Hi All, I'm new to Minis but more or less know my way around cars having worked on all kinds of makes, primarily european, for fun.

I won a 2009 Mini Cooper S at an auction with 83,000 miles and cosmetically in great shape. However, it doesn't start. It cranks with the occasional backfire, which leads me to believe that the timing chain may have loosened, which seems to be a common thing with these cars. I also have P0341 and P0342 codes for the camshaft position sensors which supports the theory.

My question is this: is it worth trying to fix this engine by installing a new timing chain kit, or is this thing toast and I'm looking at an engine swap? If its not a clear answer, what things should I be looking at in order to make the call?

Thanks in advance, heres a photo of the car along with the other non-running rig I won!

 

Compression check is first order of business. If that passes (and I'm betting it won't) then get the tools to position the cams and check them.

Hard to say if it is worth putting money into without a lot more info - prices of used running cars are fairly high right now......

 

Thank you. If it doesn't pass compression then am I looking at bent valves or is that a sign of off-time hence checking the cams? I'm new to timing issues but I'm a quick study.

I got the car for $1800/2500 after taxes and fees, I think its worth getting the car back to its former glory, just more do I bother trying to fix this current engine or do I replace it. I just did a Mercedes E350 with no compression and I went the replace route.

Found this youtube video on the topic where the guy goes as far as replacing the bent valves. Looks a bit daunting but doable with the right tools. I can't imagine the pistons would have gotten messed up so I am thinking this will be worst case scenario for me.

 

Replace is the best bet, since I'm guessing you plan on flipping it.

There is very little clearance for the valves, so valves getting bent once the chain is slack is a near certainty. Crapshoot if the pistons are good or not. If no chunks of valve bounced around, pistons are likely ok, otherwise junk.

 

Ah good ol Copart

I just got a flooded 09 clubman s with 68k miles for 675/1600 with fees and shipping lol. bad thing is that it came with no head and the oil pan is gone plus the turbo and who knows what else. I'm currently rebuilding an N18 to drop in it or i could waste a day and pull an engine from my other mini. we'll see what happens!