Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2011 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. While driving at any speed, the check engine and oil pressure warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (south bay Mini in torrance, CA, 310-939-7150), but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a code from the spark plug. The technician also diagnosed that the valve cover was punctured and leaked oil; however, the technician was unable to determine how the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who specialized in Mini vehicles and diagnosed that the timing tensioner exploded and punctured the valve cover. The timing chain tensioner was replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and referred the contact to the dealer (universal city Mini in north hollywood, CA, 8148-452-1139) and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Timinig chain tensioner had a washer stripped, oil was leaking all of ther engine and it was down to less than a quart. It's a known issue with Mini coopers all over the internet where a $10 part, if not caught causes major engine repairs, or worse, engine replacement. Mini cooper dealer wont fix it for free even though it's touted "maintenance free" chain belt. Vehicle only has 22,365 miles on it.