The dreaded timing chain
 

So to make this short. I bought my 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S a little over a year ago. I take good care of her with regular maintenance etc. About 3 weeks ago I noticed during cold start a rattle but it would quickly go away. Over the last week it has gotten worse, going away after it starts but coming back under higher RPMs at the end of 1st and 2nd gear. I called mini because I heard about the recall. They told me the timing chain/ tensioner was replaced back in 2012. So that shouldn’t be the problem. They say it should last the life of the engine. I told them they are right because this problem will be the death of my engine. Anyways. Has anyone had luck with mini helping out or dealt with this issue a second time? Am I stuck with the $2k bill? I definitely don’t have the money for that and I will have to get rid of the car if that is the case. Anyways I tried calling mini USA and they basically told me to call the local dealership. Dealership just told me a price to fix it. Now I am stuck. Need suggestions or anything really. I love this car but can’t afford a 2k fix on it. I am still paying it off.

It may just need a new tensioner.

Why do you think after 7 years the chain is not stretched again? Average lifespan of a MINI chain is 50-70K miles and then you are on ice. They are like a bicycle chain and not heavy duty (hence the recall).

Can you sing a spanner? If so, it is a one day DIY job. You can rent space and tools in a shop and follow one of the guides on youtube. Mini Adventure does a good two part guide. Watch it several times and take notes. You will need the following:-

variable shifting spanner
socket set & breaker bar
Timing/cam locking tool for your variant of engine (the N number)
Cam shaft bolt x 2
Lower sprocket
crankshaft bolt
Crank hub seal
chain set (febi billstein is good)
1/2" socket angle guage
valve cover seal and sealant
4 equal length sticks (watch the video)

The total for this will be under 250 of your drinking vouchers.

1) check that your oil isn't low
2) see if you can get the part number of the tensioner that was used in the 2012 work, check if it is the updated part.