Timing Tensioner Problems of Mini Cooper Us

While driving on the highway, the timing chain tensioner broke, causing numerous and several thousand dollars in repair costs.

See all problems of the 2011 Mini Cooper Us 🔎.

Vehicle starting making a rattling noise in the left front timing chain area, took to local mechanic and he advised one of the timing tensioners had snapped, probably due to the timing chain having too much slack, I was advised that there may be a recall on these as it seems to be happening a lot. He advised me to replace the timing chain and tensioners in order to not risk the tensioner failing and causing catastophic engine failure, parts cost is about $900 and installation about $500. This seems to be going on a lot and there is lots of info on the internet stating it is an issue that can cause personal injury or death should the vehicle be inoperable on a highway or in traffic.

See all problems of the 2009 Mini Cooper Us 🔎.

I was driving home from work on us 75 south (downtown dallas) and the vehicle (2009 Mini cooper s) just stopped, and all of the oil was leaking out from underneath the car. I recently found out the issue is with a Mini issue relating to the tensioners/timing chain.

(1) a deise-like rattling noise, not in time with the engine, coming from under the hood on start-up. The noise would eventually go away as the engine warmed up. As time progressed, the noise grew louder and took longer to subside. Vehicle was eventually turned over to the dealer for evaluation. (2) the noise was determined to be a failure of the oil-fed cam chain tensioner. The piston was determined to be starved of oil, causing the cam chain to create a rattling noise increasing in volume and duration. (3) parts were ordered to fix the cam chain tensioner and the piston and tensioner were replaced. There is still some rattling on start-up, but the noise has significantly diminished. Several other owners online have reported similar issues and it appears the replacement of the cam chain tensioner is a temporary fix (with the noise returning some weeks later). Failure of the cam chain tensioner will lead to additional wear on the cam chain eventually damage to the engine case, cams and valves themselves. A catastrophic engine failure will occur if this issue is not addressed.

See all problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper Us 🔎.