Well my daughters 09 Clubman S engine just bought the farm due to a timing chain breakage. Now I'm looking at a $4000 dollar bill to put a used engine in this thing. The real pisser is, its extended warranty was for 75,000 miles and she just hit 77,000. I'm calling my local mini dealership tomorrow to see what kind of help/advice they can give.(Not expecting much to be honest!!!)

 

Really sorry to hear that. It has been happening
a lot and we read about it way too often on this
forum.

A few questions if you don't mind.
1. Did you ever hear the death rattle or it just suddenly broke?
2. Did you try to start the car after it broke?
What happened? I'm assuming it won't start.
3. Did you pull any codes after the chain broke?
And what are they?

 

1. Nope no death rattle, they were just driving it and pulled up to a red light and "Poof" the engine died.
2. Yes, tried to start the car but wouldn't start.
3. It's at a Tires Plus, not sure if they pulled any. They and my son said the engine is seized.

The next question I have is, should I have a new timing chain put on the used engine?

 

Ouch....rarely does it go from start-up noise to failure in 2000 miles....
Might be time to have a talk with her....maybe let her feel the pain...so she can learn to pay attention to it.
Some folk just drive things till they "will not go"....
Might be a good life lesson.

 

Usually if the timing chain goes, the valvetrain is thrashed...
Sometimes it can be fixed cheaper than swapping an engine...but it can take more...so a crap shoot .
Usually a rebuilt motor is the way too go.

Many gen2 cars have had engine and timing chain issues due to people's failure to check the oil...many can use as much as 1auart per 1000 miles and be fine...
Tread VERY carefully if you go with a used motor...
If it is "seized"...kinda wonder if it was an oil issue...
Timing chain failures can often crank...forever...no compression.

 

I agree..

In the Gen 2 car with the N14 engine...being aware of the oil level is key. You have to check it frequently...

 

There was also a service campaign on the the timing chain (tensioner) for certain model years. Check to see if you qualified.

 

First, we (Or should I say I had the oil changed every 5k religiously). I fact the oil was changed last week and the mechanic told me the oil level was good. This is my 3rd mini so I keep up on the oil based on prior experiences. And it would crank just not start so I'm a little confused by the seized part as well. Hopefully I'll get a little more info tomorrow. And yes, we do qualify for the class action, I still have the card I was sent in the mail.

 

How often do you add oil between oil changes? Reason I ask is these MCSs will consume 1-2 quarts of oil every 1000-2500 miles and running low on oil will cause the timing chain tensioner to not properly tension the chain causing it to slip off or at the very least break the upper timing chain guide. If the chain fell off then it's a sure bet there are plastic pieces of the chain guide in the oil pan.

I wouldn't trust a used engine, too many problems with these engines to go wrong.

 

You're daughter is one of the lucky Gen 2 owners, in that her 2009 Clubman S is not an oil burner. It's also good to hear that the car is properly maintained.

I will say my 2008 MCS (N14 engine) burned so much oil that I finally got sick of checking the oil level with it's subpar dipstick that I traded it.

Good luck to you!

 

Yea, I have seen some burn allot and others burn just a little.

Keep an extra quart in a bag in the back and check the oil often. Fits the new MINI oil bottle also.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...orage-bag.html