they would be doing to the car to fix it. I'd go back an talk to the service manager about that if all they did was give you some codes for $125 and send you out the door. Where's the estimate to fix the problem???