I just purchased my first mini (2008 r55). It's got 106k miles and I've been reading as much about it as possible. In my reading, I keep hearing about the timing chain problems and that you need to fix them before they become something larger. I don't know what this engine is supposed to sound like from the factory and so I don't know what I'm listening for when I read "timing chain slap". I have a couple videos I took off the engine sound. Can anyone tell me if the knocking sound is normal or is that's what everyone warns about?

I uploaded them to Google drive because the file type isn't compatible here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hm7qSxz7NS7eaqZE6

 

I didn’t watch to your video, so…. There are two ways to verify if your timing chain is giving out: remove the cam cover and perform a visual inspection, or get the special tool that replaces the tensioner and perform the test for chain stretch. Personally, I would just pull the cam cover and do the visual.