My 2012 MCS (produced in late 2011) ha started to make some noises when the engine is cold . It doesn't sound like some of the videos, or at least not yet. I took it to a very reputable independent shop in the SF Bay Area and they inspected it and said the chain is 4-5mm loose and it will get worse. Also said quality of oil was not great.

I thought the 2007-10 were the ones with the big timing chain issues. 2011-12 too? Recall didn't include those years. Any thoughts.

 

Was the looseness of the chain caused by chain wear or a defective tensioner? How did they measure this looseness?

 

I don't know how it was measured to be honest, but shop said the tensioner would give me 10-15k more miles and not a true fix. Price is quite reasonable so I'm torn between the risk of waiting and save some money or do it now and avoid a constant concern/headache.

 

How many miles are on the engine?

 

60k miles. Prior owner did not change oil every 5k, she went with the manufacturer 10k which is not great.

 

Call your local MINI service department and see if there are any recalls on your car. I'd also visit another shop to get a 2d opinion. Don't tell them anything about your previous shop experience.