Quick backstory
I've got a 2009 MCS. Motor was replaced by dealership under warranty in March 2011 because the timing chain lost tension and slapped the **** out of everything. Lots has happened since then, but the timing chain issue hasn't reared its head again until a week ago.

Now
My car is stock, I maintain it fine and keep oil where it should be. I got the cold start rattle again. 95k miles on the ODO.

I know MINI / BMW superceded the original tensioner part with a "better" one. I never took advantage of the class action lawsuit because the whole debacle described above didn't cost me a penny and didn't apply while it was going on.

Now I may be experiencing it again, and I want to know if there is anything I can look for in terms of reimbursement if my cassette needs replacing. I do believe it was replaced in 2011 with the original part that was later supersceded (. I also know the new ones were given a 7 year 100k mile warranty.

I have an appt for Tuesday to get the whole shebang diagnosed. Is there anything I can hope for in terms of lowering the potential cost under a worst case scenario?

 

All depends on the dealer. We've had people covered for one cassette, but the next time round they were denied and told "sorry, we only warranty the first failure."

You will need to consult either MINI USA or a lawyer who is versed in this whole situation.

 

Don't want to hijack this thread but you sound like you work for mini? I had a new engine just put in my r56 N14 2 months ago. Would you know if the engines used for replacements come with all the updated parts? Timing chain assembly, aluminum water pump and such.

 

Even better; Detroit Tuned.

All depends on how long the engine sat on the shelf, you may have the newer timing tensioner, but the old plastic water pump, and so on and so forth.

 

👍 thanks!

 

nkfry has good advice.
Consumer protection laws vary from state to state, so it won't be a single "one size fits all" answer.
On the surface it seems as if you have a valid argument, should the timing chain cassette need to be replaced again.

I have 135,000 on my 2009 MCS, and have many times considered changing that timing cassette because of posts like yours.

 

Update
The car was dropped off at the dealership yesterday morning. I just received a call from the SA who confirmed the tensioner as the culprit. He also told me that it is the updated design that was installed in my car in 2011 when the whole motor was replaced for this exact issue.

He's going to bat for me and submitting a goodwill request to MINI USA to cover the costs, as my current tensioner is under 7 years old and has less than 100,000 miles per the extended warranty that came from the class action lawsuit settlement.

So I have a good feeling, and regardless of the outcome, I give huge kudos to Seattle MINI. I've had my car serviced through them since 2011, and they've been great the whole time.

 

Engines lasting only 5 years. A new level of reliability right here. My 2010 MCS engine needed replacing because of piston rings. They found the timing was off as well. Unreal how crap these engines are. Edit - my car only had 55000 miles.