Im just sick. Never owned a mini, my 15 year old daughter wanted one for her 1st car. I researched them online and was told there safe cars. Found one in Dallas tx. drove down, inspected it, drove the Hell out of it and was satisfied. 2009 mini S with 77,000 miles. Gave 9000 for it. trailered it back to okc, unloaded it the next morning from trailer, pulled into driveway, reached down and turned the AC unit off and the motor turned off. Car has not run since. Further inspection with a bore scope shows broken valves laying on top of piston. I took valve cover off only to see rockers laying all over on top of the head, timing chain guild broken and in pieces and aluminum bracket broken and missing. Removed oil pan and found that bracket in pieces and all kinds of metal flake in the pan. still have not pulled the head because I cant find the tools to lock cams and crank unless I buy a kit for 200 bucks,, REALLY ?? what the hell did I get myself into. my little girl is begging me to fix it, if she only knew I now have to spend another 5000 to fix this POS.. THOUGHTS, anyone ??

 

Hello Rob, Sorry to hear this.

How much did you drive the car before bought it ? Did you notice any timing chain slap noise from the engine, or a rattle from the chain area on the passenger side? Did you check the oil level ?

MINI did have a campaign for the timing chain to be inspected and replaced for 2007 N14 - to certain 2008's and 09's. Your local MINI dealership can run the Vin to see if this was done or if your vehicle was included in the campaign. They can also see what service was done. That would be a great place to start.

I don't know if it was the chain , brackets themselves by the sound of it ?

If you need parts we have them here:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2009-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Engine/Timing/


If it adds up too high if might be better with a used engine.

Thanks

 

did a carfax, got the vin# and had the dealer run it through prior to driving, no major issues anywhere. Dealers had done all services, no recalls listed which is funny to me now because im hearing of recalls on water pumps and fuel pumps. I did check the car out prior to driving it, listened to motor, held rpm at higher range, no knocks etc. drove the car on the highway, testing turbo boost, train, breaks etc. Seamed fine. hit 120mph, very peppy car. Im just not believing this has happened to me. used motors are almost just as expensive as new OEM, plus 2500 for labor to have it put in..

 

Good sounds like you did your homework. Cant believe it happened after that check.

No outstanding service for the timing chain check and stuff ? The water pump was the aux water pump up front ( small pump ) near the transmission, which should have been done under the campaign. HPFP was only on certain years extended and if the dealership wanted to warranty it in some cases.

See if you can find a used motor, because it sound like the top of the T on the guide went / broke, or chain went, skipped a tooth or something and bent the valves and so on.

Might be able to find used cheaper but it wont be close to you.

~ Engine new reman from MINI is ~ 4 K with a 500.00 core. 11002158705

If you need anything let me know. Do you have pics of the valve cover off ?

Other then that depending on damage, pistons , head, timing chain, valves, and then cleaning everything else up. Also get a good indy shop to do it will save money.

I am here is you have any questions and will try to help. Again, stinks to have this happen.

 

Was the engine already warm when you went to see the car? You'd only really notice timing chain issues with a stone cold engine.

My guess is if you went to see this car in winter it would sound like a bag of spanners - mine was the same and it had started to break the chain guides too. Luckily I bought from a dealer who paid for the repair

 

Do you have any recourse with the seller? Purchased from an individual?

 

That's the next I was going to ask. Warranty if from a used car place ? Or independent seller ?

 

Bought from an individual, I drove the hell out of it. I even asked him if I could and he said yes. The car performed for me, I expected it to blow but it kept running hard. NEVER saw this coming. believe me im at aww over this. Ive been around cars and motorcycles all my life. SO I cant really blame the previous owner, unless he knew of issues and did not disclose but prove that. As soon as I find the cam and crank tools to lock timing in place ill pull the head and go from there. Im an optimist and praying for clean cylinders so maybe get by with a head, oil pump, timing chain, water pump and misc. we'll see. OEM motors are 4 grand plus 2500 labor to install. ERR!!

 

Ill post pics later, I do have some but waiting to remove head for more.

 

Really sorry to hear.
This sounds like an atypical catastrophic timing chain failure.

The tool for locking cams to pull the head can be had for ~$65 from eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201187631486?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It would be WAY cheaper to get a new/re-build N14 engine from a MINI dealer at this point. I went that rout last year when my N14 disintegrated exhaust valves on cyl 4, and decided to get a new engine for ~$3200 from Sewell MINI:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ck-needed.html

Good luck,
a

 

@ afadeev, thanks ill check out ebay for that tool.

 

Wow no warning that anything was about to fail, almost unbelievable story! Three months after I purchased my Mini I heard what sounded like a bucket of bolts and happened two times prior, took it to my dealer and guides were in oil pan. I'm as stunned as anybody that you went from what seemed like a well performing engine only to find valves in the cylinders after your trip home.

We'll help you any way we can.

So sorry about your unfortunate situation!