Hi all. Relatively new here, but am hoping to find others with similar issues. I've read on many forums regarding the timing chain tensioner extended warranty on the N14 engines. We bought an N18 '11 Countryman S ALL4 this past April. In July, we starting getting the knocking/rattling at cold start up, which progressed to happening even when not cold. We took it into Mini of Rochester (NY) last weekend, and today were given the diagnosis: that the chain was in such bad shape, it had actually broken when taken off, so the entire timing chain and tensioner would need to be replaced. This would all be at a cost of $3,100, because the AWD system would need to be removed in order to do the repairs. And to top it all off, the warranty on the car expired Feb 26 '17.

As I said, I know that this was a huge issue with the N14 engines, but I am wondering if others with N18s have also had the problem? I spoke to someone at Mini headquarters, to see if they would extend the warranty for us, or at least help pay. The response was "Well, I'm not sure we'll be able to provide much assistance, if any at all, but we'll still submit your case."

Did Mini (BMW) continue to use this terrible part that keeps breaking on their N18 engines? Just curious to know what others are going through. Thanks!

 

Going to move you back to the Gen2 area as that is what your model of car is.

Taughannock Falls

 

The tensioner itself is the same part as the N14. However, the part did get updated a number of times so your car will definitely have something newer than what used on the original N14.

That being said, I don't think the procedure would involve removing the All4 system. It should be be similar to the N14, as the differences are in the details not the overall configuration.

 

You need a new dealer!! How many miles do you have on the car?Have you been keeping up with oil changes and have the receipts? With only a few months outside of warranty, you may want to talk to the DM of your regions dealer network and have them split the cost with you. Even if you paid for the parts and they covered labor-you'd be spending less than 500 bucks!

 

A quick update -

The ALL4 was removed to also replace the oil pan. They were concerned there would be debris in the oil pan, and wanted to just replace it completely. So that really upped the cost of labor.

However, we did hear back from Mini HQ regarding covering the cost. They've agreed to pay $2,000 of the $3,100 bill. We were not expecting nearly that much, so consider it a win.

 

Within that context, removing the oil pan is the correct step towards fishing out the broken pieces. I am glad to hear that they participated in the repair. Going forward, you will know what to look for, adhere to short oil change intervals and keep track of mileage while this current repair has a warranty associated with it. Good news for you, on what could have been a real bummer!@ Enjoy the car.

 

I got a letter from MINI USA a few months ago indicating that the warranty on my timing chain/tensioner was being extended to 7 years/100k, IIRC. Mine was built in 2/2011. I cannot find that letter right now, but will continue looking. It was not a recall, but an extension of the warranty. Anyone here have that same letter? I know I saw someone post it here on NAM.....

 

the timing chain tensioner is still 78mm on the N18. I do agree with R56devotion. I also dont think the oil pan is in the way of the system!!!

I would've dont it for half the price

here is my journey with CMS ALL4
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4328724

 

Just a thought from across the pond; remember there was the 'oil solenoid fix'?


This was specifically an N18 problem that allowed oil to 'wick' past the poorly sealed solenoid/sensor under the rear of the sump/oil pan on all N18s and into the wiring harness. (from the US driver's side, I think...)


I wonder if your dealer thought that it should have been fixed this time 'cos it wasn't done last time, perhaps? I agree that this is where debris would collect if the plastic cassette or chain were broken...

 

You may want to look over your paperwork and see exactly what tensioner that are installing. You wouldn't be the first or last customer that had the wrong one installed when the dealer was pawning off its OLD inventory!!!!