Timing Tensioner problems of the 2008 Mini Cooper

Timing chain tensioner failure. I had to replace chain, tensioners and crank gear on my 2008 Mini with 81,000 miles.

In September, 2013, my 2008 Mini Cooper hardtop, with the n12 engine, had the timing chain fail under operation. This caused the engine to stop, at highway speed, affecting steering, braking and all ability to maneuver the vehicle out of traffic. Two vehicles barely avoided my disabled vehicle. I contacted Mini USA and they refused to acknowledge the factory defect in the timing-chain tensioner that causes the timing chain to fail. I paid over $8000 for a replacement n12 engine. With less than 10,000 miles on the replacement engine, in July, 2016, the timing chain failed again. This time the vehicle was crossing a bridge and there was no place to try to pull off. The situation was very dangerous and left my family vulnerable to oncoming traffic. I contacted Mini USA again, and although they have admitted to the timing chain defect on their n14 engine, in the s series vehicle, they still refuse to issue a recall for the n12 engines in which the timing chain failures are more numerous. This defect causes the vehicle to become inoperable at speed which is unsafe in the extreme. Mini USA needs to issue a safety recall for every vehicle equipped with the n12 engines.

I purchased a new 2008 Mini Cooper from autohaus west/Mini of st louis. The Mini Cooper was designed, manufactured, assembled, distributed and sold by BMW of north America, BMW (u. S. ) holding corp. , and bayerische motoren werke aktiengellschaft. I experienced a progressive failure of the timing chain, timing chain tensioner and related tensioner rail, guide rail and support rail. The timing chain had previously been represented to have a useful life equal to the life of the car. The timing chain is located within the engine, consists of a metal chain, and is not subject to adjustment or routine maintenance. I experienced a progressive failure of the timing chain as follows: (a) death rattle or diesel noise from engine upon start up & at low speeds, (b) rough idling after highway driving, (c) power loss & engine stalls on highway exit ramps, (d) power loss & engine stalls on highway, & (e) catastrophic engine failure. The Mini Cooper was serviced by autohaus west on three separate occasions with repairs//replacement of spark plugs, battery, igniter coils, thermostat cover and other items totaling over $3,000. Autohaus west failed to identify the timing change as a problem. Autohaus west, BMW of north America, llc, BMW (u. S. ) holding corp. , and bayerische motoren werke aktiengellschaft have known about the timing chain tensioner defect since 2007 and have failed to warn consumers, issue a recall or provide extended warranty coverage. The loss of power & engine stalls are serious safety hazards & will eventually lead to accidents, injuries & even death. Technical service bulletin m110207 was issued in January, 2008. However, it is not widely known to consumers and fails to give consumers adequate warning. BMW settled class action re n14 engine used in Mini Cooper s. However, it has ignored same problem with n12 engine used in Mini Cooper. Same issues.

Timing chain & tensioner my vehicle only has 85,000 miles and I have had to spend $3500. 00 to change the timing chain that is supposed to be maintenance free, and last ten years as per the owners manual and service manual. Car stopped suddenly on the new jersey turnpike, very dangerous situation. This is not right that I had to pay out of pocket for a car that only has 85,000 miles, and was serviced regularly. Huge safety issue.

Low mileage 2008 vehicle began making loud noises from engine compartment. Diagnosed as timing chain/tensioner failure. Appears to a common problem with this model. Estimated repair cost over $2000. Mechanics say not "if" but "when" this will happen to all 2008 mcs. I believe this should be repaired on a recall. Vehicle cannot be driven safely until repaired; delay will result in total engine failure.

I took the vehicle to the Mini dealership after I heard a noise from the engine and the engine light came on. From online descriptions, I suspected it was the timing chain tensioner. I contacted Mini corporation and opened a report. The check engine light came on about a week later and I took the car to the dealership. I was told by the dealership that the timing chain tensioner needed replaced. It was a $3500 fix. The dealership contacted Mini to see if they would cover the repair and they refused saying the vehicle had too many miles. They changed the oil and the check engine light went off. About two weeks later my son was at a red light, stopped and the cars stalled. We had it flat-bedded to a repair shop. The timing chain had snapped and the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $5700. I just saw where Mini issued a recall for the timing chain tensioner and I contacted them but they have not replied.

At less than 33,000 miles the engine began making a loud cranking noise. Oil was very recently changed, but checked the level anyway and found it was down about 2 quarts. Added oil and engine noise was reduced. Drove a few hundred more miles and engine noise returned. Oil was again low. Took car to our mechanic and they diagnosed timing chain tensioner problems. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The critical timing chain failure can lead to premature engine failure. This is a safety issue because the failing timing chain can also cause the motor to fail. Our mechanic in consultant with the Mini dealer indicates that the only way to ensure this problem does not lead to engine failure is to replace the current engine with a new one that has the timing chain issues resolved. We have no choice but to have this repair done and it will cost approximately $7000 as the vehicle is not under warranty. This issue has been widely reported in other complaints in this database as well as across many Mini owner forums. It appears that a recall order should be issued.

Timing chain tensioner failure on 2008 Mini Cooper leading to large oil leak under pressure. Loss of all engine oil, oil spraying onto hot exhaust system, engine oil pressure loss and oil warning light. Could easily lead to complete catastrophic engine failure/seizure at highway speeds and accident.

"death rattle" noise coming from engine compartment as reported by many others on online forums. Now engine is throwing codes indicating crankshaft out of position. Obvious related issue to a defective timing belt or tensioner. Told by dealership not a covered repair, although I've read that similar repair has been covered by manufacturer for others and for other models. As this vehicle is being driven by my young daughter, out of state, I am very concerned about a complete engine failure whilst she is on the highways in the mountains where she lives, with the potential for tragic consequences. Please consider this issue as a serious potential life safety issue, as a failure at highways speeds could certainly endanger not only my daughter, but the lives of others on the highway. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact was driving 65 mph when the vehicle began to make a rattling sound and stopped accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the tensioner gave way and caused the timing chain to stretch. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 70,000. Updated 4/4/11.