Awesome, that's what I was wondering. I'll have to research to see when the warranty counter started on mine. Again, I'm not the original owner, but if I can get the new tensioner replaced for free that'd be sweet.

However, I'm wondering if I should do it now. I mean realistically, if the cutoff date is late June, when would these settlement benefits actually take effect?

 

I'm right there with you. My 2010 JCW has the N14 engine and I had to have my tensioner replaced at 55,000.

I noted on this thread that I e-mailed the settlement administrator to ask whether my car would be covered and/or how to recommend amendment of the covered class, but I just got a lame copy and paste of the exact text from the settlement document. Thanks.

So I'm assuming I'll also need to "object" to the settlement based on the narrow definition of the class vehicle -- it just seems it should extend to any MINI with the N14 engine.

 

If you do it now you'll need documentation that you indeed have the "death rattle" in writing on your estimate and work order by whoever performs the timing chain replacement, if you want to perform preventative maintenance that's on your dime. There's a reason why Mini designed yet another tensioner (5th gen) it's for the simple fact that with the previous gen tensioners were still failing at a consistent rate. My tensioner (3rd gen) that was installed at the time of my timing chain replacement started failing after just a year. It's cheap insurance when you consider the alternative, an engine replacement costing $7000+. We spend much less on full coverage insurance in just a single month.

 

To clarify, when I mentioned doing it now, I just meant the tensioner, not the chain.

I don't have a rattle really, but I have no idea if the tensioner was updated at all when the timing chain was performed on my car or if it's still the original.

 

If there's a dimple in the center of the tensioner it's not the latest design, this is how the dealers determine if the older parts or the latest part is installed by simple visual inspection. The latest tensioner hasn't been out long so if you haven't had it replaced in the last year then odds are yours is the older tensioner.

 

Yep. This coming may, I'll have had the car for two years. Bought it with 48k on it and the chain was replaced at 34k miles.

Interesting thing on mine. Before I bought it I got the VIN, looked up info on the BMW archive, talked to my local dealer and got a limited history. Ended up tracking down the original dealer that sold it new somewhere in OH and talked to a SA there.

The history they had showed that there wasn't necessarily a problem with the original chain but since they had the TSB in hand, they went ahead and did it. Kinda cool.

 

First one was replaced preemptively by the dealer shortly after I bought the vehicle new. Presumably to update the vehicle to the latest version. The second change was recent, prompted by increasing rattle.

I check my oil once per week, about every 250 miles. Thankfully oil consumption hasn't been much of an issue for me - < 1 qt in 5000 miles. Probably most of that get wiped off the dip stick. The neglect argument simply does not apply to this case.

 

OK, you've got my attention. I have an 09 R56 with only 36k on it and I haven't received any settlement solicitation. If I read this thread correctly, a 7 yr/100k mi warranty means I have to get the car fixed by April since I bought it in April of 09. How do I get information? Is the original dealer obligated to send me something? I had the SB performed back in 2010 or 2011, so I'm sure I have an older tensioner. That would also explain why I hear the rattle when the car has sat for a few weeks.

Thanks for any input!!

 

Two questions about this:

1. Cooper S only? Or is a Justa with a noisy timing chain covered too?

2. This is a U.S. lawsuit - - anyone know of plans for coverage for us Canadian MINI owners? Engine & issues are the same in U.S. and Canada - you'd think BMW would throw some love our way too. (I fear that I know the answer to this already...)

 

You probably have a 2nd Gen tensioner installed and even if you had a 4th Gen tensioner there's little difference between the 1th-4th gen tensioners. I had a 3rd gen installed in 2013. 5th gen was a huge improvement!

 

My understanding is that if you do nothing your warranty becomes 7 yr / 100k mi, but you have up to ~ June 20, 2016 to have it repaired/replaced if it needs repair/replacement. Of course this all depends on whether the court provides final approval on May 9.

FYI, I took my Clubman 08 (50k miles) in to the dealer 2 days ago. They heard the death rattle and measured the chain - came to 70mm whereas spec is 68mm. Cost $1800 for replacement. So, fingers crossed on final court approval.

 

I seriously doubt it won't get approval given that it's affecting so many cars and the fact that there are countless other lawsuits who have won.

 

I suggest you send back an OBJECTION to the settlement, because the 'extended warranty coverage' for the issue has already expired for 2007-08 years models, and is expiring as I type for the 2009 m.y. MINIs. The proposed warranty extension settlement really only offers minor benefit for 2010 m.y. cars.
-------
WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR COVERED PARTS
(“Covered Parts” means timing-chain tensioner; sealing ring; timing chain; guide rail; tensioner rail; sliding rail; sprocket on the crankshaft; bearing bolts for the tensioner and guide rails. Where a timing chain has been repaired or replaced, “Covered Parts” includes oil change, oil filter, and cleaning of oil pan.")
All Class Vehicles will receive an automatic warranty extension for original Covered Parts, which will run for 7 years/100,000 miles from the Class Vehicle’s in-service date, whichever comes first, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the MINI Warranty.
------
P.S. I heard a dealer tell a customer with a 2008 that only had 50,000 miles on the odo that their timing chain repair estimate was $9K. Because they fall outside of the proposed extended warranty, there may not be any coverage for them.

 

I finally had a chance to really read this, and as pm points out above, it's really nothing for cars make/taken ownership of in 2008. I got my 2009 MINI Cooper S in November 2008, so from what I understand, there is nothing offered to me in this lawsuit. Any "extended warranty" has expired and any reimbursement is for repairs done by the claims date of 6/20. Early on, I had the tensioner and belt replaced as per TSB, but nothing further. Guess I'm stuck?

Question: some folks have made posts about having timing belts measured. Is there a ton of labor $ to do this? In other words, is there a way I can tell if a timing belt issue is imminent?

Many thanks!

 

Just got a notice that the deadline has been extended. Maybe I'll write a letter of objection. Gah.

 

It's IMPORTANT that you write the letter removing yourself from the settlement (should there be a second lawsuit), or a letter complaining about the settlement (in the oft chance the court changes the settlement).

Yes, as I understand it, the chain slack can be measured 'fairly' easily. Call a dealership or an independent shop.

 

Update: I just received my settlement check! I have a 2010 JCW, which has the N14 engine, but wasn't specifically named in the settlement class. I wasn't sure my car would be covered even though I had my tensioner replaced at 55k miles.

I included a brief note explaining why my car should be part of the settlement class, which must have helped! Full repair costs reimbursed.

 

Wow nice to hear that they stood behind the car finally but it would be better, in my feeble mind, if they developed a permanent fix and then stood behind it. Just saying.

 

I received my settlement check too today $187 for the timing chain tensioner replacement I paid for out of pocket. 2008 MCS with 63k miles at the time.