Hello, people! First time MINI owner here.

Well, the price was right, the mileage was low, and I have a misplaced sense of mechanical competence. Yes, I bought one and it needs a timing chain replacement. I am going to do it myself, it really doesn't look terribly difficult, more tedious than anything else. The car is a 2010 MCS auto with 88,000 miles. I would like to take care of most things, so I don't have to crack it open again until I need to replace the timing chain the next time. I am a fairly good hand with a wrench and an engine, typically of the American V8 variety.
What all will I need to replace, aside from the timing chain, tensioners, and timing chain guide?
Do I need to replace the VANOS gear or solenoid (how often should the VANOS gear and solenoids be replaced)?
Should I replace the coils and plugs?
I know that the car had the timing chain changed at a Mini dealer at 43,000 miles in 2014, but I don't have much service history beyond that.
I assume I should change the trans fluid and filter, as well, yes?
Is the Detroit Tuned timing chain kit the one to get?
I am going to have to put the front bumper cover, front wheel arch trim, and hood scoop back on, what retaining clips do I need? Is there a kit for those?
With regard to code scanners, what do you recommend? I was planning on getting either Carly or Bimmerlink.

Lots of questions, I know. I want to make sure I do it right and allow myself to enjoy the little car. Be assured that your wisdom in things MINI will be appreciated.

Thanks, again!

 

Congrats on the purchase! This is the place to find what you need, but sometimes you have to sift through the weeds to find what you’re looking for.

Any of the timing kits offered by the vendors here should have everything you need for the timing chain replacement. Make sure you get the correct timing tools for the N14 engine.

Might be a good idea to get all the fluids changed out and up to date. Same with the coils and plugs.

I use Carly for code reading, on,y because it also give you coding options. I haven’t used Bimmerlink, so can’t comment on that tool. This site can help you decipher the codes that get pulled - https://bmwfault.codes

Also, get familiar with this site for looking up OEM part numbers - https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select
I will surf that site to fine the parts and parts numbers, then go surf the vendor sites for the best deals.

Another good resource is https://www.allmagautoparts.com in the event you need used parts, like bumpers and what-not.

 

It would be a good time to look at compression. These engines are known to have seal issues (on intake/exhaust valves) that allows a small amount of oil to leak down into cylinders and coke up. This causes low compression. This is over thousands of miles, but 88K is getting into that concern area. If you're tearing into a timing chain job, redoing the cylinder head is not a big deal. Exchanging your head for remanufactured one costs 1000-1250. But, now you'll have an engine that lasts for years.

 

Thanks for the advice guys!
Do I need to replace the VANOS or is that typically not a service replacemet part? How about the VANOS solenoid?

Much appreciated!

 

Hello,

Yes, this is the kit to get: https://www.detroittuned.com/mini-n14-timing-chain-kit/ You will need some special tools but it will come with everything you need that MINI recommends replacing at the same time. We only replace the sprockets if there is damage or a fancy build. The solenoids only when there is an issue. But while you are there, just make sure they are cleaned out. Also only use factory OEM ones. https://www.detroittuned.com/mini-vanos-solenoid-valve/ Get the car up and running first then go from there. side note we replace/sell a lot of these: https://www.detroittuned.com/detroit...ine-super-kit/

 

DT,
Oh, yes, your kit is the one I am ordering. It is already on my extensive list of parts to buy! I appreciate the info about the VANOS gear and solenoids. I really wasn't sure about the need to replace those. I'll give the solenoid a good cleaning for sure.
If the turbo is leaking, I'll order that kit, too.
This is a stock build, as my kids will be the ones driving it most of the time. I don't need them hotrodding around and making my insurance go up!
Many thanks!

 

@TuaLaoch : The transition from N14 (older) to N18 (newer) engines happened sometime in March 2010, several months before the transition from pre-LCI to LCI ("LCI" meaning facelift in BMW speak) in the autumn of 2010. Hence there are some 2010 MCS pre-LCI cars out there with the newer, N18 engine.

The N18 engine has several differences from N14. Amongst others: VANOS gears on both camshafts (the N14 has a sprocket on the outlet camshaft). At 88K miles I'd seriously consider also changing the sprocket (if not the VANOS gear, too).

 

giorgos,
It does, in fact, have the N14 engine. I ran the vin on a decoder.
Thanks!

 

Do you need to replace both VANOS Sprockets at the same time? Long story short - I ordered both VANOS sprockets but the exhaust sprocket has been delayed in shipping. Was planning to replace them just because i want the car to be as reliable as possible for my daughter. But I see no damage on the original parts at 114kmiles. I can either leave both intake and exhaust sprockets as-is, install the new intake sprocket and re-use the exhaust sprockets, or wait until the exhaust side sprocket is delivered or try to source one locally. Any advice?