Hello everyone, I have a 2009 Mini Cooper Base/Justa with 154k miles on the clock, and I need a new timing chain very soon. From a short bit of research, I have found that MiniMania has an OEM option that will be about $500 and aftermarket options around $190-$250. Is it best to go with the OEM kit or find a high-quality but cheaper brand? If I can find a cheaper kit, I can pick up the timing tool sooner as well. I know it's possible to do it without the timing tool but I have not done this before and do not want to bend any valves. Will there be any additional parts I will need for this job besides what is mentioned in the kits? if so please let me know, and if anyone has a less expensive and well-known kit that I haven't listed below links to that would be much appreciated. Thanks.

OEM Kit: https://www.minimania.com/part/G2NMK3301/

Aftermarket kit(s): https://www.minimania.com/part/G2NMK...e-Gen2-R55-r61

 

I would go for this kit, then add a valve cover gasket:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...1311439853kt2/

 

Thanks, njaremka, I'll look into this kit.