Three problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The car engine stopped dead in the middle of a state highway while going at cruising speed of 35mph on the right most late, and with engine dead power steering became unresponsive and became impossible to steer the car to the side. The car was literally dead in the middle of the highway, we had kids on board and for a small car, we were really that lucky passing cars were able to spot us and avoid hitting us. When we took towed it to the shop, the issue was that the timing chain had snapped and also cracked the engine top cover on the left side. On searching the internet it looks like this is the "timing chain, tensioner issues" that BMW/Mini is already aware of however they have not yet done a recall. There was almost no way of telling there was this problem brewing with the vehicle. Although now in retrospect there were a few tell-tale signs, when it was cold, we had heard a rattle sound, which went away immediately. Also the same day the car engine stopped when standing at a signal, but started up again. Now we realize that these signs were related to the problem that other users had complained too before the timing chain broke.
Brought vehicle to dealership for regular service. Service advisor informed me that the timing chain tensioner was leaking and coming loose. Told me it was going to be 1500 dollars to replace . I was reading online that thousand of vehicles like this one have had the timing chain tensioner broken and have a rattle noise and engine valves completely break. This issue should be a recall, it seems that too many vehicles are affected by the same issue.
Had car in dealer shop for repair of faulty timing chain tensioner/guide (see separate complaint). Was told also had a leak in turbocharge oil inlet line that will cost over $1,000 out of pocket to repair. This is clearly a commonly reported issue and a fire safety hazard that should be dealt with in a recall.