Just had my 2007 MCS with 43K on it into the dealer where they added the turbo oil supply line heat shield installed and the entire timing chain assy and tensioner replaced under the campaign. The chain stretch was .4 over spec.

Does anyone know what caused this failure. I know there are several different types of tensioners. Do you think it was just a design flaw in the tensioner or something else that is causing all the failures?

I know about changing the oil more frequently, which I have always done. Do you think the Mini will now be more like a normal car with a timing chain and get at least 100 to 150K on the chain without problems?

 

Holy crap dude, everything you've asked are super common questions. The search feature really works wonders...

In short: Yes, it's supposed to.

There is an updated tensioner that is supposed to work better to keep the chain from getting loose and stretching. The stretched chain slapping around is what causes the broken guides. So yes, it is supposed to fix the problem fr good.

 

I've read so much on NAM about Mini problems I'm almost paranoid about what is going to break on my 2007 MCS. I'm seriously thinking about selling it and going to something more reliable. I"m over 70 so by the time I get to the end of a multi year 10 page or more thread I forget more than half of what I've read. I'm on a fixed income and as much as I love the fun and performance of a Mini I not in a position to deal with $5 to $10K engine or transmission repairs or replacement. Thanks for your response.

 

I have discovered over the many years of MINI ownership that there is not always a super common answer to a super common question. The many MINI forums have addressed this issue in depth yet there is always another information source that arises that may be helpful. I found this link that may be of interest: http://www.atlanticmotorcar.com/case...ing-chain-101/. Also www.motoringfile.com has covered this story in depth and may shed some additional light on the subject. Good luck.