Ouch! I now have 39K on my '07 MCS, just got through paying nearly $500 for a thermostat sensor, and now I'm discovering that I may be due for a chain tensioner kit. This is beginning to be an expensive vehicle - although I still love it (no accounting for affairs of the heart).
Has anyone had this problem of the chain tensioner before? Are these two mechanical issues harbingers of more bad things to come?? Do I need to take out a second mortgage to keep this thing in running order???
Do a Google search for "chain tensioner 2007 MINI" and you'll discover that you're far from alone. There are a lot of cars having to have this job done, many at relatively low miles, but BMW/MINI doesn't seem to have a recall or anything similar.
One thing you don't want to do is put off having this work performed. If the timing chain were to jump / slip on it's gears you'll almost certainly have catastrophic engine failure due to the pistons slamming into the valves. Repair of that would involve disassembly of the engine - major expense.
39,000 miles seems pretty low mileage to have to have the chain replaced.
Since this isn't a warranty issue, you don't have to have the work performed at Towne. If you're in the Rochester area check The Little Speed Shop (585.647.0339) and Craig Autometrics (585.325.3337)
I would call around to different dealers and try to get on of those "good will" free repairs. Considering most of the people with MCS's or JCW's have had to have this work done, including myself, I wouldn't doubt them doing it for you for free.
I would definitely start with the tensioner bolt and see how that works for you. That significantly helped my 07 MCS as well but who knows for how long. If Towne won't pay for it or give you a substantial break on the work then I wouldn't even consider them as an option. There are plenty of options that are less expensive with same or better quality of work around.
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The first rule of MINI ownership is always wave at the other MINIs. The second rule of MINI ownership is always wave at the other MINIs.
