there IS no recall

and less than 1% of cars have had this problem ......

no matter what you see here on NAM

for every complaint here there are 100+ cars that are running fine.

 

You're right. Its not an actual large issue, but they're doing good faith repair after good faith repair on out of warranty cars left and right.....

 

And for every 100 cars you see fine on NAM, there are 100+ that aren't running fine that aren't on NAM. And if there isn't something happening, then why on my mother's VIN and my VIN (08 Clubman S and 08 Hardtop S) do we have pending campaigns?

And before you say that the campaign is for something else, I ask you what in the world the campaign be for other than timing chain related?

 

There may not be a recall at this point, but this issue has been acknowledged by MINI and MINI dealers and in some cases has been rectified through an unofficial "Goodwill" program.

You state that less than 1% of cars have had this problem. May I ask you to be more specific regarding this 1% figure (as in 1% of all MINI's ever made, or 1% of R56 MINI's or 1% of 2007 to 2010 MINI Cooper S models...you get the picture, right?) and please may I ask what is your source of information that less than 1% have been affected? I'd appreciate any documentation you may offer to support your statement as I have a concern about our car...Thanks, Tom.

 

He has no documentation on that. He's talking out his *** to stir things up.

 

I'm at MINI of St Louis getting my JCW Exhaust installed. I asked my SA about any open recalls on my car and he said that there is a "Pending Campaign" with a SIB number (which I couldn't see). He told me this means that there will be something coming but they don't know what it is.

 

That's good. When I called them a month or so ago they totally denied anything like that happening. Hope you didn't pay too much for the exhaust install, they are such rip offs

 

They quoted me $100, which is actually less than what other shops in the area were asking for. I think the only reason he brought up the pending campaign is because it was right there on the build sheet for my car, but it's good that it looks like MINI is starting something.

 

Are there any members in Arizona or Nevada that have discussed this issue with either MINI of North Scottsdale, MINI of Tempe or MINI of Las Vegas?

 

to counter the guy saying there is NO recall happening ... my sa said it is a know issue and mini is currently doing many good will repairs leading up to an official recall .. my noise wasnt too loud and just at initial start up so he suggested waiting to see what the official recall may include and to get the most up to date parts...

as it currently has gotten worse ill be bringing it in this coming week

 

I don't believe in over reacting or getting hysterical about recall issues (or much else), but...

Less than 1% of the Ford Explorers with Firestone tires had problems. Most recalls are based on a <1% occurrence, but one with a proven defect.

I don't know how many N-14 equipped MINIs are going to develop TC problems, but if it's 1%, that's a serious PR problem for MINI and their dealers. Partnering with PSA for engines was a mistake (as BMW has tacitly admitted) that MINI will have to go to extra lengths to smooth over, either though a recall (which I think is not likely) or an extended 150K or so warranty (far more likely, in my estimation).

 

I'm a member and brought my car in my car is not under warranty at this point.. I had a cold start rattle..
My Service advisor got my a new tensioner bolt free of charge would have replaced the Timing chain too but found it was still in spec barely but still in spec. according too my S.A there is a silent recall going on, he said he has has had at least 5 or 6 cars which all got free timing chain work.
Also was told my timing chain will now be under warranty for 150k this all happened at the end of last month.

so its no bull crap, but it all seems pretty hush hush for the most part. Idk whats taking so long with this recall silent or not bull crap a car has a problem with a timing chain! not belt But Chain at for me 23k miles. others even earlier then that.
I do love my MINI thou and seriously am glad they took care of my problem. so if I have another rattle anywhere with the chain from now tell 150k then I'm covered thats what I was told

 

Update for me, and the "there is no recall" cynical shitbrick can stuff it.
SA flat out said "There's definitely a recall on the way, expect a notice in the mail soon. MINI shows it as a pending campaign. If they do an extended warranty, it will probably be for quite a ways out. If they do a full recall, you'll get yours done for sure."

Bottom line on my car: NOT a timing chain issue. Starter is sticking open for a split second too long and hitting the flywheel once the car fires up. It was less than a second and I'm going to tinker with the starter myself before replacing it.

Reason I will always recommend Markel BMW/MINI/Jag/Land Rover:
They brought the car in, diagnosed my issue and did a full inspection of the car. They then washed/vacuumed my car before returning it. All for free, loaner included (base model, 2wd, automatic Countryman. Seriously sucked all the fun out of driving lol).

Reason dealership service departments get a bad rap:
Remanned starter for me: $110 and 2-4 hours of work. New starter for me: $230 and 2-4 hours of work... To have them install their starter at 3 hours of flat rate: over $750...

Right side output seal for me: $8 and probably 2 hours of work... To have them install the right side output seal at 2.5 hours of flat rate and a super inflated parts cost: $400+

Right side CV boot(boot only): For me: Maybe $50 and an hour of work. For them: $375 and that's them including labor to remove the axle from the vehicle, which would already be done if they did the output seal, but they'd charge full rates anyway...

On top of all that, their alignment goes for $250+... Absolutely insane.

Bottom line, for cheap parts to be installed by them, total out the door when their quote was done was almost $2000. I just can't possibly defend dealership service centers, no matter how nice and helpful, with those kinds of prices. It's nuts. AND they said I need to replace my tires ASAP because they're not factory size (they're 215/45/17's) and they're a bit worn. Wouldn't quite me anything but full price on factory run flats at like $277 each.

Anyway, sales, financing, service(if under warranty), customer service as a whole: If you're in Omaha and want to buy anything they sell, Markel is the way to go. If you need an out of warranty car worked on in the Omaha area, call me. If I can't do it, there are independent shops around here that might even be affordable. Markel's service and parts prices are through the roof, as to be expected with dealerships.

 

Most actual recalls are done for safety reasons. The Firestone tire thing was killing people, if you recall. The recall on the R56 secondary water pump was because cars caught fire--another serious safety problem. The timing chain is not a safety problem, merely a stupendous expense to deal with if it fails.

I'm not saying there can't be or won't be a recall, but it's much more common for those to happen for safety reasons.

I do hope they're doing right by us R56 owners, though.

 

I guess I'm a 1 percenter :-)

Got the death rattle now bad . Bringing '09 MClubman S with 30K in on Tues. Feel better that they are acknowledging the problem.

I'm a car guy and the amount of problems my wife's mini has had in 30K miles is unacceptable. I'm glad they are doing a new engine soon.

 

What I have heard recently is that there is a campaign, but does not apply to those MINI's which have already had repair(s) done, either complete kits or extended tensioners. Only for new issues reported/complaints for those MINI's which have not been in for same issue.

Deflection measurements been moved back to original 68MM from 72MM as well.

No recall.

 

So are they allowing less deflection as "normal"?

 

Which dealer did you go to and do you remember the SA'a name?

 

By soon, you mean the newer engine that has been out for a few years now? lol

 

Isn't the BMW sourced 2L turbo going into the mid-year 2014 F56 Minis new?

 

Ah yeah you're right. Though I didn't hear of any major issues with the N18?

 

I don't believe in over reacting or getting hysterical about recall issues (or much else), but...

Less than 1% of the Ford Explorers with Firestone tires had problems. Most recalls are based on a <1% occurrence, but one with a proven defect.

CORRECTION >>>>

SAFETY DEFECT!!!!

The car was not recalled either ... the tires were

a timing chain failure is not a safety issue IMO. I'm NOT defending MINI just saying a federal recall is unlikely and my 07-S has not seen the problem and I believe I represent the silent majority given I'm a nanny driver!

 

scottsdale mini bmw and I'd have to look up my paper work for my S.A's name. but I will do that tomorrow

 

How can a timing chain failure, which then (potentially) causes pistons and valves to bang together ruining an engine while driving and rendering the car un-driveable, not be considered a safety issue?

 

Because if your car completely loses power, steering, braking assist, battery charging while driving down a dark road at night, there's no possible way anything bad could happen... none...........