....and I didn't research it as much as I did my garage refrigerator. Unlike me. Whoa. Now I find this forum. Are these really that unreliable?

The good news is, its only got 38k on it and has the "Mini Next" 6/100k certified warranty. And the timing chain tensioner and aux water pump have already been done (I did get the service records).

What do I have to look out for? Its a second summer car for me, probably only going to put 5k to 7k a year on it. I normally work on my own cars so give it me straight.

 

Main water pump and thermostat will eventually give as well. usually between 50-70k. But beyond that nothing too bad. Be sure to get a walnut blast service done on your valve as they like to coke up after a while. usually have done every 20-30k depending on your location, altitude, and driving habits.

Otherwise Motor On!

 

Thanks.

Yeah, the engine is pretty noisy at startup, but quiet once you drive it for a bit. Sounds like the timing chain again (as I've read here its never really fixed).

Has anyone tried oil additives (like Lucas Synthetic) to help keep the tensioner pumped up for the timing chain problems, or fuel additives like Techron or Zmax to keep the carbon off the valves?

I do love driving the car. Shifts perfect and the JCW exhaust is just right, not too loud or boomy.

 

Not sure on the oil additives, but since there is no fuel flowing over the valves, Techron and Zmax will do nothing for the valves. They'll clean the combustion chamber itself, but thats not the main problem. Unfortunately the only way to properly clean the valves is to gain access and walnut blast them. Its something you can do yourself with the proper tools, or find an independant for a reasonable price.

 

That's right, direct injected, duhhh, my bad. I've never heard of Walnut blasting, have to research that.

I know most oil additives are snake oil, but the only one I ever tried with results was Lucas synthetic. Quieted lifters in an old Audi five cylinder I had, and with a more modern Mazda 3 increased mileage by a couple for the first couple of months.

I guess when I'm down a quart (which from what I read here is often) I'll add some and see if its any quieter cold.

 

You need to check your oil every gas up or you'll find yourself in this posters situation! The picture below is typical between 30k-50k, those carbon deposits is where you consumed oil is going. Don't think you're immune to part failures just because you only have 38k on your Mini. At 46k my timing chain components had to be replaced at my expense and Mini USA said so sorry we can't help you. Apart of me wants really wants to keep my Mini because there extremely fun to drive!

Three months later Mini started a recall referred to as campaigns for those models affected by the design flaw in the chain tensioner which was later redesigned three times. As long as you hear no chain rattling you're fine as far as the timing chain goes, can you elaborate on noises at startup because there's quite a lot of things going on during warm up? Cold weather seems to make the engine warm up more pronounced, so don't worry to much.

 

To me, it sounds like the chain rattling and tick tick tick. Then after just a minute or two it goes away and the engine is as quiet as any other four with a chain.

The dealer just changed the oil a couple hundred miles ago (I've only had the car a week). They did the "timing chain tensioner" under warranty about a year ago I think. I don't have the receipt here at the office.

My five-valve V6 Audi A4 used to drink about a quart every 1500 miles or so. Worse with synthetic so I'm used to checking it often. Every fill up.

 

The High Pressure Fuel pump will go eventually and is a quick replacement. Tons of threads on it and youtube videos.

 

been through 2 high press fuel pumps, a coil pack, and an engine harness from a leak oil sender. i have 36k miles and it's a 2011.



lol


f my life

 

The tick tick is perfectly normal when cold, it sounds like a coil arcing. The problem with only replacing the tensioner is if you need to replace a tensioner because the chain was rattling, the chain has already stretched and it only buys you time before the inevitable. Dealers need to replace everything IMO!

 

OP; If you live in a cold climate, you may experience some start up issues when temps dip below freezing. That will depend on what intake manifold your car has. Also, you can expect virtually every rubber bushing on your car to begin failing at around 50k miles. You might hear some additional clunking out back - that'll be your sway bar end links meeting their maker.

 

I have the cold weather manifold and I still have intermittant problems on extreme cold start up. Stumbles until I give it gas for a little bit. It only lasts a few seconds or so.

 

Injectors tend to be noisier with direct injection. I would just take note if your rattles continue after startup or get worse. Only had my MCS for 6 months, but near 100k and it's been great. I've done a little work on the brakes and trim, nothing difficult.